Celebrate 41 Years of Land Protection in Putnam County

The Putnam County Land Trust will be marking its forty-first anniversary with its Annual Benefit Dinner at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center in Brewster on April 17^th, 2010.

 “We are proud to be celebrating 41 years of land protection in Putnam County with almost 700-acres open to the public for passive recreation and over 1000-acres protected through legislative initiative.  The Land Trust, an all volunteer organization, has much to celebrate,” said Land Trust Vice President, Brian Alberghini.   “Much of our success comes from our members who support us in the work we do either by their membership fees, by volunteering their time and talents, or by lending a hand for our fund raising programs.  So, the dinner is also a celebration of all those individuals who make our work possible and support open space for its human and wildlife values.”

This year the Putnam County Land Trust is proud to honor Senator Vincent Leibell, III of Patterson, NY with the Land Trust’s Blue Heron Award. Senator Leibell has shown his dedication to the environment throughout his many years as a member of the New York State Legislature including his service on the Environmental Committee of the New York Senate.  His support of the environment earned him one of the highest environmental ratings amongst his colleagues in the Senate from the Environmental Advocators Voter’s Guide.  Recognition of his dedication to the environment include the Friends of the Great Swamp’s Michael T. Ciaiola Conservationist Award in 2001 and the Audubon’s New York State William Hoyt Environmental Award in 2006.

 In 2007, Sen. Leibell III, along with Assemblyman Bradley, enacted the Hudson Valley Preservation Act. This legislation authorizes any town or city within Putnam or Westchester Counties to establish the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act to be used for acquiring and protecting open space.  This act also preserves, improves and supports critical Hudson Valley environmental assets such as parks, nature preserves, agricultural lands, wetlands, wildlife, waterways and river areas.

 In 1999, Sen. Leibell III was responsible for acquiring the funding that enabled the Putnam County Land Trust to purchase the 104-acres that is the Ice Pond Conservation Area in the Town of Patterson.  In 2005, Sen. Leibell III was involved in the negotiations to acquire the 654-acre parcel in Somers that is now known as the Angle Fly Preserve, a joint project between the Town of Somers and New York State.

At each Putnam County Land Trust Dinner, the PCLT Leadership In Giving Award recognizes those individuals or groups who contribute to the Trust in generous and loving ways. This year we are proud to honor a local company, Insite Engineering of Carmel.  Insite Engineering has been a great friend to the Putnam County Land Trust. For the past several years the company has been a Corporate Dinner Sponsor.   Not only has Insite been a financial benefactor to the Putnam County Land Trust but they have also donated hundreds of hours of professional services.  Their efforts have included designing and assisting in the construction of the new parking area on Couch Road, which serves as an access point to the Laurel Ledges Natural Area and the newly acquired Tom’s Path.  They have also donated their services to the design and application process of the Dorrie O’Brien House parking area. This new parking area further opens the accessibility of the Lindera Loop Handicap Trail located behind the house on Cobb Rd.  Throughout the years, Insite Engineering has assisted the Land Trust with various preserve projects that required the expertise that they are widely known and recognized for.

The dinner will be held at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center, 38 Starr Ridge Road in Brewster on April 17^th at 5:30 pm and is open to the public.  Tickets are $60 per person.   Reservations are required and may be made by calling 845-278-2808.

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Category: Community News, Featured, Parks & Recreation