Lois McGean Made History – Conservation and Housing in Vermont

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One of UVLT’s most complex conservation transactions is also one of our earliest – a project that brought together farmland conservation and affordable housing development. The Farrell Farm project, begun in 1988, involved the purchase of conservation easements and land, innovative financing including a grant and loan from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, subdivisions, Vermont Act 250 permits, and strong leadership and vision from Norwich residents. In the middle of all of this was Lois McGean, then chair of the Norwich Conservation Commission. 

Ruth Shumway Made History with Farming and Conservation

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When Ruth Shumway conserved her Hartland farm in 1990, she was a third-generation farmer who had been farming on her own for more than a decade. Born in 1933, Ruth attended North Hartland elementary schools and graduated from Hartford High School in 1951. She lived in New York state for four years before returning to North Hartland and joining her parents as a partner on the Green Acres dairy farm. 

Sweet Time in the Woods

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Maples are some of our region’s most beloved trees. Living…
Photo by J. SCOTT ALTENBACH

A Suitable Habitat for Endangered Northern Long Eared Bats

Effective March 31, 2023, the Northern Long-Eared Bat (myotis-septentrionalis) will officially move from threatened (first designated in 2015) to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Interior Forest is a Gift to Nature

The Mary Elizabeth Kincaid Woodland, donated to UVLT last month, is part of an unfragmented landscape with diverse topography that sustains native plants and animals.

Firewood Assistance in NH

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Last month, UVLT took steps to duplicate the Woodshed’s program and bring similar firewood assistance opportunities to NH. Due to strict exterior firewood quarantine guidelines in the state, the UVLT team headed to Up on the Hill in Charlestown, NH, to begin harvesting trees for the new program, hoping to officially launch and deliver to recipients in Fall 2023 (once harvested wood has dried sufficiently).

Host Don’t Post During Hunting Season

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In New Hampshire and Vermont, deer hunting is a ritual shared by a declining population of hunters. Yet, this activity is really the only way to control the population of a species that can have devastating impacts on forest health.

Harvest Roundup at Food Pantry Gardens

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Fall is officially here, and with its arrival comes the impending final harvest, and wrap up of our 2022 Food Pantry Garden season. Each year we are grateful for the many volunteers who commit their time, energy, and skill, to help prepare, plant, and harvest food for our neighbors in need.

Trying Times: Conservation Easements and Federal Tax Law 2022

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Though many land trusts have extensive knowledge of the tax rules and requirements, they cannot provide specific legal and financial advice to landowners nor prepare tax return documents on their behalf. Instead, says McIntyre “It is critical that we provide educational opportunities and support to the advisors who work on behalf of landowners and are accountable for the preparation of these documents. Every landowner’s situation is unique and they must be able to rely on well-informed, competent advisors. We need to help create an environment where that occurs.”

Introducing Our Newest Trustees

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UVLT is proud to announce two new Trustees to its Board, Christie Hedges (Orford, NH), and Gordon Richardson (Hartland, VT).