Board of Directors
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The Bethlehem Land Trust is a private, tax-exempt nonprofit 501c3 organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We are dedicated to the conservation of open space, agricultural land, forests, water resources, and native plant and animal life, all of which contribute to the rural character of our community.
The Bethlehem Land Trust is funded entirely by the generosity of individuals and businesses in the area that share an appreciation of the unique character of our town and wish to ensure it remains unspoiled. Currently, less than five percent of Bethlehem's land is preserved. You can help increase the extent of protected land by joining our efforts, or by preserving land you own. |
Key Documents |
Board MembersChris Armentano
Walter Brackett Mark Cantin Shane Collett Emily Eisen Beverly Mosch Mark Miller Vera Rosa Annalise Perricone |
The Old Road at the Bellamy Preserve
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The Bethlehem Land Trust's StoryIn the late 1970s, Bethlehem resident Caroline Ferriday began to consider the future of her beloved "Bellamy Woods" in her estate plan. Her friend Margaret Langlois convinced her that a group of Bethlehem citizens should be organized to take ownership of and steward the property, which would become the Bellamy Preserve. Meanwhile, Miss Ferriday leased 81 acres of field and forest to The Nature Conservancy to oversee stewardship activities until the Bethlehem Land Trust became established.
In November 1979, the Bethlehem Land Trust was organized and incorporated by Roger and Susan Branson, Margaret Langlois, Jerry Caires, Norah Risley, William Anthony, Bernard Barnes, Robert Hanahan and Cynthia Rabinowitz. In 1980, the Land Trust achieved tax-exempt status and had 32 charter members. In the years since, other properties were gifted and eased to the Trust. Although our funds have remained modest, with the help of our members and the community we have been able to purchase two important properties. In 2004-2007, the Land Trust purchased the environmentally sensitive Two Rivers Preserve (11 acres) on Guilds Hollow Road, and in 2012, we purchased the 31 acre Canfield Preserve, a beautiful and ecologically diverse woodland riddled with vernal streams and bisected by Wood Creek. In addition, BLT purchased the Bergmen Preserve located on Magnolia Hill Rd. and is adjacent to the Swendsen Preserve owned by the Town of Bethlehem. In the future there will be trails on the Bergman Preserve that will connect to the Swendsen Preserve. Like four of our other properties, ( Bellamy-Ferriday, Two Rivers, Long Horizons Preserve and the Canfield Preserve) the Bergman Preserve will be open to the public for passive recreation along trails on the property. Two significant easements that BLT holds are the Pratt Preserve and Arrowhead Farm that are preserved for the future. These properties are not open to the public for hiking. Bethlehem Land Trust now protects a total of 371 acres in fee (ownership) and easement properties. |
