SBLT Holds Annual Meeting at Wheeler Homestead

On Sunday, July 18 seventeen members of the South Burlington Land Trust gathered at the Wheeler Homestead for the 19th annual meeting. The setting overlooking the fields and woods of the Wheeler Nature Park and the Green Mountains reminded all in attendance of the importance of our work. The group heard a financial report from Treasurer Michael Mittag and a summary of the year's activities. A great deal was accomplished despite the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic and the need to meet remotely. A highlight of the year was doubling the membership to over 200. There was robust participation among SBLT members at City Council and Planning Commission deliberations related to environmental issues over the year. The group elected one new board member, John Bossange, for a three-year term. A highlight of most annual meetings is the awarding of special recognition by the land trust to a South Burlington individual or group of individuals or an organization, who have done something remarkable in the past year to further the mission of the SBLT. This year's award was presented to Steve and Dunia Partilo and the members of the Save Open Space So. Burlington group who mobilized to save the Dorset Meadows parcel, 72 acres of very precious natural habitat on Dorset St. The presentation was followed by an interesting presentation by Brandon Bless, the animal manager at Bread and Butter Farm, who discussed the history of the Farm, the acquisition of the Auclair Farm's additional 375 acres, plans for the future and ways that their farming practices keep the land, crops and animals healthy and sustainable and community-focused. The conservation of the Farm remains a major accomplishment and cause for celebration.