Relocation FAQ

What is the difference between ThorpeWood, Inc. and the ThorpeWood property?

ThorpeWood, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to reconnect humans and nature to promote mental health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.

The property known as ThorpeWood is owned by a separate organization, the Merle Thorpe Jr. Charitable Trust (MTCT).

Although the nonprofit has had an important role in the stewardship and day-to-day operation of the property, it has never owned the property, the buildings, or its animals. As the nonprofit moves its programs into a new chapter, responsibility for the property will remain with its owner, MTCT.

We are very grateful to MTCT for their years of generous support and for the opportunity to build and grow our programs on their beautiful property. 

Why did ThorpeWood, Inc. decide to relocate?

We know there is a real need for accessible, nature-based mental health and wellness programming, particularly grief support, and we have a proven track record in this work. Our strategic planning process asked us to look closely at how we can have the greatest impact in our community. This decision allows us to align our mission with those needs and create greater capacity to serve our community.

What considerations informed this decision?

Our board looked at the organization from many different angles and determined that this transition is in the best interest of our mission and the community we serve. This was a deliberate decision following months of discussion with stakeholders, strategic planning with a professional third-party consultant, and consideration of the organization’s future.

Does this mean we are moving away from nature?

No. Nature remains central to our work.

Our partnership with the YMCA of Frederick County gives us access to beautiful nature-based spaces throughout the county. Camp West Mar, for example, sits on 72 serene, wooded acres about a mile from the Appalachian Trail and has ample overnight accommodations – creating new possibilities for the programs we offer. We will continue using nature as a tool for mental health, wellness, grief support, and connection.

What happens to the animals at the ThorpeWood property?

The animals are not being abandoned. There is an important distinction between ThorpeWood, Inc. – the nonprofit – and the property known as ThorpeWood, which is owned by the Merle Thorpe Jr. Charitable Trust (MTCT). ThorpeWood, Inc. has never owned the property, buildings, or animals. Those are owned by MTCT.

The property and animals were there long before our nonprofit was formed. We cannot speak for MTCT about its future plans, but we know the care of the animals is a top priority for the Trust.

What happens to employees?

We understand that this has been a difficult part of the transition.

We have created a six-week transition period to ensure a thoughtful and collaborative handoff of responsibilities and operations. Where possible, employees whose roles could transition with the nonprofit were given that opportunity.

Several positions, however, are specifically connected to the property, which ThorpeWood, Inc. does not own. Those positions cannot continue with the nonprofit after the relocation. MTCT has expressed a willingness to explore possible paths forward with these employees. We are grateful for everything each of our employees has contributed to our organization and community through their work with ThorpeWood, Inc.

What happens to the Umbrella Project?

The Umbrella Project is a distinct program of ThorpeWood, Inc., focused on outdoor experiences and nature-based grief support for people who are navigating the death of a loved one. We will continue that program and are excited to bring these experiences to new and beautiful locations around the region.

Protecting the purpose and legacy of The Umbrella Project is extremely important to us.

What does this relocation mean for the nonprofit’s future?

At its core, it is simple: we are here to help people.

We are grateful for what the ThorpeWood property has made possible over the years, and our work has always been about people.

We are not stepping away from our mission. We are moving forward to advance it.