Land conservation is a multi-step process that, if successful, continues in perpetuity.
It begins with a dedicated Greenbelt team that has vision, expertise and determination. It then requires support from generous donors and volunteers who help make that vision a reality.
It all starts as Greenbelt’s Conservation Department works to connect with landowners to better understand their goals for their property. The work requires specialized knowledge, but ultimately it is about relationships.
We often then engage municipalities and the state to foster partnerships that become an important part of bringing those projects to fruition.
While the intricacies of financing and real estate transactions are all part of a successful conservation process, it is community engagement that gets us to that point.
Through newsletters, outings, enlisting volunteers, and fundraising, Greenbelt’s Development Department works to inform and inspire to deepen the relationships that support our mission.
A successful conservation project is, however, just the beginning of Greenbelt work that literally continues forever.
Conserved land must be maintained and monitored. Our Stewardship Department mows and maintains trails and fields, erects kiosks and builds parking areas to insure the public access to our reservations.
They also scrutinize Conservation Restrictions to insure the agreements that forever protect farmland or open space are being followed.
The Stewardship Department is also responsible for our Osprey Program. Once a rare sight, Ospreys are now seen in Essex County soaring over coastlines, diving into waters to catch fish and perching on their large nests.
For over a decade, Greenbelt’s Land Stewardship Department has focused on Osprey conservation by building and maintaining nesting platforms, banding chicks, collecting data, educating the public and collaborating on research to advance Osprey conservation.
Who benefits from all this work in the end? Flora, fauna, farmers, families, folks like you... FOREVER!
How can you help? Get involved, learn more and give to Greenbelt's Annual Fund!