One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1993, Orange County Land Trust has been doing just that for the people of Orange County. Now Orange County Land Trust announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
Renewing Our Accreditation
“Renewing our accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the county,” said Executive Director Jim Delaune. “I am so proud of our staff, counsel, and board of directors, who worked together throughout the rigorous accreditation renewal process to earn this incredible recognition. As a result, our organization is stronger than ever.”
Orange County Land Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Orange County Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever.
In just the past year, Orange County Land Trust has protected nearly 500 acres of habitat and farmland throughout the county. Most recently, 73 acres of forest bordering the Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary near Greenwood Lake was conserved by the Land Trust. The property boasts a unique history; Hudson River School Artist Jasper Cropsey painted his 1845 work “View of Greenwood Lake, New Jersey” from the site, and the property was also once part of Greenwood Forest Farms, the first African-American resort community in New York State.
Orange County Land Trust’s Continued Commitment
“It is exciting to recognize Orange County Land Trust’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
“At the end of the day, this distinction means the special places we’ve protected will remain protected forever, making Orange County an even greater place for us and our children,” Delaune added.
Orange County Land Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
Orange County Land Trust is dedicated to conserving Orange County’s watersheds, agricultural lands, and diverse habitats through conservation agreements with willing landowners. For more information or to make a charitable gift, call (845) 534-3690 or click here to donate.
