March 2005: The Washtenaw Land Trust announces its most recent completed project: the preservation of 18 acres of land in Freedom Township. This project, the Washtenaw Land Trust's 36th protected property, brings Washtenaw Land Trust's total protected acreage to 1,708 acres.

Theresa Schenk, Washtenaw Land Trust's volunteer board president, and her husband, Karl, donated a conservation easement on this land to the Washtenaw Land Trust. The conservation easement will permanently protect the historic woodlot on the 150-year old family farm where the Schenk family has lived for seven generations.

"This is a milestone for the Washtenaw Land Trust and will be a beacon for others," said Maureen Martin, Washtenaw Land Trust Board member and Projects Chair. "Theresa and Karl's commitment tells a wonderful story about history and future."

The conservation easement placed on the property allows for open space and agricultural uses. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a land trust that preserves the conservation values of the land by restricting the scope of development on the property, while keeping the property in private hands. Through the donation of a conservation easement, a landowner can take personal action to retain the inherent values of their land and may qualify for certain tax benefits.

The Washtenaw Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that works to protect farmland and natural areas throughout Washtenaw County and the surrounding region. For more information, visit www.washtenawlandtrust.org, or contact the Washtenaw Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND(5263).

Washtenaw Land Trust
info@washtenawlandtrust.org
734-302-LAND(5263)