Hello from the Land Trust for Louisiana. We hope you and yours are well and finding inspiration and grace during these trying times. Our deepest condolences and support go out to our friends and supporters who are sick, lonely, or have lost loved ones to Covid-19.
Today marks the 50th year of Earth Day, a day celebrated by a billion people across the globe. It was started in the U.S. by a group of folks concerned about the toll unbridled development was taking on the environment. From their actions came a heightened awareness of the importance of balancing conservation and growth and that same year our most impactful environmental laws – the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act – were passed with bipartisan support. As we commemorate this important day, we’re reminded of the sanctity of wild and beautiful places. Places where – although we are currently advised to keep our distance from each other – we can freely commune with nature and immerse ourselves in the peace and comfort it brings.
Despite the pandemic, we are gratefully able to continue the urgent job of conserving land. Land conservation is, after all, a low contact sport! Staff is currently making headway on many projects – facilitating the restoration of unique longleaf pine forests, helping improve water quality on Northshore dairy farms, and protecting special places across the state. Read about these exciting projects on our website. Your support over the last year has made the continuation of this work possible – THANK YOU! We are also deep into the (re) accreditation cycle, an event that happens every five years. An accredited land trust is held to an exceptional level of performance. We’re confident about the outcome and invite you to provide input to this important process.
I’m sad to report that our signature events – the Conservation Cup and our Annual Meeting – aren’t going to be possible this spring. We’ll keep you informed as a date for these events becomes clear. We are going to miss seeing you and celebrating our accomplishments! It is always so inspiring to be with folks who love us and love what we are doing!
During this time of year, nature’s anthem of hope after a dark season can be seen and heard everywhere. Trees are budding, birds are chirping and life is regenerating. We hope you’ll find regeneration in Louisiana’s special places. Please click below to find information about some natural areas where you can amble the day away, including on our own conservation properties. You’ll also find a downloadable Nature’s Treasure Hunt that’s lots of fun to do with the kids. We encourage you to get outside if you are able. Hug a tree! Hug your family (or your quarantine buddy)!
And remember that in nature there is connection.
Thank you as always for your support of nature and the very meaningful work of conserving Louisiana – for you, for me, forever.
Be well,
Cindy Brown
