New York Program
People in New York State have a long tradition of connection with the land and a long history of conservation. Over 90 land trusts work in New York, preserving farmland, forests, rivers, mountains, lakes, trails, gardens, parks and preserves. Land trusts work in every region of New York: from Chautauqua County in the west all the way east to Fisher’s Island and from the northern Adirondacks south to New York City. The lands they protect are essential as our climate changes and provide fresh food, clean water and air, wildlife habitat and opportunities for recreation and tourism.
Thanks to the dedication of these land trusts’ staff, board members and volunteers, New York stands out as a national leader in land conservation. According to the most recent land trust census, as of 2015, New York land trusts have protected over 2.7M acres.
Yet, New York’s landscapes remain vulnerable. Rising land prices are intensifying development pressure. At the same time, pollution and climate change threaten to disrupt natural systems. Changes in political support could undermine land trusts’ work, even as they strive to respond to these challenges. The Alliance’s New York program aims to strengthen land trusts so they can continue protecting the legacy of the land in New York. This work is centered in a service center model with the support and guidance of the New York Advisory Board.
New York staff:
Meme Hanley, New York Senior Program Manager
mhanley@lta.org | 518-587-6436
Katrina Howey, Grants Management Specialist
khowey@lta.org | 518-587-0932
Joanne Hamilton, Northeast Program Associate
jhamilton@lta.org | 518-587-0774
Programs in New York
The Alliance plays a unique and important role in New York, as the service center for the land trust community. Guided by the New York Advisory Board, the New York program provides grant funding, supports accreditation efforts, offers training and advocates for state-level policies that support land conservation.
- Grants: The New York State Conservation Partnership Program provides grants to help New York land trusts prepare for accreditation, build professional capacity, strengthen community partnerships, accelerate land conservation, and implement best business practices.
- Advocacy: The New York State Policy Program strives to advance policies at the state level that support land trusts’ shared conservation goals.
- Monthly Calls and Lunch & Learns: We host regular calls and webinars featuring local and national experts on a variety of topics important in New York. Check back regularly and sign up for emails for updates.
- Annual Conference: We are proud to host the annual New York Land Conservation Conference for professionals, volunteers, agency staff and conservation allies from across the state. Learn more about the 2020 New York Land Conservation Conference here.
- New York Advisory Board: Leaders from across the conservation community volunteer their time as individuals to help the Alliance address land trust needs and emerging issues.