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County Land Trusts Protect 81-Acre Nature Preserve In Southeast

SOUTHEAST, N.Y. -- An 81-acre nature preserve has been permanently protected from development thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the Putnam County Land Trust (PCLT) and the Westchester Land Trust (WLT).

The Putnam County Land Trust and the Westchester Land Trust have teamed up to preserve 81 acres of land in Southeast.

The Putnam County Land Trust and the Westchester Land Trust have teamed up to preserve 81 acres of land in Southeast.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Named in honor of the family that donated the property, the Garden Recreational Preserve has been owned by PCLT and managed as a public sanctuary since 2014.

Beginning this month, PCLT granted WLT a conservation easement on the preserve, which extinguishes all future development rights and establishes a framework for how the two organizations will co-lead the long-term stewardship of the property.

“This is exactly the kind of result we were hoping for,” said Judi Terlizzi, President of PCLT’s Board of Trustees. “Together, we’ve not only preserved a significant parcel, but we’ve furthered both organizations’ missions by working collaboratively in this unique landscape.”

The preserve is the eighth joint preservation project completed by WLT and PCLT.

David Emerson, land project manager at WLT, said that by combining the local knowledge of PCLT with WLT’s professional staff, the two groups are helping to preserve some of eastern Putnam County’s most ecologically significant lands.

“Westchester Land Trust looks forward to continuing our work with PCLT to ensure that the woodlands, scenic views and recreation corridors remain preserved forever,” said WLT President Lori J. Ensinger.

One of the first land trusts in the nation to be accredited, WLT stewards nearly 200 easements on over 5,300 acres spread throughout Westchester and eastern Putnam Counties.

PCLT’s preserves cover more than 1,100 acres, and offer opportunities for a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing and bird-watching.

For more information on the Garden Recreational Preserve, click here.

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