Th e S y c a m o r e Newsletter of
Vol. XII, Issue 1
Spring 2011
W i l l i s t o w n C o n s e r v a t i o n Tr u s t
Thirty Years of Loving the Land Imagine Our Countryside in Thirty More
Having just celebrat-
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ed thirty years of conservation in the Willistown area, we look to the future with optimism and grateful hearts, knowing that our remarkable community will continue to make land preservation a top priority. What a wonderful movement those landowners started back in 1980, by taking the first generous and bold step to permanently protect their land from development through the donation of conservation easements. Today, more than 9,000 acres are permanently preserved and our 28,000 acre patchwork of protected and yet to be protected lands includes some of the richest and most abundant wild areas left in our region.
While there is much work left to do, the love for the land in the Willistown countryside is growing and thriving. With the help of all of you — generous landowners, friends, neighbors, volunteers and supporters, it is possible to imagine an even more extraordinary Willistown in the future where: • the remaining vulnerable lands are permanently protected; • all of our nature preserves and parks are connected
by walking and riding trails; • a network of small farms produces healthy food and artisanal products for local families and for those in need; • wide open spaces afford plenty of room for cycling, hiking, equestrian and other outdoor activities; • native woodlands and grasslands are restored, and clean streams are home to thriving native fish populations; • the collective efforts of homeowners, gardeners, farmers and large tract landowners create a place where birds and wildlife flourish in abundant natural habitat; • people of all ages and backgrounds come to learn about nature and become inspired to preserve and improve the natural world around them; and • where beauty and respite can always be found. Thirty years of commitment and a remarkable community “land ethic” have created the beautiful landscape that is the Willistown countryside. Just think what we can accomplish together in the next thirty years.
Bonnie Van Alen, President
For the preservation of the natural resources, rural character, and cultural heritage of the Willistown area.