Success Stories

One of the primary goals of the DLC is to preserve natural resources: the forests that give off oxygen and store the carbon we produce, the farmland where our food is grown, the open land that offers us opportunities for outdoor recreation, the waterways and wetlands that carry and filter our drinking water, and scenic views that inspire our lives. We work with landowners to conserve large, interconnected, unfragmented landscapes that protect biodiversity, viable ecosystems and wildlife populations, and facilitate their movement and adaptation in the face of climate change. When landowners make the connection between their property and the adjoining larger landscape, and combine this with their preservation goals, the result is a well-thought-out plan for the land that benefits the landowner, the community and the rural and natural environment.

We’re so proud to share stories of people who prioritize this connection and protected their land and its resources for the benefit of us all.

A Partnership to Acquire Land for the Public

A site of impressive ecological, geological, and historical importance, the Dover Stone Church is a well-known landmark in Dutchess County and surrounding areas. When the DLC and the Town of Dover were notified that the property, consisting of 58 acres within walking distance of the Village of Dover Plains, was going to be sold, the DLC and the Town began laying plans to protect it. With unique natural, cultural, and historic resources that could benefit many, this was an opportunity to preseve land for public use.

Rising out of a deep rooted and meaningful legacy of conservation, Obercreek Farm’s current day operations and land protection efforts reflect the intention of the Reese family to continue their responsible stewardship of the land.

On a winding road in Pine Plains, leading up to a sweeping view of Stissing Mountain, a couple has steadfastly worked to return a sense of history to their house not on a hill.

Bennett Park In 2018, after a career that spanned twenty-one starts, Mind Your Biscuits retired as the all-time New York-bred earning horse. The thoroughbred raced at some of horse racing’s greatest venues – Belmont Park, Churchhill Downs, Saratoga – to a record of seven wins, eight seconds, and three thirds. A quick sprinter, Mind Your Biscuits won three New York-bred titles from 2016 to 2018 and is widely regarded as one of the best-ever short-distance racers. This stellar champion’s life began on March 14, 2013 right here in Dutchess County when he was foaled at Cedar Ridge Farm in Pine Plains.

Bennett Park
A public park in Millbrook now stands on the lands of the former Bennett College, forever preserved by the Dutchess Land Conservancy.

The DLC expands the beloved Dover Stone Church Preserve with the addition of the Seven Wells property.

While her property is first and foremost considered a farm to owner Betsy Speeter, the DLC became aware that the property constitutes 25 percent of the Village of Pine Plain’s designated wellhead protection zone. It was clear that this land, with its nearly 40 acres of wetlands that play a crucial role in water quality protection, should be preserved. Development of the land in the wrong way could lead to potential pollution of the Village’s water system.

How the Farmer-Landowner Match Program is increasing awareness and options for landowners and farmers.

by Karin Roux

When people talk about what makes them feel connected to this area, they invariably speak of the landscape, especially a love for the open farmland that lies distinctly nestled between forests, wetlands, mountains, and rivers. Whether used as pasture for cattle or horses, corn or hay fields, vegetable rows or fruit orchards, these open farm fields create the distinctive and beloved patchwork landscape of the Dutchess County that we all know and love. But, speak to anyone who has known the county for a decade or more, and you will also hear a growing concern that there are fewer farm fields, and fewer fields which actually produce food.

“If we …dedicate ourselves to the long-term stewardship of this marvelous countryside, we will not only do a service to ourselves and each other, but to future generations.” — Chauncey D. Stillman (1907-1989)

From almost any vantage point at Wethersfield, the views encompass hundreds of acres of land under conservation. Thanks to the dedication of many individuals, significant land holdings in Amenia, Northeast, and Pine Plains have been protected. Chauncey D. Stillman would be so gratified.

In a year without parties, Georgina Schaeffer visits with one of the driving forces of the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s events to find that the show will most definitely go on.