Open Views - Winter 2021

open views winter 2021

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

G. Donald Hess, CPA Chair Jeff Kirk Vice-Chair Kenneth S. Lewis Treasurer

Dear Friends,

Emily Bell Secretary

What a year it has been! As I look to the end of 2021, I am amazed at

Julie Bard-Ziegler Emanuel Beiler David Breniser Sam Clement Kendra Gottshall Nate Hoover Lisa Horn Terry L. Kauffman David D. Miller Benjamin F. Riggs, Jr. Bob Shoemaker Christ Taylor

HONORARY TRUSTEES H. Eugene Garber Kenneth H. Messner Noah W. Wenger Phyllis C. Whitesell

STAFF Karen L. Martynick Executive Director Jeffery E. Swinehart Chief Operating Officer Amanda Hickle Director of Development and Communications Mikaela Bender-Rice Communications Coordinator

where we are today and excited for what’s ahead. You have made our “Honoring the Promise” capital campaign a huge success – exceeding our goal and challenging us to greater heights. With 32 farms preserved through the campaign, we are grateful for the support and eager to preserve the remaining 18 farms as part of the campaign.

The New Year will bring many changes, the most significant being the retirement of Karen Martynick, Executive Director and cherished leader of Lancaster Farmland Trust. Karen has led LFT through much growth in her 17 years and will be greatly missed. (You can read more on Karen’s work on pg. 3) As we move into this new season, there is still tremendous work to be done! The State of Farmland Preservation report we issued back in June highlighted there is 357,000 acres of land in Lancaster County that is not currently preserved and not currently zoned for development. We need to protect a critical portion of that land to ensure our landscape, our way of life, and our quality of life can be enjoyed by future generations.

In 2022 we will develop a new Strategic Plan – a plan that will focus on elevating our involvement in the community, ensuring Lancaster Farmland Trust reflects the entire community it serves, continuing to leverage our expertise in the agricultural sector as a path to improve water quality locally and regionally, and most certainly, framing out

Thank you for your generous support of our Honoring the Promise campaign.

There is still time to make a

Amy Baumann Development Coordinator

how we can protect as much Lancaster County farmland as possible.

Stephanie Denton Development and Communication Associate

Your support and commitment to the protection of Lancaster County’s

Jeb Musser Director of Land Protection

have one of its most successful years! Thank you for your dedication to

Learn more at

our mission!

savelancasterfarms.org

difference for the 50+ farmers on our waiting list.

farmland has been remarkable during 2021 and has positioned LFT to

Gordon Hoover Agricultural Outreach Coordinator Phil Dunn Agricultural Outreach Specialist Katie Yoder Land Protection Specialist

Cordially,

Jeff Swinehart Chief Operating Officer

Tyler Hoffman Land Protection Assistant Aidan Das Land Protection Assistant Dianna Hendrick Financial Assistant Kristin Raab Administrative Assistant

GENERAL COUNSEL Brubaker, Connaughton, Goss & Lucarelli www.lan caste rf arm la ndtr u s t . o r g

LANCASTER FARMLAND TRUST UPDATE

Executive Director, Karen Martynick, retires end of 2021 After 17 years of leading the organization, Lancaster Farmland Trust Executive Director, Karen Martynick, has announced her plans to retire at the end of 2021.

Over the past 17 years, Karen has dedicated herself to building LFT into one of the most successful, and one of the 50 largest, land trusts in the nation. She once described LFT as “the little engine that could.” Under Karen’s direction as “engineer,” that engine has grown into a full-fledged train. During her tenure, LFT preserved 359 farms on nearly 22,000 acres. LFT has now secured more conservation easements than any other land trust in Pennsylvania, and is also now home to more protected farmland than any other county in the nation.

“Karen fearlessly led this organization through crucial years in its growth. Her leadership, passion and vision has shaped the future of our community, and we will be forever grateful. She has left a mark on the organization and on the farmland preservation movement in Lancaster County, and she will be missed!” said Don Hess, Chairman of LFT’s Board of Trustees.

That mark includes championing the organization’s first capital campaign – Honoring the Promise – which was initiated in 2019 and will conclude at year’s end.

While the campaign initially had a goal of $7.5 million, due to Karen’s diligence and support from the community, LFT has raised more than $8 million.

In 2005, Karen advocated and secured a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the Lancaster County Commissioners – which continues today. This 16-year partnership has resulted in the preservation of 227 farms and 13,841 acres of farmland. Karen’s determination leveraged the $8.8 million invested by the Commissioners into more than $49 million of support for the protection of Lancaster County’s farmland. She also helped the organization to become one of the first to achieve accredited status through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an achievement only awarded to land trusts that meet the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. Land trust accreditation “is a mark of distinction” and this designation continues to assure our community that their investment will be efficiently and wisely used.

In addition to land preservation, Karen also provided leadership for LFT’s expansion of programs that help farmers protect natural resources and improve water quality. Most notable is LFT’s key role in providing farmers with the technical and financial resources to implement best management practices on farms.

This program has provided support to thousands of farm families and is playing a critical part in repairing local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. But perhaps, most instrumental in the success of the organization are the many relationships Karen established and fostered throughout her tenure at LFT. From farm owners to donors, partners, elected officials and friends of preservation, these relationships are the driving force behind the organization’s success and will play a key role in sustaining the organization for years to come.

Jeff Swinehart, LFT’s Chief Operating Officer noted, “Since Karen took on the role of Executive Director, I’ve witnessed an incredible evolution of the organization – made possible by Karen’s diligence, careful consideration and the utmost of respect for the community she serves. Now, as she heads into retirement, I look forward to continuing that tradition of integrity and dedication as President and Chief Executive Officer.”

We wish Karen the best in her retirement!

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Of the more than $95 million of easement value, Lancaster Farmland Trust has only paid $16.9 million for perpetual conservation easements – or 17.8% of the easements’ appraised value.

A NEW WAY OF THINKING ABOUT PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION

An In-Depth Analysis Lancaster Farmland Trust published a comprehensive report on the status of farmland preservation efforts in Lancaster County.

This past summer, LFT shared a comprehensive

a society. While so much about farming is out of

report on the status of farmland preservation

our control, the one thing we can do is protect

efforts in Lancaster County. The report,

the land where our food is grown so that future

published in collaboration with Tom

generations can farm as their ancestors have.

Daniels, Ph.D., is titled The State of Farmland Preservation in Lancaster County.

From our perspective, this report demonstrates how far the county has come and where there

The report is a compilation of information to

is room for improvement. Lancaster Farmland

show trends and raise awareness and is not

Trust is proud to highlight the dedication of

intended to be a research paper. Lancaster

our community’s leaders to the preservation of

Farmland Trust hopes this report will re-ignite

one of our most valuable resources – farmland.

a conversation about farmland preservation

We are likewise eager to support the growth of

– what we’ve accomplished so far and, most

county and township programs to protect and

importantly, what we envision for the future

preserve farmland.

and how we achieve that vision.

Lancaster County is blessed with the most

Prime farmland – because of its well drained soil and level to gently sloped topography – is often the easiest land to develop, adding urgency to preservation in the county, which loses 1,200 acres of farmland every year to development.

For over 30 years, the Lancaster County

productive, non-irrigated farmland in the

community has demonstrated its deep

country. We have a responsibility to be good

commitment to honoring its heritage,

stewards of that resource. That’s why Lancaster

protecting its farmland, and supporting its

Farmland Trust decided to undertake this

farmers. As crucial as farmland preservation

project. We are grateful to all of the individuals

was in the 1980s, it is much more critical now

and organizations that provided information,

as we face a rapidly growing population and

especially Tom Daniels, Ph.D., who collaborated

You can read the Executive Summary and the full

changing demographics. Support for farmers –

on this report and without whom the report

report on our website:

to enable them to farm profitably – is the most

would not have been possible.

lancasterfarmlandtrust.org/farmlandreport

important thing we can do as a community and

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Honoring the Promise It was almost three years ago that Lancaster Farmland Trust decided to embark on its first-ever capital campaign. With 50 farms on our waiting list – and more farmers calling every day – we knew we had to do something to pick up the pace of preservation and honor the promise we made to farm families waiting to preserve their land. If we were successful, 50 more farms totaling 4,000 acres of beautiful, productive farmland would be preserved forever.

So, we launched our “Honoring the Promise” campaign – to preserve all of the farms on our waiting list and to ensure the long-term stewardship of the land we’ve protected. We set the campaign goal at $7.5 million and we are thrilled to report that – with the generous support of our community – we have surpassed this original goal and have now more than $8 million! What a wonderful testament to our passionate community and their collective effort to protect the land we love.

We have been busy putting your dollars to work by preserving farms on our waiting list. With the funds raised from the campaign, we have permanently protected 32 farms, with 18 in the queue. We are grateful to the families who decide to preserve their land. Our work would not be possible without their commitment to protecting land for future generations.

Lancaster Farmland Trust is grateful to those who have made gifts to our Honoring the Promise campaign. If you haven’t already, don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this special effort. Visit www.savelancasterfarms.org for more information or to make a gift or contact Amanda Hickle at 717-687-8484 or by email at ahickle@lancasterfarmlandtrust.org.

We’ve made a promise to the 50 farm families on our waiting list that we will help them preserve their land and we are committed to fulfilling that promise.

$7.5 million The overall cost to protect the farms on our waiting list and conserve the long-term viability of the land in our care.

$4 million

$3.5 million

To permanently protect 4,000 acres of farmland.

For the long-term conservation of these protected lands.

For more information, visit www.savelancasterfarms.org

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PRESERVATION PROGRESS

FUNDRAISING PROGRESS We are humbled by the overwhelming support we have received since the public launch of the capital campaign in June 2021. With your generous support, we have preserved 32 of the 50 farms on our waiting list.

The gifts and pledges we have received have come in many forms, including cash gifts, gifts of stock, required minimum distributions from IRAs, and gifts from donor advised funds. We also appreciate those donors who have taken this opportunity to update their estate plans to provide a planned gift to Lancaster Farmland Trust.

Your generous gift is shaping the future of Lancaster County.

The Bard farm in Conestoga. One of two farms the family preserved recently, thanks to the many generous supporters of the Honoring the Promise campaign.

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CONSERVING RESOURCES

The 85-acre Wittel Farm in Mount Joy Township is split between wooded land and tillable land, with 5 acres dedicated to their “Growing Project” crops.

A Place for Food and Faith In the mid-1980s, Chuck and Katie Wittel

but the spirit of their farm continuing to be

end food insecurity. “A significant part of

began thinking about their legacy and the

used for agricultural purposes for as long

Christian faith has to do with feeding the

future of their 85-acre farm, which had

as possible was certainly in their thinking,”

hungry neighbor, and that is a key part of

been in their family for nearly a century.

said Mike.

Luther Christianity, that we are called to

The Wittels knew they wanted to have the land remain a place for agricultural activities, and as lifelong Lutherans, they also wished for their home to be a place for faith formation and spiritual development.

To carry on their vision, the couple chose to gift their estate to the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA (LCC).

On July 10, 2021, during LFT’s first-ever “Breakfast on the Farm” event, their legacy continued as Mike Youse, the Executive Director of LCC, signed the conservation easement, upholding the Wittels’ wishes forever. “I don’t think they specifically spoke or had much knowledge of preservation,

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feed the hungry neighbor,” said Pastor Matt.

Mike has been involved with the Wittel Farm since it transitioned to LCC’s care. He spent much time restoring the property’s charming farmhouse and is responsible for programming on the Farm. In 2015, Mike teamed up with Pastor Matt Lenahan of the

The “Growing Project” started small in 2016, yielding 5,000 lb. of food on 1.5 acres of land with the help of 100 volunteers. As of 2019, the operation grew to produce almost 30,000 lb. of food on 5 acres, engaging almost 450 volunteers from seed to harvest.

Lower Susquehanna Synod to develop a project for the 40 acres of tillable farmland.

“There are more than 50,000 food-insecure Lancastrians, most of us don’t produce our

The Wittel Farm produces thousands of pounds of food each year, all of which are donated throughout Lancaster County.

Matt works collaboratively with local food programs and social services to find synergistic ways to work together to

own food. Many people in our culture do not have a strong or healthy relationship with land care and with the sources of their food.

And so part of what we’re doing is what I think of as healing work or restorative work.” Matt says. “And so all of those things

www.lan caste rf arm la ndtr u s t . o r g

THE WITTEL FARM’S STORY

combine in our work together at the Wittel

mitigate runoff and erosion, but will soon

Parish Resource Center at community meal

Farm. Growing food, sharing it, helping

produce paw-paws, plums, blueberries,

sites to provide pop-up farmers markets,

people to experience that deep ecological

persimmons, elderberries, and maple

where families in need can take free, farm-

connection between ourselves, the land,

syrup! The farm also has four pollinator

fresh food straight off Matt’s truck.

and our relationship with God.”

gardens with native plant species and seven

With a focus on regenerative farming

honeybee hives.

When asked what’s in store for the farm’s future now, the duo envisions a highly

practices, the farm is chemical-free,

Today, the Wittel Farm is focusing on

productive vegetable farm where people

meaning they do not use herbicides or

diversifying crops. In addition to building

gather to feel the gift of caring for the land

pesticides. The farm also implements

their own small greenhouse on the property,

and the rhythm of planting and reaping on

cover cropping, crop rotation and recently

they are also working with greenhouses and

the farm. “There is a spiritual rhythm of the

began a composting project with several

nurseries to expand the variety of food they

farm that I hope people experience as well,”

congregations and community members

provide. “This year we probably have the

Matt explains. “I want people to come in the

to reduce food waste and compost on-site.

most diverse crops on the farm. We have 4

spring for soil amendment and planting; in

Last year, the Wittel Farm partnered with

acres of sweet corn, green beans, potatoes,

the summer for harvest; in the fall for the

the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to plant

several varieties of tomatoes and peppers,

end of harvest and putting the farm to bed;

almost 300 fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and

cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe,

and in the winter to experience the silence.”

sugar maples in a sloped area of the farm,

zucchini, sugar snap peas, cabbages, various

where the field is often too wet to plant

kinds of kale, bok choy, broccoli, and

anything else. The plants will not only

broccoli rabe.” They are also working with

*The preservation of the Wittel Farm was made possible by the Honoring the Promise Campaign

Want to take part in the action? Visit wittelfarm.org to view and sign up for volunteer days from April to October.

Photos by Sean Heisey, Midland Media

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QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION

What’s a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

Also known as an IRA charitable rollover, a Qualified Charitable Distribution is a distribution from an IRA owned by an individual who is age 70½ or over that is paid directly from the IRA to a qualified charity.

If you are required to take a distribution from your IRA or you are 70½ or older, you can make a charitable contribution from your IRA directly to Lancaster Farmland Trust. Making a gift of up to $100,000 to LFT from your taxable IRA can help you lower your taxable income while supporting our critical work of farmland preservation and resource protection.* To make a qualified charitable distribution, simply contact the financial institution that holds your IRA. You may need the following information to prompt the gift: Lancaster Farmland Trust EIN (Employer Identification Number): 20-4233446 125 Lancaster Avenue Strasburg, PA 17579 If you have any questions about making a QCD, contact your financial advisor or call Director of Development and Communications, Amanda Hickle, at 717-687-8484. *This information does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please contact your financial advisor or attorney to ensure that making a gift of this kind can help you achieve your intended financial and philanthropic goals.

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SUPPORTING LFT

Simply Give – Your tax-deductible contribution will help Lancaster Farmland

Become a Land Steward – Join a special group of dedicated donors who have committed

Trust to continue preserving the farmland we

to giving a charitable contribution to Lancaster Farmland Trust every month. Your

love. You can give in response to our direct

monthly gift will provide Lancaster Farmland Trust with the funds necessary to protect

mail newsletters and appeals or make a gift

more farmland, and will help LFT remain sustainable and plan for the future.

at www.lancasterfarmlandtrust.org at your convenience.

Ways to Support LFT

Planned Giving – Leave a legacy of permanently protected farmland by including Lancaster Farmland Trust in your estate plans. Through bequests, life insurance, IRAs, annuities, trusts, and other methods, you can leave a legacy of preserved land.

This commitment will help to

Gift of stock - Making a gift of stocks, bonds or mutual funds to Lancaster Farmland Trust is a great way to support farmland preservation and take advantage of significant tax benefits. Your gift of stock may also allow you to make a more sizeable gift and maximize your charitable intent.

Shop Amazon Smile:

ensure that Lancaster County’s beautiful, productive farmland is

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA – If you are

Support farmland

protected for future generations

70½ or older, you can direct your QCD from your IRA account to

preservation when you

to enjoy.

Lancaster Farmland Trust. You can protect Lancaster County’s

shop on Amazon – at

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no cost to you. Visit

unique method of giving.

smile.amazon.com and designate Lancaster Farmland Trust as your

Workplace matching

charity of choice. The

contributions – Many workplaces will match your gift to LFT and other charitable causes. Here are a few of the workplaces

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) – Have a donor-advised fund?

Amazon Smile Foundation

Consider recommending a contribution to Lancaster Farmland

will donate a portion of

Trust. Many donors enjoy the flexibility and freedom DAFs

your purchase to LFT.

provide in their charitable giving.

that will match gifts to LFT: Aetna, GE, Grainger, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. Check

Honor/memorial gift – What better way to honor or memorialize your friend or loved one than with

with your company to see if

the gift of preserved farmland. Lancaster Farmland Trust will let the honoree or family member of a

they have a similar program.

loved one know that a gift in his/her name has helped to protect Lancaster County’s vital farmland.

Lancaster Farmland Trust’s work is made possible by your support. Every year, we work hard to raise the funds necessary to protect the farms on our waiting list and provide farm families with resources to ensure their financial and environmental sustainability. Future generations will thank you for protecting the land and supporting the farmers that grow our food.

This year, more than ever, we need your support.

If you have any questions about making a gift to Lancaster Farmland Trust, or if you would like to include LFT in your long-range financial or estate plans, please contact Amanda Hickle at 717-687-8484 or ahickle@lancasterfarmlandtrust.org.

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LANCASTER, PA PERMIT #434

125 Lancaster Avenue Strasburg, PA 17579 717-687-8484 www.lancasterfarmlandtrust.org

Support from donors like you sustains the land and legacy of Lancaster County.