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The trustees of the Putnam County Land Trust have been very busy these past few months. It is our fortieth year and we are extremely proud of PCLT’s past accomplishments. We look to continue our progress and to best use our resources and talents as we move forward.

Through a NYS Conservation Partnership Grant, we have been able to engage the services of a non-profit support group to work with us on Strategic Planning. Not only will a Strategic Plan inform and enhance the work that we already do, it will also make PCLT eligible for additional grant and foundation funding. As a member of the land trust, your thoughts, suggestions and opinions are greatly valued. We are asking you that you take a few minutes to complete a survey which can be accessed at this link. (will open in a new window)

From the President's Desk:

I am often asked, “What can I do to support the Putnam County Land Trust?” In an effort to answer that question I have written down several ways to be involved and to become even more involved. Here is the list I have come up with:

• Your membership donation is the first step. Two new categories, Benefactor and Conservator, were added in the membership notices sent out at the beginning of January, and both of these have been subscribed to. We are happy to announce a new Life Member as well.

If you wish to take your membership a step further, check to see if your company offers a Matching Grant program. This is a way to double the value of each membership.

News on the Trust:

Volunteer Work Party

Work parties are now being organized for trail maintenance and clean up on preserves of the Putnam County Land Trust.  Groups will be formed and work each month on a designated preserve.  No prior experience is necessary.  A good attitude and a willingness to pitch in are essential. The first work party will be held at the Field Farmstead Preserve on Fields Lane in Brewster on Saturday, May 22nd from 9:30 to 12:30.  Work detail will include removal of debris, posting of border signs, creating about 200 feet of new trail and removal of invasive plants such as multi-flora rose and barberry.  Water, work gloves, jeans and work or hiking boots are suggested.  Tools such as shovels, clippers, rakes and loppers if available would be helpful.  If not tools will be provided.  Come have fun with a like minded group of individuals in the out-of-doors while helping maintain trails for the public. To learn more or to sign up, please contact Judy Terlizzi at 845 228 4520, Bob Lund at 845 279 3122 or visit the website at www.pclt.net. 

Updates:

• Lindera Loop Trail Donors
• Wear the Trust!

by Linda Lund

Putnam County Land Trust is pleased to announce that it will sponsor and provide a scholarship to an area youngster between the ages of 12 and 14 to attend a N.Y.S. DEC Summer Camp Programs in 2008. The DEC Summer Camp Program offers participants a truly unique outdoor learning experience. It gives an appreciation of open space and a better understanding of the impact of our actions on the environment.

Putnam County Land Trust is dedicated to preserving and maintaining open spaces and the natural resources within for conservation, education and passive recreation and that is why
giving a youngster the opportunity to attend a program such as the DEC Summer Camp Program is so valuable to us.

The cost for one child to attend a 1 week camp session in 2007 was $250. Please consider donating to the PCLT - NYS DEC Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. PCLT has received a Matching Fund donor pledge up to $3,000, so any amount that you give will be worth so much more. Our goal is to set up an endowment so that PCLT will be able to continue to fund a scholarship each year for an area resident.

Checks should be made out to:

Putnam County
Land Trust with NYS
DEC Summer Camp

Please write Scholarship Fund in the memo.

Full details of the programs offered through DEC, and applications, are available at the N.Y.S. DEC web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html.

Information can also be obtained by calling the DEC at 518-402-8014. Bob and Linda Lund are also available for questions and scholarship information at (845) 279-3122 (Evenings only please.) The application deadline for those who wish to be sponsored by a community group such as PCLT, is February 1st, 2008.

Cobb Road House Update:

Our Mission Statement:
To preserve, for the residents of Putnam County, State of New York, and its environs and for posterity generally natural resources, including water resources, marsh land, swamps, woodland, and open spaces, and the plant and animal life therein, and to preserve sites of historical significance; to further the dedication, holding, and use of said lands in the County of Putnam, State of New York, as open spaces and as conservation and recreation areas; and to further the use for educational purposes and other public purposes of its land; to acquire, by gift, purchase, or otherwise, open space lands in the County of Putnam, State of New York, and to maintain and supervise the use of such lands; to promote the enjoyment of open space by maintaining, enlarging and establishing nature trails and bridle paths open to the public.