Saving Space for Conservation
December 7, 2023 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director
Dear Friend,
The snow has just stopped as I type this and the sun has risen above the clouds. We are bracing for VERY cold temperatures in the days to come. Just moments ago, I finished adding my notes of gratitude to the thank you letters that went out to each and every one of you who made gifts in the last days of 2023. I realize it is January 11, but you should have seen my stack of letters! It wasn’t daunting to see the pile on my desk every morning, instead it filled me with a deep gratitude for each of you every time I sat down to tackle a few more.
Together we accomplished so much last year. You may feel that you hardly lifted a finger, but that’s just not true. Every day that KLT staff are out on the land meeting with conservation minded land owners, improving trails, spending time in the woods with kids, or facilitating adult classes at the Folk School, we feel the presence of our supporters right beside us. This work would not happen without each of you. Whatever your gift may have looked like - whether the price of a few coffees or a lot of coffees - it makes each day and every project possible. It is in this serene snow-filled setting that I'm reminded of the tremendous support you've extended to us throughout 2023, support that has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Reflecting on the past year, it's truly heartwarming to see the strides we've made together in conserving this landscape we all love.
One of the most remarkable achievements of 2023, made possible by your unwavering support, was the saving of the Sled Hill. This beloved local gem, a haven for winter joy and community gathering, faced the threat of disappearing forever. But, through the power of collective action and the financial backbone provided by KLT’s Saving Space Fund, we turned the tide. Today, the Sled Hill stands not only as a symbol of winter fun but as a testament to what we can achieve when we stand united for a cause we hold dear.
Our Saving Space Fund is a dynamic and crucial initiative enabling swift action in critical conservation efforts. This fund is fueled by the generosity of conservation-minded donors like you. It empowers KLT to rapidly acquire essential conservation lands, like the Sled Hill, safeguarding natural habitats, waterways, and open spaces for future generations. Your contribution to the Saving Space Fund represents a direct investment in the enduring protection and stewardship of our region's invaluable natural landscapes.
Often we don’t get the luxury of time like we had for raising the Sled Hill funds. A few summers ago a beloved community swimming hole on a nearby creek went up for sale. It was a small parcel but meant a lot to the local community and we fielded multiple calls. But we did not have the means to save it in time. If we had had the Saving Space Fund at the time, our conservation team may have been able to preserve this special access point.
We hope you see the value of this fund in helping us save critical lands far into the future. Even though the Sled Hill campaign is now complete, there will be more parcels like this one, or others that hold tremendous value for habitat and are worthy of saving. It's because of friends like you that the Saving Space Fund, once a dream, has become a vibrant reality breathing life into critical conservation initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Saving Space Fund is a beacon of hope and action. Its role in our mission is pivotal, providing us with the agility and resources to respond to urgent conservation needs. Whether it's safeguarding habitats, preserving community spaces, or championing sustainable land use, this fund is our toolkit for making a lasting impact in a short time.
As we journey into 2024, we are filled with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. Your support is a constant reminder of the strength of our community and the power of our shared vision. Together, we are not just conserving land; we are nurturing a legacy for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
In closing, I wish to reiterate our deepest gratitude for your support. It is your belief in our mission and your commitment to our cause that fuels our efforts each and every day. May this year bring you as much joy and fulfillment as your support brings to our community and its natural wonders.
With heartfelt thanks,
Katie
