For Landsakes

     Landscapes for Landsake is a much anticipated date on Washington County's yearly calendar. It's an art show and sale held  Columbus Day weekend at Maple Ridge's barn near Cambridge. The Agricultural Stewardship Association sponsors the event with proceeds supporting their farmland protection efforts. Last fall's exhibition featured nearly 600 works by 58 artists with over  $84,000 in sales split evenly between ASA and the artists.
     For those who can't wait till October, Crandall Library in Glens Falls is currently hosting a mini-version of the Landscapes show. It's in the upstairs gallery and features 21 paintings by eleven artists. Maybe some of them will be at a reception for the exhibit on Thursday evening, February 21 from 6 to 8 pm.

ASA image

     According to their fall newsletter, ASA has conserved over 20,000 acres of farm and forestland and hopes to protect another 4000 acres this year. By raising money locally thru their Forever Farmland Campaign they can leverage up to $7.5 million in state and federal funds. The land trust will then use that to buy easements that save farmland from development. Find out more about this worthwhile organization here.

MORE GOOD NEWS... 

     - A group in Cambridge hopes to create a community forest on the edge of the village. The land would be used for education, recreation and low impact forestry. Find more about their plan here.

White Creek runs along the base of the hill at the far end of the field. I believe the community forest would be on the wooded slopes and beyond.

     - In Fort Ann the site of a July 8,1777 Revolutionary War skirmish has been preserved and plans are underway to create a Battle Hill historical park.

A plaque along Rt. 4 marks the site

     - More bird habitat has recently been protected near Fort Edward. During the summer, New York State bought 180 acres from Merrilyn Pulver to add to the Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area. Then, towards the end of the year, the Friends of the Important Bird Area received a state grant to purchase another 64 acres.

     - The Leeming Jelliffe Preserve was opened in September of 2018. This 33 acre Huletts Landing property features a short hike to a viewpoint across Lake George. It was a project of the Lake George Land Conservancy.

LGLC photo

     - The Saddles State Forest is located on the ridge between Whitehall and South Bay. Access to the 2471 acre parcel is off Rt. 4 south of the village. Wildlife habitat, ponds and cliffs. Wouldn't it be great if there was a trail from here along the crest of the range to Fort Ann's Battle Hill Park. Maybe someday.

     - The Battenkill Conservancy has received several donations of property in the last few years. The Schmidt Meadow Preserve consists of 10.8 acres along the river in the town of Jackson while the Rexleigh Marble Mill is a historic structure just upstream from the covered bridge in the town of Salem. It was given by the Oakley family.
   
     

Conservancy photo

     Places are always evolving, always changing. Sometimes they even change for the better! We can all be grateful for the generosity and hard work that went into saving these lands for present and future generations to enjoy.

     Bonus: Here's a link to Woody singing this post's theme song.