On September 9th, Stowe Land Trust celebrated 30 years! The event was held at Strawberry Hill Farm where guests enjoyed spectacular views of Mt. Mansfield while celebrating 30 years of local land conservation.
During the annual business meeting Executive Director, Caitrin Maloney, recognized board member Dave Hosmer who is stepping down from the board after nine years of service. Kristen Sharpless, Conservation Program Manager, presented Deb Schoepke from Stowe Bible Camp with the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award for their many hours of dedicated trail work and commitment to the organization.
Two new board members were elected by SLT’s membership at the annual meeting. Beth Bradford and Amy Stewart will join twenty existing board members responsible for governing the organization. Each year SLT has a limited number of openings available in its all volunteer board. New members are recruited based upon an identified need within the organization.
Guest speaker, Roger Hill of Weathering Heights, gave a presentation on climate and extreme weather, and the implications for conservation, water quality and recreation. Afterward, everyone enjoyed several outings and activities which included mushroom foraging with local chef Jack Pickett, hayrides around the fields with farmers Dave Wilkens and Ryan Percy, an educational forest walk with Kristen Sharpless, and a mountain bike ride led by board member Jesse Goldfine.
WoodBelly Pizza provided delicious wood fired pizza, grill items and a cash bar while local band Burn Permit kicked off the evening festivities with great music and dancing. Many thanks to Alchemist Beer and Cold Hollow Cider Mill for donating libations and to Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe and Stowe Ice Cream for the tasty cupcakes and ice cream flavors! Thank you to Rich Levine and Tom Rogers for capturing the event with these great photos. Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers, and to everyone who came, for making this an unforgettable celebration!