October 2004: Lima Township (Washtenaw) landowner Isabelle Joy Yingling and local community-supported agriculture operation Community Farm of Ann Arbor, who each played key roles in a 10-year project to protect 10 acres of prime organic farmland, were named co-winners of the Washtenaw Land Trust's Preservationist of the Year Award at the nonprofit's annual fall dinner Tuesday night. The annual award is given to persons who substantially advance the cause of land preservation.

"Isabelle Joy Yingling and the Community Farm are to be commended for their vision and determination in protecting this farmland," said Jim Crowfoot, WLT Board Member and long-time supporter of this project. "They have stepped up to ensure that this land will remain as productive farmland or open space forever. We salute them for their vision, persistence, and hard work in completing this project."

The farm property was protected through a conservation easement that was purchased by the Washtenaw Land Trust. Funds for this project, which was valued at $50,000, have been raised by the members and supporters of both the Community Farm of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw Land Trust. Both groups will continue to work together to raise the remainder of the funds for the project (approximately $14,000.) The conservation easement placed on the property restricts its future use to agriculture or open space.

Also at the annual fall dinner, Washtenaw Land Trust hosted keynote speaker Dean Rosina M. Bierbaum of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment. Her speech, "Local Land Trusts: Global Context," highlighted the roles that land trusts can play in mitigating global environmental stresses and in maintaining sustainable ecosystems.

About the Washtenaw Land Trust:
The Washtenaw Land Trust is a non-profit organization that works to protect farmland, natural areas and open space throughout Washtenaw County and the surrounding region, and to educate members, local officials and the public on land use issues.

For more information, contact the Washtenaw Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND(5263).