Westchester Land Trust Receives Grant from Rusticus Garden Club

The Westchester Land Trust (WLT) recently received a $1,500 grant from the Bedford-based Rusticus Garden Club. This grant will underwrite a summer internship at WLT responsible for developing Meadow Management Plans at several of the organization’s Preserves in the area including the Tom Burke Preserve in Bedford, as well as the Frederick P. Rose Preserve and the Pine Croft Meadow (pictured) Preserve in Lewisboro.

From grasses to goldenrods, beetles to blue birds -- many plants and animals call meadows “home.” Meadows, like the ones at the Tom Burke Preserve, Frederick P. Rose Preserve and the Pine Croft Meadow Preserve, are one of the most threatened habitats in our area. They were once more common, but they have been in constant decline since the First and Second World Wars as many meadows have naturally turned into forests while the rest have been developed.

According to Tate Bushell, WLT’s Director of Stewardship, “Meadows play an important role in the larger ecosystem by providing shelter for animals that have specialized in open habitats such as moths, butterflies, and ground nesting birds. Wood cocks use meadows for their mating rituals, turtles often nest in meadows with loamy and sandy soils, and raptors of all sorts hunt in meadows for food.” Meadows also support a wide array of insects due to the bountiful food supply. For example, preliminary research has identified the declining Baltimore checkerspot butterfly at the Pine Croft Meadow Preserve. And, the wide array of wildflowers that grow amongst the grasses welcome native bees and flies which buttress the entire ecosystem through their tireless pollination.

Needless to say, having meadows nearby is not just beneficial for the flora and fauna that occupy them, but for ourselves and the community as well. The flowers and wild grasses provide clean air by removing the pollutants through photosynthesis. Additionally, meadows provide wonderful passive recreation opportunities and scenic views for visitors looking to relax, take photos, or just connect with nature.

In 2015, WLT’s staff will embark on an extensive Meadow Management Project at the aforementioned three preserves. The land management decisions that will eventually lead to the growth of these ecosystems will be informed by comprehensive Meadow Management Plans. These Plans will be drafted, under the supervision of WLT staff, by undergraduate student intern Kristen Gamboa (pictured).

“Rusticus is thrilled to sponsor an intern at Westchester Land Trust for the summer of 2015. This is the second year we have sponsored an intern there, and we are particularly excited about WLT’s plans for this summer’s intern; developing meadow management plans for three WLT preserves. Meadows are a disappearing part of our landscape. By developing plans for the future, WLT is providing ecological and aesthetic benefits for the community to enjoy,” said Cathy Biddle, Rusticus Garden Club President. “We believe the work of the intern echoes the mission of Rusticus; we believe that experiential education is essential to the field environmental studies and conservation.”

Founded in 1988, WLT works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity, and to protect and enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam County. WLT’s conservation efforts impact the long term health of these communities through protection of watershed areas, air quality, and food supply. In total, WLT has approximately 7,500 acres of open space including more than 660 acres of preserves owned by the organization.