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March 2010
Dear Friends:
Wow! What a winter! We hope everyone has managed to dig out of all the snow by now! Take heart-- it’s hard to imagine, but spring will be here soon!
In the news this month:
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Orange County Land Trust and our conservation partners continue to urge our elected officials to reject cuts to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)
in Governor Paterson’s proposed NYS budget. If passed, these cuts will result in no funding for open space acquisitions as well as the closing of
several NYS parks including Schunnemunk State Park, Harriman State Park- Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Minnewaska State Park, and Walkway Over the Hudson.
The OCLT believes cutting funds to the environment and to our parks is not the way to solve New York’s fiscal crisis. Click
here for more information and to contact your elected officials and make your voice heard!
Orange County Land Trust is pleased to announce we have been accepted to begin the accreditation process by the Land Trust Accreditation
Commission, an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance. The Commission awards accreditation to land trusts that meet national standards
of excellence and adhere to industry-wide standards and best practices in protecting important natural areas and working lands. This is quite a distinction,
and we are excited to begin the next phase in the accreditation process. What better way to welcome spring than by joining us for a Vernal Pool Workshop at Laurel Hill Preserve in Minisink, a hands-on
outdoor activity for children and families and people of all ages. Come learn about vernal pools and the species that rely on them for survival such as
frogs, fairy shrimp, salamanders and newts! This program is led by OCLT Project Coordinator Meredith Taylor, who is also Assistant Coordinator of the North
American Amphibian Monitoring Program for the Hudson Valley. Registration is suggested as space is limited. A donation of $5 per person or $10 per family
is greatly appreciated with proceeds going towards the future stewardship of our nature preserves. Call our office at (845) 343-0840, x12 for more
information, registration and directions. Wear mud boots and be prepared to get a little wet! Saturday, March 27 at 10 am. Mark your calendar! Our 2010 Annual Benefit Reception and Silent Auction will be held on Friday, June 4 at Falkirk Estate and Country
Club (formerly the Inn at Central Valley). Join us as we honor the family foundations and funds that have provided significant support to the OCLT,
contributing to the quality of life for us all. Cocktail-style dining features and elaborate array of hors d’ouvres. $95 per person. Business sponsorship
opportunities are still available. Please call us at (845) 343-0840, x11 to reserve your tickets.
Be sure to check our events calendar at www.oclt.org for a list of our guided hikes, educational outings and family
activities. Or visit one of our nine nature preserves on your own for a day outdoors. Directions and information on our preserves are also found at www.oclt.org under the heading Protected Lands.
For the Land,
Your Friends at Orange County Land Trust
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