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CLC works to preserve county’s natural resources
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| Tom Crowell, director of Outreach and Resource Development at Columbia Land Conservancy, left, and Peter Paden, CLC executive director, point out land easements that CLC has acquired. (Sesame Campbell/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers) |
By Sesame Campbell
CRYSTAL APPLE AWARD NOMINEE — As one of five nominees for the 20th annual Crystal Apple Award, the Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) is pleased to be considered for the prestigious award from the Columbia County business community, said CLC Executive Director Peter Paden. The award is presented each year to a notable Columbia County Chamber of Commerce member who has contributed to the economic progress, community improvement and quality of life of county residents.
During a recent interview with Paden and Tom Crowell, director of Outreach and Resource Development, they said CLC was nominated because of the valuable contributions it brings to Columbia County.
“I think we were nominated because we’re a conservation organization that’s been operating for 23 years,” Paden said. “We’re trying to ensure that the things that make our county the spectacular place it is to live and work will remain. We believe that it’s possible to preserve the valuable open space and scenic farmland in our county and that if we make that a priority, Columbia County will remain the scenic treasure it is for generations to come.”
There is no other land conservancy agency quite like CLC. With the amount of open space in Columbia County, CLC works with numerous agencies and landowners to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat and rural character of the county and to strengthen connections between people and the land.
Both Paden and Crowell have been with the organization for many years. Having grown up in Minnesota and Iowa, Paden’s rural roots and early appreciation for the environment took him into an environmental law practice of more than 30 years in New York City. Paden has been on the CLC board for 30 years and became director of the organization two years ago.
Ten years ago, Crowell joined CLC after having worked for environmental non-profits. Like many of the CLC staff, Crowell sits on several committees throughout the county, including the Columbia County Bounty Board. Crowell recalled a recent event that happened at Columbia-Greene Community College, where farmers and restaurant owners were looking to find ways to network and mutually benefit from each others’ businesses.
“We think farming has been critical in shaping the landscape of Columbia County.” Crowell said. “Farming is also a cost-effective way to conserve land. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
When asked what they do to ensure these qualities endure, Crowell said that the CLC is the only land trust dedicated solely to protecting the cultural and historical identity of the county.
“Today, the CLC holds conservation easements on more than 20,000 acres of privately owned land, manages 2,000 acres of public conservation areas and offers environmental education to more than 3,500 children and adults each year,” Crowell said. “We have earned a national reputation in the land trust community for the quality and effectiveness of our work.”
“I think the support we’ve received from the business community for our work makes sense,” Paden said. “With a staff of 15 people and a budget of $1.3 million, we’re regarded as one of the most professionally operated land trust organizations for our size, depth and for the level of resources we provide.”
Last year, Jenny Brinker, CLC’s environmental educator, presented 217 programs to schools throughout Columbia County. One such program was Hudson High School’s “Snapshot Day” in which science classes collected data from the Hudson River and measured the health of the river.
Programs provided to the school districts are free of charge and provide children with alternatives to paid programs such as Nature’s Classroom. They also take Head-Start children to sheep-herding farms and on apple-picking excursions at no cost.
“We have not charged a penny to schools — not even for transportation costs,” Paden said. “All of our educational programs come from our budgets and from local contributors.”
In addition to the school programs, CLC presents programs at senior citizen homes and has created a trail system that makes trails accessible for wheelchairs. The CLC also purchased three alternative wheelchairs that were crafted for outdoor trail use. “We want to make it possible for people from all walks of life and areas and abilities to be able to experience the outdoors,” Paden said.
With seven conservation areas of approximately 1,700 acres, CLC essentially provides a free park service that offers people land to enjoy. It also has a landscape architect, Ellen Jouret Epstein, who does community planning and resources for free — or close to free — using Smart Growth concepts that are consistent with the CLC landscape principles.
The CLC receives its funding almost entirely through donations from the Columbia County community. Almost nothing comes from state or local grants.
“If the business community knows what we’re doing they’ll want to support us because this is more than just economic impact — it’s about [the] cultural and social fabric of the community,” Paden said. “I think Columbia County is a spectacular place to be doing this kind of work. It’s incredibly rich in conservation value. It’s not wilderness — it’s a working landscape.”
During a recent interview with Paden and Tom Crowell, director of Outreach and Resource Development, they said CLC was nominated because of the valuable contributions it brings to Columbia County.
“I think we were nominated because we’re a conservation organization that’s been operating for 23 years,” Paden said. “We’re trying to ensure that the things that make our county the spectacular place it is to live and work will remain. We believe that it’s possible to preserve the valuable open space and scenic farmland in our county and that if we make that a priority, Columbia County will remain the scenic treasure it is for generations to come.”
There is no other land conservancy agency quite like CLC. With the amount of open space in Columbia County, CLC works with numerous agencies and landowners to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat and rural character of the county and to strengthen connections between people and the land.
Both Paden and Crowell have been with the organization for many years. Having grown up in Minnesota and Iowa, Paden’s rural roots and early appreciation for the environment took him into an environmental law practice of more than 30 years in New York City. Paden has been on the CLC board for 30 years and became director of the organization two years ago.
Ten years ago, Crowell joined CLC after having worked for environmental non-profits. Like many of the CLC staff, Crowell sits on several committees throughout the county, including the Columbia County Bounty Board. Crowell recalled a recent event that happened at Columbia-Greene Community College, where farmers and restaurant owners were looking to find ways to network and mutually benefit from each others’ businesses.
“We think farming has been critical in shaping the landscape of Columbia County.” Crowell said. “Farming is also a cost-effective way to conserve land. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
When asked what they do to ensure these qualities endure, Crowell said that the CLC is the only land trust dedicated solely to protecting the cultural and historical identity of the county.
“Today, the CLC holds conservation easements on more than 20,000 acres of privately owned land, manages 2,000 acres of public conservation areas and offers environmental education to more than 3,500 children and adults each year,” Crowell said. “We have earned a national reputation in the land trust community for the quality and effectiveness of our work.”
“I think the support we’ve received from the business community for our work makes sense,” Paden said. “With a staff of 15 people and a budget of $1.3 million, we’re regarded as one of the most professionally operated land trust organizations for our size, depth and for the level of resources we provide.”
Last year, Jenny Brinker, CLC’s environmental educator, presented 217 programs to schools throughout Columbia County. One such program was Hudson High School’s “Snapshot Day” in which science classes collected data from the Hudson River and measured the health of the river.
Programs provided to the school districts are free of charge and provide children with alternatives to paid programs such as Nature’s Classroom. They also take Head-Start children to sheep-herding farms and on apple-picking excursions at no cost.
“We have not charged a penny to schools — not even for transportation costs,” Paden said. “All of our educational programs come from our budgets and from local contributors.”
In addition to the school programs, CLC presents programs at senior citizen homes and has created a trail system that makes trails accessible for wheelchairs. The CLC also purchased three alternative wheelchairs that were crafted for outdoor trail use. “We want to make it possible for people from all walks of life and areas and abilities to be able to experience the outdoors,” Paden said.
With seven conservation areas of approximately 1,700 acres, CLC essentially provides a free park service that offers people land to enjoy. It also has a landscape architect, Ellen Jouret Epstein, who does community planning and resources for free — or close to free — using Smart Growth concepts that are consistent with the CLC landscape principles.
The CLC receives its funding almost entirely through donations from the Columbia County community. Almost nothing comes from state or local grants.
“If the business community knows what we’re doing they’ll want to support us because this is more than just economic impact — it’s about [the] cultural and social fabric of the community,” Paden said. “I think Columbia County is a spectacular place to be doing this kind of work. It’s incredibly rich in conservation value. It’s not wilderness — it’s a working landscape.”
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