On September 11th, Stowe Land Trust celebrated 35 years of conservation for our community at our Annual Meeting. The event was held at Sarah and Jason Boes' property, adjacent to the newly-conserved Ricketson Farm. We were treated to a warm and sunny late-summer day as we gathered under a big tent and enjoyed sweeping views of the Ricketson Farm.
Outgoing Board Chair Dave Wilkens opened the annual business meeting by thanking our hosts, members, hotel partners, volunteers, business partners, and the owners of conserved land. Dave introduced the Land Trust’s Executive Director, Kristen Sharpless, who shared the past year’s accomplishments and a look at the work to come.
We recognized and thanked board members terming off for their many years of service: Jesse Goldfine, Meg Kauffman, Doren Dolan, and Darsey Moon. Board members were presented with engraved wood made by an artist from locally grown oak. The 2022 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Kendra McGuire who has led a number of outings for youth and families during the past year, and is looking forward to continuing her outdoor education programs this fall.
Three new board members were elected by SLT’s membership at the annual meeting. Marc Felgar, Sarah Kalil, and Brooke Mitchell will join our existing board members responsible for governing the organization. Sam Gaines was elected Board Chair, Amy Stewart was elected Vice Chair and Treasurer, and Anna Black was elected Secretary.
This year we were excited to welcome a panel of local farmers as our guest speakers. Lew Coty, Annie & Andrew Paradee, Paul Percy, and Molly Pindell joined us for an entertaining discussion about the challenges and joys of farming in the Stowe area. Afterward, everyone enjoyed delicious ice cream provided by Sisters of Anarchy, hay rides with Ryan Percy, and conversations with some of our community partners, including representatives from Stowe Mountain Rescue and the Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District. We were also pleased to be able to offer a group hike to the Ricketson Bog. Thank you Rita Ricketson for accompanining us and sharing stories of growing up on the farm, and Ken Ricketson for offering access for this event!
Thank you again to all who atteneded, our board members and volunteers who helped plan the event, and to the Boes family for hosting us.