Westchester and Putnam Land Trusts Protect Nature Preserve in Southeast

SOUTHEAST, NY — The 81-acre Garden Recreational Preserve is now permanently protected thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the Putnam County Land Trust and the Westchester Land Trust.

Named in honor of the family that generously donated the property, the Preserve has been owned by PCLT and managed as a public sanctuary since 2014. In early October 2016, 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.

The Garden Recreational Preserve is the eighth joint preservation project completed by WLT and PCLT.

“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.”

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 Westchester Land Trust’s President, Lori J. Ensinger.

One of the first land trusts in the nation to be accredited, Westchester Land Trust stewards nearly 200 easements on over 5,300 acres spread throughout Westchester and eastern Putnam Counties. PCLT’s preserves cover more than 1100 acres, and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, along with other forms of passive recreation. For more information on the Garden Recreational Preserve, click here.

PHOTO/ Steven Mattson