Don't forget the people like me
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I do not fit the profile of the traditional land trust supporter. And truth to say, when I came to the Land Trust Alliance nearly two decades ago I didn't actually know exactly what a land trust was.
Marilyn Ayres is the outgoing chief operating and financial officer of the Land Trust Alliance.
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I do not fit the profile of the traditional land trust supporter.
I choose to live in the city — albeit in Washington, D.C. with its liberal green space and abundant parks — and I confess that I am more inclined to a meander in the woods than a strenuous hike up a mountain. And truth to say, when I came to the Land Trust Alliance nearly two decades ago I didn't actually know exactly what a land trust was. I believed that conservation was a priority and was intrigued by the idea of a network of organizations helping prevent the kind of indiscriminate development that resulted in so many of the family farms, woodlands and pristine streams that were so special in my childhood being paved over.
But as I came to know the passionate, creative, innovative and profoundly optimistic board and staff members of land trusts of all shapes and sizes, I developed a deep and abiding respect for all you do for your communities.
I am continually amazed by how well the Alliance and its member land trusts leverage the never-sufficient resources to ensure the permanence of their conservation. I am grateful for being given the opportunity to help develop programs and services to help you grow stronger and more sustainable. In my early days at the Alliance, I didn't have the imagination to foresee all that the organization, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Terrafirma and the land trust community would achieve together. And I believe that you have just gotten started.
As I step down as chief operating and financial officer of the Alliance, I would like to leave you with one thought: As land trusts work to broaden and deepen support for their critical work and to ensure that the benefits of conservation accrue to all, please don't forget the people like me that might not otherwise find their way to your land trust. There are a lot of us — and we share your values. We care about clean air and water, believe in food that is locally and sustainably grown, and cherish natural places that feed the body and spirit.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special community and for all you do for communities across the country.