Greenwich, Conn., Get in the Earth Day spirit!  The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) has scheduled a nature preserve beautification event for Earth Day – Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 2-4PM.  Two days earlier, on Friday, April 20, 2012 (all day) shop 'til you drop at the select local businesses listed below who have pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds in honor of Earth Day and to benefit the GLT's ongoing land preservation efforts.  
   
Volunteer Outside on Earth Day – Sunday, April 22 from 2-4PM

All are invited to join the GLT for a free Earth Day beautification event on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 2-4 PM. Three separate properties protected over the course of 14 years, comprise the 30-acres located off Round Hill Road. Volunteers will plant native bushes, help remove trash and invasive species, and are encouraged to “dress to mess” by wearing sturdy shoes and work gloves. 

“Earth Day is a great opportunity to get outside with your loved ones and enjoy the land that the GLT protects,” said Kara Whelan, Director of Community Outreach for the GLT.  “Volunteers of all ages can explore and beautify the GLT’s Millbank-Greene-DeVegvar greenway.  This year we’re really excited to be offering live music, refreshments, and a wildlife release  to mark this occasion.”

When the land stewardship work is done, volunteers will gather in the meadow for light refreshments and toe tapping tunes by popular musician Patti Hupp.  “Planet Saver” t-shirts (made from recycled materials rescued from landfills) will be distributed to volunteers, while supplies last.  The GLT is grateful to Outdoor Traders, The Care of Trees, Serendipity Magazine, Kenai Sports, and Wildlife in Crisis for their support of Earth Day at the GLT.  For more information about GLT’s Earth Day beautification event visit GLTRUST.ORG or call 203.629.2151.

Shop & Eat Locally to Support GLT’s Mission - April 20 – ALL DAY

In honor of Earth Day and the GLT’s important role in protecting Greenwich’s natural environment, the following local stores will donate a portion of their Friday, April 20, 2012 proceeds to the GLT:  Bon Ton Fish Market, Gofer Ice Cream, Green Moon, Greenwich Prime Meats, J Papers, McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, Pizza Post, Splurge Unique Gifts, and the Wine Mapp. 

Earth Day revenue supports the Greenwich Land Trust’s ongoing work to acquire more land for permanent protection and to provide care and maintenance of the 733 acres it currently protects.

The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976, is a nonprofit environmental organization that protects more than 733 acres of diverse woodlands, meadows, orchards, and tidal marshes in and around Greenwich.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  For more information about GLT’s Earth Day events visit GLTRUST.ORG or call 203.629.2151.

Greenwich, Conn. – The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) recently benefitted from the local Boy Scouts’ “Good Turns for Greenwich” program. Cub Scouts from Pack 10, organized by Jamie Benincasa, spent a Sunday afternoon hiking through northern Greenwich woods to a log cabin site for a clean-up project. The cabin sits on a 17-acre property owned and permanently protected by the Greenwich Land Trust. The land was acquired by the GLT through three separate donations from 1978 to 2005.

Pack 10 Scouts and their parents removed invasive plants, cleared leaves, and created wildlife brush piles from fallen branches to open up the area surrounding the cabin. A sharp-eyed Scout spotted a red-tailed hawk watching the action from a nearby tree.

The Greenwich Land Trust relies on volunteers to help maintain its many preserves throughout our community. Volunteer groups and individuals are welcome to join the GLT staff in outdoor projects throughout the year.  “ We enjoyed working with these enthusiastic boys and their parents”, said Ginny Gwynn, GLT’s Executive Director. “ Scouting’s Good Turns program offered us a wonderful opportunity to get these boys involved with our mission. We are grateful to Pack 10’s families and hope to see them again soon on our preserves.”

The Greenwich Land Trust’s mission is to preserve land permanently and protect its ecological integrity for the benefit of this and future generations. The GLT preserves more than 733 acres of land including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Membership is open to all. Call 203.629.2151 or visit GLTRUST.ORG for more information.

Greenwich, Conn. – The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) recently elected Jane Hogeman to serve as President of its Board of Directors. Ms. Hogeman, a well-respected GLT Director since 2004, “looks forward to work toward a mission I care deeply about with a group of talented and dedicated people.” The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976, protects and stewards 733 acres of land in Greenwich and surrounding communities.

Jane Hogeman is a Real Estate Attorney in private practice in Greenwich since 1986, and a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School. At the GLT, Ms. Hogeman has been closely involved with land acquisitions and GLT’s application for national accreditation. Her community involvement extends far beyond the GLT’s 733 permanently protected acres. She has been a member of the Junior League of Greenwich, and has volunteered with The Greenwich Historical Society, the Greenwich United Way, and the Greenwich Community Planning Council for Health and Human Services.

New Board Members and Officers Announced

Camille Broderick, Andy Chapin, Katy Gray, and Mark Pruner were elected to the Greenwich Land Trust’s Board, which is comprised of 27 leaders from the community with expertise in law, real estate, technology, philanthropy, finance, architecture, and the natural sciences.  The GLT’s Directors have extensive volunteer experience and share a strong commitment to protecting and stewarding Greenwich’s scenic meadows, marshes, orchards and woodlands.

Camille Broderick moved to Greenwich in 1999 and began a full time career as a volunteer and civic leader, working with the Greenwich Public Schools PTA and the Boy Scouts. Since 2000, Camille has been an active volunteer Teacher/Naturalist at Audubon Greenwich.  She is a former Board member and chair of the Education Committee.  In 2003, she received National Audubon’s highest volunteer award, the Callison Award.

Andy Chapin has lived and worked in Greenwich for most of his life. Following a 22-year career at UST, he currently works as the Land Steward for the Greenwich Audubon. In addition to volunteering with GLT, he also volunteers with Greenwich Riding & Trails Association, Garden Education Center, the Armstrong Court Garden and as a Boy Scout project leader for over 10 projects.

Katy Gray grew up in Greenwich and is a graduate of GCDS.  Katy worked for former Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) for three years focusing on welfare, housing, crime and urban issues. She later moved to New York and began her career in event planning and public relations. Katy recently retired as a Senior Vice President after 11 years with Weber Shandwick.  She is a parent volunteer at GCDS and served as co-chair of The Junior League of Greenwich’s 2011 Enchanted Forest.

Mark Pruner has been a resident of Greenwich since 1967. He is a sales executive with Prudential Connecticut and the author of the Greenwich Streets Blog, as well as a sought after contributor to national news programs and publications. A graduate of Greenwich High, Mark practiced law for many years as Assistant General Counsel at Aquarion Water Company, handling real estate and environmental matters associated with their 20,000 acres of land in   Fairfield and Litchfield Counties.   He is an active member of the RTM and on the board of the Round Hill Association.

The following GLT Directors will serve as Officers of the Board of Directors for a one-year term: Jane Hogeman as President, Elise Hillman Green and Janice Richards as Vice Presidents, Margaret Conboy as Secretary, and Bill Bishop as Treasurer. 

Two Past Presidents Continue to Support the GLT
During the Annual Meeting, GLT’s outgoing President Bill Boysen, the second longest serving President in the organization’s 35-year history, was commended for his exceptional leadership.  Mr. Boysen will continue to serve as a director and will focus on Land Acquisitions and Stewardship. 

Leslie Lee, also a past President of the GLT and co-chair of the its first Go Wild! event (in 2000), was elected Honorary Director.  She will continue to play a critical role in supporting GLT’s land acquisitions and fundraising events.

About the Greenwich Land Trust
The Greenwich Land Trust’s mission is to preserve land permanently and protect its ecological integrity for the benefit of this and future generations. The GLT preserves more than 733 acres of land including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Membership is open to all. Call 203.629.2151 or visit GLTRUST.ORG for more information.

Press Contact: 
Kara H. Whelan  kara@gltrust.org

The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) concludes 2011, its 35th year, having increased its protected lands to 733 acres.  The GLT relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers to organize community events on its permanently protected land, acquire properties, and steward its meadows, woodlands, shorelines, and orchards.

In early December, GLT board members Bill Bishop, John Nelson, and Bruce Dixon joined with seven other volunteers to remove invasive species and repair fences on the GLT's Malkin Property (1.8 acres protected in 2005) located on Pheasant Lane in Greenwich.

Visit GLTRUST.ORG to learn more about the Greenwich Land Trust and to become a member!


LEFT TO RIGHT - Bill Bishop, John Nelson and Bruce Dixon
all serve on the Greenwich Land Trust Board of Directors

Greenwich, CT –  Rand Wentworth, acclaimed expert in land conservation and President of the national Land Trust Alliance, will be the keynote speaker at the Greenwich Land Trust’s (GLT) Annual Meeting and 35^th Anniversary Celebration on December 1, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Round Hill Club.

The GLT is pleased to be able to bring a speaker of Mr. Wentworth's caliber to Greenwich.  "I'm proud of the leadership role the Greenwich Land Trust is playing in the region and their long-standing commitment to conservation," said Wentworth.  Mr. Wentworth’s speech entitled, "Coming Home - Land and the American Experience" will offer unique insights into the role that land trusts play in the permanent protection of the country’s diverse landscapes. 

The Alliance provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance services for America’s 1,700 land trusts.  Under Mr. Wentworth’s leadership, the Alliance has expanded the federal tax incentives for conservation, resulting in permanent protection of thousands of acres nationwide.   Mr. Wentworth led the Alliance in creating a national accreditation program; a legal defense program to protect conservation easements; and a “University of Conservation” with a 16-course core curriculum.  Prior to joining the Alliance in 2002, Mr. Wentworth was Vice President of the Trust for Public Land and founding director of its Atlanta office. He is a graduate of Yale University and holds an MBA in finance from Cornell University.

During the GLT’s business meeting, Dan Barrett, GLT’s retiring Environmental Director, will be recognized for his outstanding service to the GLT.  Mr. Barrett, a former Greenwich High School science teacher, has overseen GLT’s land stewardship programs for 24 years. Bill Boysen, GLT’s President, will provide an update on 2011 achievements in land stewardship, acquisitions and educational programs.  Mr. Boysen, who completes his presidency this year, leaves behind his own legacy of guiding the GLT’s Board of Directors and Staff through significant strategic and organizational change.

Since its founding 35 years ago, the GLT has protected 733 acres including the recently completed 4.5-acre Thrasher Conservation Easement in September 2011.  The GLT will celebrate its scenic landscapes and the many visionary land donors, volunteers, and members who have helped make its first 35 years so successful. Moffly Media, exclusive media sponsor, will distribute special keepsake GLT Annual Meeting Programs that highlight the people and places of the GLT. 

The GLT’s Annual Meeting & 35^th Anniversary Celebration will be held on December 1, 2011 at the Round Hill Club. Doors open at 5pm.  Business meeting begins promptly at 5:30.  A reception will follow the meeting. Please call Jacinta Mullins at 203.629.2151 to RSVP or visit the events page of GLT’s website: GLTRUST.ORG.

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The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently and protecting its ecological integrity for the benefit of this and future generations. Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas. The GLT currently preserves more than 733 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Visit GLTRUST.ORG or call 203.629.2151.


Press Contact: 
Kara H. Whelan  kara@gltrust.org

Greenwich, CT – A conservation easement finalized in late September will ensure that 4.5 acres of supreme wildlife habitat will be protected forever thanks to the vision of Juliet and Holt Thrasher, combined with conservation efforts of the Greenwich Land Trust (GLT). Conservation easements allow property owners to receive compensation for protecting their land through tax benefits in return for giving up the right to develop or subdivide it. The Thrashers donation preserves this land, maintaining its natural features and protecting the water supply that runs through it. The Thrashers retain ownership of the land and can sell it at any time, with the subsequent owners remaining bound by the easement requirements.

“The closing of a conservation easement is always a momentous occasion for the Greenwich Land Trust,” said Bill Boysen, President of the GLT. “The easement protects the land for years to come. We’re pleased that the GLT can ensure the long-term stewardship of the property.” With the closing of the Thrasher Conservation Easement, the GLT now holds nineteen easements protecting 218 acres. The GLT owns 515 acres outright for a total of 733 acres of land protected.

The Thrasher Easement

“Open land like this is disappearing at an alarming rate,” said Mr. Thrasher, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of National Audubon Society on a volunteer basis. “All wildlife benefit from being able to roam across or fly over adjacent tracts of land and people benefit from the peace and beauty of open land. The Greenwich Land Trust will serve as watchdogs for the land long after we are gone. We encourage others to also consider donating land to the GLT.”

The easement land combines open meadow, forest edge and a constant water supply to provide a true haven for wildlife. In winter, a wide variety of animal tracks crisscross the property, while summer yields a concert of bird calls and songs. Heavily vegetated streams aid in flood control and pollutant filtration. At the center of the preserve is an open meadow where native grasses, wildflowers, and ferns flourish. Wild turkey seek refuge in the woodland adjacent to the meadow. At dusk the meadow offers prime hunting space for raptors and red foxes. When one visits the land, its conservation values are apparent at every turn, making the decision to protect it a very easy one for all parties involved.

“The Thrasher Easement is a gift to the entire Greenwich community. Protecting this land permanently will aid in flood control, provide resting and nesting spots for wildlife, and protect natural resources so important to all of us. It has been inspiring to work with the Thrashers; they have such a strong commitment to conservation,” said Ginny Gwynn, GLT’s Executive Director. “There are dozens of other Greenwich residents who could conserve the land that they love while enjoying a sizeable tax deduction. We are ready to work with them to expand Greenwich’s protected landscapes for future generations to enjoy.”

Federal Tax Incentives for Conservation Easements

Current federal law helps make voluntary conservation easements a sound investment for landowners in Greenwich. It allows easement donors to deduct up to 50% of their adjusted gross income in 2011 (up from 30% in previous law); and carry forward any remaining deductions for as long as 15 years (up from 5 years). Thousands of acres of forests, meadows and farmland nationwide have been permanently protected with the help of this legislation.

Tax Incentives Expire Soon

This favorable tax law is set to expire on December 31, 2011 so the remaining time for Greenwich landowners to take advantage of these federal tax benefits is short. The average easement takes several months to close, so call Ginny Gwynn at the GLT today (203.629.2151) if you are considering donating a conservation easement in 2011.

About Easements

When landowners donate a conservation easement, they maintain ownership and management of their land and can sell or pass the land on to their heirs, while foregoing future development rights. The value of the donated easement is essentially the appraised value of the development rights. A conservation donation requires not only a willing donor, but also a qualified conservation organization, like the Greenwich Land Trust, to accept the donation. The GLT reviews the conservation easement prior to acceptance to make sure that the donation fits its mission and purpose.

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The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently and protecting its ecological integrity for the benefit of this and future generations. Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas. The GLT currently preserves more than 733 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Visit GLTRUST.ORG or call 203.629.2151.

Greenwich, CT. Beneath a bluebird sky, 40 paddlers set out from Byram Point Beach last weekend to spend the day exploring Shell & Calf Islands. This was the third annual kayak trip hosted by the Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) and Calf Island Conservancy (CIC). Greenwich Community Sailing and members of both GLT and CIC’s board of directors provided logistical support.

"I have kayaked with the Greenwich Land Trust for the past two years,” said Cheryl Resnick of Greenwich. “Each time my family learns so much about the wonderful resources we have in Greenwich located at both Shell Island and Calf Island. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking is easy, and the trip is a great way to learn about the history of a beautiful part of Greenwich. Our entire family has an absolute blast!"

Once on Shell Island, kayakers were greeted by Sue Baker (local naturalist and member of both GLT’s Advisory Board and the Calf Island Conservancy board of directors). Baker thrilled the crowd with her animated shoreline lesson of beach ecology and the geologic history of Long Island Sound. The GLT’s Stewardship Associate Lindsay Michel talked about Osprey and, as a nesting pair circled overhead, she pointed out some of the fish hawk’s unique adaptations. Families then set out on foot to explore Shell Island.

Kayakers and siblings Dagmar and Volker Stern, who vacationed on Shell Island with their family between 1950-1956, shared stories about life on the Island with other kayakers exploring the shoreline near them.

"We were so glad when we heard that Julius Silver donated Shell Island to the Greenwich Land Trust back in 1990. We knew then, that the Island we grew to love as children would always be protected," said Dr. Dagmar Stern. "Kayaking to the Island and exploring this land again brings back a lot of wonderful memories from our childhood. It was nice to get a close up look at the high quality of repair work the Greenwich Land Trust did to stablize the beloved Tower last summer." In late summer of 2010, the Greenwich Land Trust completed an ambitious and privately funded project to stabilize the Shell Island Tower built in 1925 in memory of Gus Eimer, II.

Just before a picnic lunch on Shell Island, small groups of eager paddlers opted to paddle around Calf Island which is linked to Shell Island by a sandbar at low tide. After swimming, and strolling the sandy beaches of the two Islands, families made their way back to the launch site in Byram.

About the Islands

Shell Island 5.23 acres, was generously donated to the GLT in 1990 by Julius Silver. It is part of over 729 acres permanently protected by the Greenwich Land Trust. In the summer of 2010, the GLT completed roof repairs and other work to preserve and stabilize the Shell Island Tower which was built in 1925 as a memorial to Gus Eimer II. The GLT is dedicated to preserving land permanently and protecting its ecological integrity for the benefit of this and future generations. Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich’s air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas. Membership is open to all. GLTRUST.ORG

Calf Island 31.5 acres, is the largest offshore island in Greenwich, CT. It is connected at low tide to the GLT’s Shell Island. It boasts a diverse coastal habitat including tidal wetlands, intertidal flats, rocky intertidal shore, sandy beach, mixed forest, and coastal scrubland. In February 2003, Calf Island was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is now a unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Visit CALFISLAND.ORG

The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) will host Go Wild! on September 25, 2011 from 3-6 PM.  Event co-chairs Ashley Allan and Kristin Duda have been hard at work with their committee of over 120 members to make sure this year’s event is as spectacular as ever. The autumn celebration will feature hot air balloon rides, a birds of prey exhibit, petting zoo, mechanical bull, giant hay maze, food, games, live music and much more.  The event will be held at the Greenwich Land Trust's White Birch Farm Conservation Easement - also known as Conyers Farm, Greenwich Polo Fields. 

Go Wild! revenue provides critical funds for the GLT’s land acquisition and stewardship efforts.  The Greenwich Land Trust now protects more than 729 acres in Greenwich and surrounding areas.  For more information, tickets, and to view last year's event photo gallery visit GLTRUST.ORG.