Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome: This is an unexpected way to begin a message. However as our everyday life has been unpredictable, we are learning new ways to survive and thrive. I believe that is what we have all been doing in 2020. It is in this spirit that we hope you’ve been successful in finding ways to stay healthy and safe.

We need and value your support, financial and otherwise. Becoming a member or renewing your membership is the quickest and easiest way for you to do this and a great way to help. Rather just do a donation? That works too.  Just hit the “Donate” button.

We are an ALL volunteer organization. Membership and donations are applied directly to operating costs – insurance is a big one – and allows us to obtain grants in which to continue the restoration work on “The Mill” along with sustaining our stewardship responsibilities of the approximately 1,100 acres we have put into preservation.

Here at the Land Trust we have had to improvise our meetings, adapt our communications and overcome challenges of stewardship and of maintaining a public presence. Through these unusual times we have worked hard and our stewardship program is flourishing. We have had a large increase in the public utilization of Mill Pond Park, Crystal Springs  and our other preserved areas. Our volunteers have worked hard to keep these parks clear and available for the community to use and escape the confines of these unusual times.

We’ve gotten new Grant approvals recently for two critical projects. One involves stabilization and the other will assess, prioritize and open the door to further and necessary grant opportunities in the of restoration of the Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill. This “Grand Lady” has been around since the inception of German Valley, and was critical to the agricultural development and economic growth of Washington Township. On the National Register of Historic Places, the mill is a contributing structure to the downtown historic district.

Our continued success is contingent upon your support. We simply cannot do it without you.

Thank you for your help, and stay safe.

Barbara Kellner Membership Chairman