The Westchester Land Trust (WLT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the natural landscape in Westchester County and preserving land for the benefit of current and future generations. Established in 1988 by a group of residents of Lewisboro and Bedford, the organization aims to protect environmentally important open spaces from the accelerating pace of development. Under the leadership of its first president and CEO, Louis McCagg, the trust began its work by addressing the urgent need for land conservation and smart development.
To achieve its mission of protecting land and raising awareness about the importance of open spaces for the community, WLT has launched several initiatives. The main initiative to protect land includes three processes: conservation easements, land acquisitions, and partnerships.
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that allows landowners to retain ownership of their property while restricting future development to preserve its ecological value. Through these easements, WLT has protected more than 9,000 acres of open space, working closely with private landowners to safeguard the natural heritage of Westchester County.
With land acquisitions, ownership is transferred to WLT, typically through donations. The acquired land is often transformed into public preserves, offering residents a place to connect with nature. Lastly, the trust partners with other conservation organizations, government entities, and community groups to maximize the impact of its land protection efforts.
Another WLT initiative is stewardship and management of the land it oversees. This includes the management of its preserves, which involves regular monitoring, boundary marking, and the maintenance of trails and infrastructure. The stewardship team also undertakes habitat restoration projects, like removing invasive species and planting native vegetation. These efforts ensure that these spaces remain vibrant and accessible to the public.
When it comes to WLT preserves, the trust promotes the "leave no trace principles." Visitors can minimize their environmental impact by respecting wildlife, disposing of waste adequately, and preserving the natural beauty so other community members can enjoy it.
To address the many challenges that forests in Westchester County face, from invasive species to the effects of climate change, WLT has launched a forest health initiative. This program focuses on simple practices like removing invasive vines, planting native trees, and assessing the impact of beech leaf disease. The initiative also includes the construction of deer enclosures to protect young trees.
Lastly, farmland protection is an initiative established to protect Westchester's agricultural lands from the risks of development pressure and climate change. WLT works with farmers, municipalities, and community partners to protect these lands and improve the local food systems.
The organization relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission of protecting the land for the community. Those looking to get involved can find many volunteering opportunities, from hands-on activities at the trust's farm to stewardship volunteer days. At Sugar Hill Farm, volunteers can help with planting, weeding, and harvesting crops, contributing to fresh produce production for local food banks. Alternatively, they can join the "Stew Crew" to assist with trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and planting native trees and shrubs.
Those who cannot engage in outdoor activities can support office staff with fundraising efforts, event planning, and donor outreach. Lastly, volunteers can join the annual benefit committee, helping organize the trust's largest fundraising event of the year. These volunteering opportunities require no experience, only the desire to contribute.
Finally, community members can help in many other ways. They can pick up trash from public preserves and other open spaces, monitor the trails, and inform the trust about any issue. Additionally, they can contribute to collecting useful information about wildlife and plants by taking pictures and sharing them.
