2017 Annual Report

April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017

Duxbury Town Forest

After two years of planning, it appears that the Town will soon be receiving 169 acres of State land to be used as a Town Forest. The Land Trust has worked closely with the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to complete the conservation easement and other legal documents. State Representative, Adam Greshin, has been helpful in moving the process along.

Natural History Events

In May, the DLT joined the Mad Birders for spring birding on conserved land along the River Road. Rachel Sargent, a Duxbury Naturalist led two events during the program year. In July, 2016, Rachel provided a brook walk at the Ridley Brook Swimming Hole. She demonstrated how to find and identify some interesting aquatic critters. Children in attendance were enthusiastic and excited by their discoveries. In February, Rachel led a winter walk on part of the conserved State Farm on the River Road. Participants examined ecological features of the winter landscape.

Property Stewardship

DLT properties were monitored and all were determined to be in compliance with the terms of the easements. Invasive plants (poison parsnip) were eradicated from the Ridley Brook properties. More effort is needed to remove additional invasive plants. Plantings done after the 2011 flood are healthy and flourishing.

Land Trust Standards and Practices Revised

The DLT is a member of the Land Trust Alliance that provides resources, guidance, and support for land trusts nation-wide. As a condition of membership, the DLT is required to adopt the Alliance’s Standards and Practices. We have adopted the revised standards and are now working to the implement them. We are in the process of addressing Standards such as: Ethics, Mission, and Community Engagement; Board Accountability; Fundraising; and Financial Oversight.

Many thanks to all our members for their support during the year.