Featured Guest Speaker:  Jon Leibowitz

“Why Wilderness”

Jon Leibowitz is the Executive Director of the Northeast Wilderness Trust, located in Montpelier, VT. He earned a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School. Prior to his time at Northeast Wilderness Trust, he was the Executive Director of the Montezuma Land Conservancy in Cortez, Colorado. During his time in Colorado, he protected over 13,000 acres of farms, ranches, and habitat for species such as elk and Gunnison sage-grouse. He lives in Middlesex, VT with his wife and son. He serves on the board of Vermont Parks Forever.

Jon’s presentation, titled ‘Why Wilderness’ will focus on the unique type of conservation employed by Northeast Wilderness Trust – called forever-wild – and the partnership with Friends of the Wapack, which has resulted in the protection of nearly 2,000 acres along the Wapack Trail. Specifically, the presentation will discuss why protecting more of New England’s forests as forever-wild is one of the most effective tools we have to combat the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity collapse. Jon will also provide an update on the Sawtelle Addition campaign, which will add 47 acres to the Binney Hill Preserve, protect Binney Pond and a key section of the Wapack Trail!

Please join us for our 2019 Annual Meeting. We hope to see you there! Everyone is welcome!

Agenda:

9:00 AM: Hike (optional) Join us on a morning hike to the Sawtelle Addition to the Binney Hill Preserve, with views of Binney Pond. Meet at 9:00 AM at the NewWest Mall on Routes 123/124 in New Ipswich, NH. We will car pool from there to Binney Hill Rd. where there is limited parking. For details contact Lee Baker (603) 525-5262 or email Lee at snowman3137@gmail.com.

Noon: Informal “bring-your-own” lunch at Sharon Meeting House. The Friends will provide beverages and light desserts. Bring a dessert to share if you like.

1:00 PM: Speaker Jon Leibowitz, followed by  Friends of the Wapack business meeting with highlights from this year and election of officers.                         

Yes, there will be door prizes!