Mission
In cooperation with public and private interests, The East Lyme Land Trust, Inc., protects and manages lands of significant natural resource, agricultural, cultural and open space value. Our members recognize the importance of East Lyme and Niantic as an area of great natural resources, scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage.
Vision
We see a future where the beauty and ecosystems of the wild and working forests, the coastline and the region’s rich farming heritage are preserved forever. We lovingly care for open space with the help of a supportive community and see these efforts as a gift this generation makes to future generations.
We will support our vision through a variety of strategies including:
Work with landowners, resource agencies and other conservation organizations, to preserve open space.
Perform conservation activities that will result in improved health of the vital watersheds and water resources and ecosystems of East Lyme and Niantic.
Conduct conservation activities that will provide opportunities for people to directly experience the diverse landscapes of our area. Promoting scientific study and public education about natural resources such as plants, animals, birds and wildlife.
Create and maintain easement monitoring programs, land management practices, and landowner partnerships that will be considered among the best in the State.
Develop and sustain a robust financial reserve that ensures that we can continue to provide excellent stewardship of our lands in perpetuity and will be able to move quickly to acquire key parcels when opportunities arise.
We will support our vision through a variety of strategies including:
Work with landowners, resource agencies and other conservation organizations, to preserve open space.
Perform conservation activities that will result in improved health of the vital watersheds and water resources and ecosystems of East Lyme and Niantic.
Conduct conservation activities that will provide opportunities for people to directly experience the diverse landscapes of our area. Promoting scientific study and public education about natural resources such as plants, animals, birds and wildlife.
Create and maintain easement monitoring programs, land management practices, and landowner partnerships that will be considered among the best in the State.
Develop and sustain a robust financial reserve that ensures that we can continue to provide excellent stewardship of our lands in perpetuity and will be able to move quickly to acquire key parcels when opportunities arise.
Details
Incorporated in 1971, the East Lyme Land Trust, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) organization as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and also is a qualified nonprofit organization as such terms is defined in Section 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Currently 857 acres are owned by the organization, all of which are open to appropriate public use.
Currently 857 acres are owned by the organization, all of which are open to appropriate public use.
Board
Ron Luich, President, Board of Directors
Retired from business he started, Multi Engineering degrees, Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
"As a sports fisherman and scout leader I have always been concerned with protecting the land and water supply system. I see being part of the East Lyme Land Trust as a means to be actively involved in the bigger picture of preserving our streams and lands for our grandchildren's use."
Sandy Olbrys, Treasurer/Secretary
"Started at Electric Boat as a pipefitter. Progressed up the ladder to clerical and as computers entered into the workplace I became the computer specialist on three different computer systems for the Navy. Left EB to care for my sick husband and ended up retiring. Early on we had moved to Voluntown because of our love of the forest. Moved to East Lyme where I work with Red Cross and became involved with the East Lyme Land Trust as Treasurer. Love the forest, fishing and sailing on the sound."
Board Members
Arthur Carlson, Chairman, Natural Resource Commission (East Lyme) - formally East Lyme
Conservation Commission
Board of Director “Friends of Samuel Smith House” historical homestead
Steve Harney, Land Developer, Past Member East Lyme Board of Finance
Tom Migdalski, Director of Club Sports and the Outdoor Education Center at Yale University, Master of Science degree in outdoor recreation and college teaching, freelance outdoor writer and photographer, and active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA).
"Since 1984, as the director of the 1,800-acre Yale Outdoor Education Center in East Lyme, an expansive woodland tract with public-access hiking trails surrounding a pristine mile-long lake, I'm concerned with preserving open, green space that provides protected areas for fish and wildlife habitat and conservation, as well as the land's role as a major watershed and aquifer for our town."
