BkC Board Members at the NYS Conservation Partnership Program Awards
Battenkill Conservancy Flowing Smoothly as It Prepares to Bring In a Part Time Executive Director
The Battenkill Conservancy (or BkC) was one of six state wide land trusts awarded a professional development grant under the NYS Conservation Partnership Program and administered by the Land Trust Alliance out of Saratoga Springs. The Professional Development grants are one of the LTA's most competitive programs, open by invitation only to organizations that pass an initial pre-screening.
Despite BkC's long term roots in the conservation community, the organization has never had a staffed position and instead has relied on the strength of its volunteer board members and part time contracted help. Vice Chair, Lilly Lack felt strongly that it was time for BkC to make the leap to a professionally staffed organization to ensure its long term sustainability. Lack noted that "BkC's organizational strength has been rebuilt over the past five years thanks to dedicated board members and the support of the community; it is our obligation to the public that the momentum is maintained and that we hand over a strong organization to the next generation of watershed keepers."
The grant which covers a two year period will assist in the process of hiring permanent staff who will be responsible to execute BkC's plans and drive the pace of its land conservation program. Assemblywoman, Carrie Woerner commented that "the award will enable their organization to continue to preserve some of the most valued open spaces in our region. This award is certainly a reflection of their tireless efforts and notable accomplishments.”
Lorraine Merghart Ballard, a board member and active in the grant writing process, said when notified of the award, "It's wonderful that BkC's collective efforts to date were recognized and that we are moving forward; now we have to execute and deliver".
As part of that effort, BkC's nine member board of directors is busy planning its signature event, The Battenkill Runs Through It Beach, Music & Food Festival. The annual festival was created in 2011 as an area-wide celebration to promote greater public awareness of the river, the 2.2 acre town beach and to provide outreach for Battenkill Conservancy's mission of preserving and enhancing the Battenkill watershed.
It seems to have worked in that this year's event will feature five bands and DJ Dave Michaels of W-EXT's 97.7, The Local 518 along with the Battenkill Picnic Plate offering quality food; auction prizes from Orvis to original art; kayak and canoe rides and the presentation of the Battenkill Community Citizen Award. Tickets are $12 tickets for adults with discounts for groups and children and include all food, music and activities. To purchase tickets in advance email BkC@battenkillconservancy.org or visit www.battenkillconservancy.org for more information. The festival takes place on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from Noon to 6pm at the Greenwich Town Beach, just north of the Village on State Route 29.
Despite BkC's long term roots in the conservation community, the organization has never had a staffed position and instead has relied on the strength of its volunteer board members and part time contracted help. Vice Chair, Lilly Lack felt strongly that it was time for BkC to make the leap to a professionally staffed organization to ensure its long term sustainability. Lack noted that "BkC's organizational strength has been rebuilt over the past five years thanks to dedicated board members and the support of the community; it is our obligation to the public that the momentum is maintained and that we hand over a strong organization to the next generation of watershed keepers."
The grant which covers a two year period will assist in the process of hiring permanent staff who will be responsible to execute BkC's plans and drive the pace of its land conservation program. Assemblywoman, Carrie Woerner commented that "the award will enable their organization to continue to preserve some of the most valued open spaces in our region. This award is certainly a reflection of their tireless efforts and notable accomplishments.”
Lorraine Merghart Ballard, a board member and active in the grant writing process, said when notified of the award, "It's wonderful that BkC's collective efforts to date were recognized and that we are moving forward; now we have to execute and deliver".
As part of that effort, BkC's nine member board of directors is busy planning its signature event, The Battenkill Runs Through It Beach, Music & Food Festival. The annual festival was created in 2011 as an area-wide celebration to promote greater public awareness of the river, the 2.2 acre town beach and to provide outreach for Battenkill Conservancy's mission of preserving and enhancing the Battenkill watershed.
It seems to have worked in that this year's event will feature five bands and DJ Dave Michaels of W-EXT's 97.7, The Local 518 along with the Battenkill Picnic Plate offering quality food; auction prizes from Orvis to original art; kayak and canoe rides and the presentation of the Battenkill Community Citizen Award. Tickets are $12 tickets for adults with discounts for groups and children and include all food, music and activities. To purchase tickets in advance email BkC@battenkillconservancy.org or visit www.battenkillconservancy.org for more information. The festival takes place on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from Noon to 6pm at the Greenwich Town Beach, just north of the Village on State Route 29.