The work of land conservation is full of constants – preserving and protecting beautiful places for future generations, ensuring that agricultural lands will continue to provide local, sustainably produced food, and providing habitat protection to critical wildlife species. But the work is also continually evolving. For Five Valleys Land Trust, 2018 was a year of listening to our community, strengthening old partnerships and connecting with new allies as we focus on how to best accomplish our mission in the coming decades.
The incredible staff that propels Five Valleys has the dual charge of stewarding the almost 85,000 acres we have already conserved, while ensuring our work speaks to our community with relevance and inspiration. 2018 found our staff reaching out to individual, government agency, and non-profit partners, making new connections to the widest possible community across our service area. They have emphasized how free, easy access to open spaces improves the physical and mental well-being of everyone in the communities we serve. They have worked to communicate the connection between conservation lands and wildfire protection. They have educated about the importance of our work to slowing climate change. This work is the essential element of the “Our Natural Legacy” message emblazed on the cover of this report. This was the rallying call of 2018, and will continue to guide the work of Five Valleys Land Trust going forward.
Please enjoy the journey contained in our 2018 Annual Report – it’s the story of conservation, of cooperation, of community….and as part of the Five Valleys Land Trust community, it is also your story.
With deep appreciation for your support,
--JULIE GARDNER, BOARD PRESIDENT
Photo of the Oxbow Cattle Company courtesy of the Oxbow Cattle Company/Bart Morris.
