YOURCONSERVE | CARE | CONNECT VALLEYSPRING 2019

WHAT'S INSIDE: Towns Rally to Save Local Farms How Farmland Can Benefit the Birds Holyoke Partnerships for Youth on the Horizon Two New Voices for the Land

It takes dedicated people who care about the Valley to help Kestrel Land Trust build the sustainable future we all want to see. We are pleased to welcome two of these people to our Board of Trustees: BOARD OF TRUSTEES Scott Jackson, Chair  Gordon Clark has been volunteering with Kestrel since Marvin Moriarty, Vice Chair Judi Pierce, Secretary 2013 when he was beginning his masters degree at the Uni- Ralph Tate, Treasurer versity of Amherst. Today he is a civil designer Rosemary Arnold working at Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in the field of Jane Bryden water-resource engineering. With a focus on ecological resto- Gordon Clark ration and climate change, he is an advocate for integrating Ann Hallstein traditional engineering approaches with ecological science Anthony Hill and technology in support of a sustainable future. Jonathan Lash Sarah Matthews Andrew Morehouse  Jonathan Lash has decades of experience with Joan Robb sustainability issues and climate-change advocacy on an Joel Russell international scale. He has served as president of the World Resources Institute, co-chaired President Clinton’s Council STAFF on Sustainable Development, and helped create the U.S. Executive Director: Kristin DeBoer Climate Action Partnership. As past president of Hampshire Director of Operations & Development: College, he worked with Kestrel to protect the College’s land Monica Green on the Mount and became interested in the Conservation & Stewardship Managers: link between land conservation and local agriculture with Paul Gagnon climate change solutions. Chris Volonte Mark Wamsley Communications & Outreach Manager: Kari Blood FROM THE HEART OF THE VALLEY Membership Engagement Coordinator: Marilyn Castriotta Dirt Office Manager:Mary Lou Splain by Tamara Fricke AMERICORPS/TERRACORPS 2018-19 I am not Regional Conservation Coordinator: your English primrose Lee Halasz or precious petunia Land Stewardship Coordinator: in need of shelter Eli Smith Community Engagement Coordinator: on a chilled spring night. Jack Sweeney-Taylor I write Kestrel Land Trust Office: about the garden 284 N. Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002 because I live Mail: PO Box 1016, Amherst, MA 01004 Tamara Fricke is a California native, a Phone: (413) 549-1097 Springfield resident, a hoarder of yarn, in the dirt. a lover of plants, and a total word nerd. When not poeting, she can be found in Like the earthworm the kitchen baking or wandering about I burrow, aerating the local nursery petting flowers. forgotten spaces, Her collection "Our Requiem" can be found on Amazon.com and in Vol. 13 casting about as I go of "Meat For Tea." on with my filthy ways. Publication Design: Seth Gregory Design Printed on 100% recycled paper. 2 Meeting New Communities CONNECT Where They Are LAND TRUSTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE A GROWING challenge. Many of the people who work for, support, or participate in land conservation activities tend to be white, financially secure, and older. Land trusts must make the case for the relevance of protecting land to everyone else, particularly those in neighborhoods and cities that traditionally have less access to the benefits of conservation. Jack Sweeney-Taylor, Kestrel's TerraCorps Community Engagement Coordinator, is helping to address this challenge in Holyoke. With training in community needs assessment provided by the TerraCorps program, Jack is getting to know Students from Dean Tech High School in Holyoke got to know red efts at the existing resources and challenges in the city for youth and the Greenberg Family Conservation Area in Westhampton last year. families, and seeking opportunities to make a difference in their lives. Program Manager, is working with Jack to reach out to nearly a “Having been a teacher in Holyoke, I’ve seen how getting dozen community organizations that serve youth and families about outside can open up curiosity and change perspectives, but potential opportunities for collaboration. These include Boys and it’s hard to plan into the school day,” Jack said. “My service Girls Club of Greater Holyoke and the City itself as part of the state’s project is an opportunity for us to find ways to provide more Greening the Gateway Cities tree-planting program. outdoor time for youth.” “It's been a great value to collaborate with Kestrel on our As a historic "planned industrial" community with a community outreach and program development in Holyoke,” Cass vibrant heritage that includes Irish and Puerto Rican cultures, said. “Our partnership brings more resources, capacity, and innovation Holyoke also faces economic struggles. The average income in than if we were working alone.” These conversations with community downtown Holyoke is $16,000, compared to $53,000 in outer groups have shown there is interest in using outdoor afterschool and neighborhoods. summer camp opportunities to enrich young people's lives, boost Jack’s focus on Holyoke has deepened Kestrel’s prior high school graduation rates, and build leadership skills. partnership with Eagle Eye Institute—a nonprofit organization “There are many opportunities to address social and environmental empowering urban people, especially youth of color, to be challenges,” Jack said. “I’m excited to join Eagle Eye in developing a caretakers of our environment. Cass Pastorelle, Eagle Eye’s model to make land and nature relevant to youth in Holyoke.”

Share a Vision of the Valley to Benefit Urban Youth Outreach PHOTOGRAPHY CAN BE A POWERFUL EXPRESSION OF WHAT WE LOVE. Michael Zide's photography reflects a love for the Pioneer Valley landscape and the creatures that inhabit it. We are pleased to announce that, for a limited time, you may purchase one of his inspiring photographs and support Kestrel’s work with the Eagle Eye Institute at the same time. (See above.) Michael is generously making available for sale a selection of exceptionally high-quality prints from his Pioneer Valley portfolio and will donate 20% of the proceeds to Kestrel Land Trust or Dakin Humane Society. Each 8 ½ x 11 inch archival pigment ink print is made on Moab digital printing paper through the generous contri- bution of the Legion Paper Company. Prints are $155 plus shipping. Visit michaelzidephotography.com to see full size images and order prints.

3 CONSERVE New Partnerships Propel Forever Farmland Initiative PHOTO: RENE THEBERGE PHOTO:

Have you seen "Preserved gion’s heritage. FFI is also increasingly resources, and expertise. Organizations focused on making sure that land for like Kestrel, Mount Grace, Franklin, and Farmland" signs sprouting growing local food is available for popu- Hilltown Land Trusts facilitate farmland along the roadsides? Ever wonder what lations most in need. conservation efforts with landowners, they’re all about? While each sign has its Since its inception, FFI has used Pre- often in collaboration with town gov- own story, all link to the Forever Farm- served Farmland signs to recognize a ernments and Mass. Department of land Initiative (FFI), a partnership of land farmland owner who has sold their Agricultural Resources. Other partners trusts and farming organizations. FFI’s development rights and committed like Community Involved in Sustaining members work to ensure that farmland to use their land only for agriculture— Agriculture (CISA), Equity Trust, and Land and farming endures as part of our re- forever. The signs repre- for Good provide support to keep farmers in sent complex decisions business whether their land is currently by landowners, and the preserved or not. Asparagus Strawberry Salad hard work and resourc- 1 pound fresh asparagus es of land trusts, Making Farmland Available for All Salt and ground black pepper municipalities, As FFI looks ahead, the partnership is 1/4 cup olive oil and government focusing on helping municipalities identi- agencies. The signs fy important farms and agricultural areas, 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice are also meant and fitting that knowledge into a regional 1 Tbs. maple syrup to generate com- strategy for farmland conservation in the 3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar munity support Valley. 8 cups baby spinach or spring greens for preserving Another new focus for FFI is consider- some of the most ing what specific populations are in need 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries cherished—yet and could benefit from the work of land 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pine nuts threatened— trusts in protecting farmland. Conserva- 1/2 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese parts of our landscape. tion “for whom?” is a pressing question, Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Break off tough ends of But FFI is about more as social inequalities can make it nearly asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Toss with a splash of than just signs. It’s a co- impossible for minority, landless poor, olive oil, salt and pepper, then spread asparagus on a baking alition of land trusts and and immigrant communities to start sheet. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still crisp. agricultural advocacy a farm. So, as Kestrel works to conserve Remove from oven and allow to cool. groups thinking creative- land, we are also exploring issues of land In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and ly about how to increase access and food security through the balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. the number of perma- Forever Farmland Initiative, alongside nently protected farms Combine greens, asparagus, and strawberries in a large organizations like All Farmers that specifi- bowl. Add half of the dressing and gently toss. Taste and add in the Pioneer Valley. cally assist marginalized farmers. more dressing if needed. Sprinkle each serving with nuts and Coordinated by Kestrel, All FFI partners aim to collaborate and cheese as desired. the FFI includes partners support each other’s efforts, recognizing we with diverse missions, can do much more when we work together.

4 Towns Rally for CONSERVE Threatened Farmland “My family has farmed this land for generations.” This isn’t an unusual statement to hear in the Pioneer Valley with its long agricultural history that grew out of fertile soils surrounding the . Yet, while small-scale farming is enjoying a bit of a renaissance, today only a small percentage of people are still willing or able to work the land. That's why you’re also likely to hear this: “We can’t do it anymore: We have to sell the farm.” Farmland owners may come to this conclusion for several reasons. For example, the farm no longer provides a reliable income, or a family’s upcoming generation might not have any interest in farming. However, because it’s open and flat, farmland is extremely desirable for housing development. As the population of the Valley increases, so does the pressure to build on fertile farmland. Fortunately, many landowners and communities in the Farms are a vital part of our region's character and economy. Valley understand the importance of preserving their local But Valley farmland is extremely vulnerable to development. farms—not only for growing food, but also for their economies and rural character. Right now, the towns of Hadley and Hatfield are working with Kestrel to save at-risk farmlands on from Farm Credit East, Kestrel will purchase and conserve the both sides of the River that are important to the agricultural majority of the property with an agricultural conservation heritage of their towns. restriction held by the Town. Black Birch Vineyard will then buy the conserved land, ensuring its agricultural future. HATFIELD: Preventing a Domino Effect The Sliwoski Farm in Hatfield includes 26 acres of fields that HADLEY: Subdivisions Closing In On Farmland abut Black Birch Vineyard. When this farmland went up for In North Hadley, the Szala Farm is one of the largest sale, neighboring farmers and town leaders were concerned: unprotected farms left in town. Its 193 acres abut several Losing this land to development could create a domino effect smaller, protected farms in an active agricultural area, as well as on nearby properties, forever changing the area's rural character. Amherst’s Podick and Cole Conservation Areas. It is a certified The Vineyard was concerned about the impact of a subdivision organic farm with 95 acres of statewide important and prime on ground water quality and supply, which they rely on for their soils. The property is valuable for wildlife as well, with woodland grape vines. and wetland areas that are potential habitat for rare species. Fortunately, Massachusetts Chapter 61 tax law provided New residential subdivisions are rapidly closing in around the Town the opportunity to exercise a right of first refusal to this area, and for several years Kestrel and the Town have been purchase the 26-acre property. But Hatfield had to work quickly seeking to conserve this property. Its protection would meet and needed help coordinating funding to buy the land, so they Hadley’s goals of preserving large tracts of agricultural land as reached out to Kestrel. The Town assigned Kestrel the right to well as its rural character. purchase the property, and our team developed a plan. Kestrel is working on a plan to buy and conserve the whole With CPA funding approved by Hatfield voters and a loan farm, in partnership with the Hadley Conservation Commission and Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Town of Amherst, and agricultural enterprises. In May, Hadley Town Support Farmland in Your Town Meeting will vote on whether to appropriate up to $360,000 in Community Preservation Act and other town conservation "Like" our Facebook page to find out when important votes are funds. This public funding is critical to the success of the project. coming up for conservation projects in your town. Then vote YES! Community support is vital to ensure that the Valley's facebook.com/KestrelTrust/ farmland heritage remains part of our region's future.

5 provide birds with places to forage, hunt, CARE and breed. While Kestrel Land Trust helps make many farm conservation projects

PHOTO: JOHN BODY PHOTO: happen, Kestrel doesn’t often own or manage farmland itself. However, the farmland that Kestrel does own typically supports grassy fields that are maintained by mowing after mid-August, to ensure that birds nesting there are undisturbed during their breeding season. Another way Kestrel is influencing the habitat value of farmland for birds is Why Farmland through our Kestrel Nest Box project (see below). In this case the feeding habitat— Is for the Birds farmland—is available, but breeding Kestrel Land Trust helps conserve grass- habitat is limited. By providing nest sites land bird habitat for the Silvio Conte in the form of nest boxes, we can increase National Wildlife Refuge in Hadley. the value of farmland for this species. While it is clear that a variety of birds use farms, science is looking for It’s late March and a male not be “natural” habitat, it has been present further understanding. Researchers at in the Pioneer Valley for centuries, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst American Kestrel has been well before Europeans are studying working his way north arrived. Farmland Birds to Look for on the Farm farmland birds from a winter spent in can mimic natural in the Pioneer grassland habitats Spring: Red-winged Blackbirds, Valley, and the southern states. He is a critical for species Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows the findings masterful navigator, and after flying over like Bobolinks and Summer: Bobolinks, Killdeer, will better the Range, he arrives Eastern Meadowlarks. Savannah Sparrows inform our in the area we know as Hadley. It seems Our vegetable farms, Fall: Palm Warblers, American appreciation, miraculous to us, but he strategically pastures, and hay fields Pipits, Northern Flickers knowledge, returns to a familiar farm field, and spies all complement the Winter: Snow Buntings, Horned and manage- the nest box that he bred in last year. The natural local habitat ment of our Larks, Snowy Owls landscape is as he left it: ready to provide types, bringing greater agricultural for a new generation of kestrel chicks. bird diversity into our landscape.This Wildlife habitats in our area fall into region. In this way, conserving farmland not research may help ensure that farmland the general categories of forest, wetland only benefits human food production, but birds continue to enrich our landscape—­ and farmland. While farmland may with thoughtful management, it can also and our lives.

Caring for Kestrels: The Nest Box Project While there are a variety of reasons for the decline of American Kestrels in Massachusetts, one of them is likely a loss of breeding habitat. Since 2012, Kestrel Land Trust has aimed to address this challenge through our Kestrel Nest Box Project. With community support, Kestrel has has built and installed 20 boxes designed specifically for American Kestrels around the Valley to help increase the species’ local breeding success. The boxes are maintained and monitored every year—work that is supported by our TerraCorps service members and a host of dedicated community volunteers. To date, 92 chicks from these nest boxes have been banded, and the information gathered has been provided to the State Ornithologist to further scientific knowledge. The Kestrel Nest Box project complements our farmland conservation work to help ensure that our namesake bird continues to grace our landscape. Learn more at kestreltrust.org/care/kestrel-nest-box

6 IN THEIR OWN WORDS GIVE BACK Why We Conserve the Valley We Love John & Wendy Sinton are well-known around the Valley for their passion for the Connecticut River. They have also been dedicated supporters of the land for nearly 20 years.

 How long have you lived in the  What about Kestrel Pioneer Valley? John & Wendy SInton Land Trust's mission resonates We were married in Leverett in in Bhutan with your values? 1970, moved away two years later, and Kestrel believes in finding returned to our homeplace in 1999. ways for the community Both the landscape and the deep sense to share its landscapes by of community drew us back. We’ve lived conserving lands that foster many places, but nowhere else has such active and passive recreation pride of place, sense of humor, openness and habitat preservation. to the world, dedication to community, The process is careful and and reverence for education. respectful of property rights. And, of course, we love how it  Where is your favorite outdoor brings us all together. place in the Valley? How do you like to spend time there?  Complete this sentence: That's like asking "who’s your favorite child?" Our favorite "I give to Kestrel Land Trust every year because…" place, naturally, is wherever we’re , biking, skiing, or . . . Kestrel is the beating heart of our conservation community. paddling at that moment!

 What Kestrel programs have you been involved with? Wendy has volunteered to monitor several Kestrel Are YOU a Member? Renew or Join Now! properties, and together we have led public paddling outings kestreltrust.org/give/donate on the Connecticut River for Kestrel.

IN FALL OF 2017, I WAS TAKING A CLASS work party gathered, and with so many VOLUNTEER VOICES that required 15 hours of volunteering with hands, collectively we got loads done. My an environmental non-profit, so I checked job, with my girlfriend Lea, was to mark Nathan Wytrwal out Kestrel. It didn’t take long before I had the trails with paint. I remember one volunteered a lot more than 15 hours. moment in particular. I was pouring hot I joined the Land & Trail Crew, and the tea with Lea, sitting in the sun along the first project I helped with was to relocate brook, with orange marking paint on our several Kestrel nest boxes at the Silvio O. gloves and laughing about it—“blissful” is Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. the best way to describe the feeling. I’ve also helped with trail workdays on The most important reason I volunteer Kestrel’s properties. is because I believe in the work that Kestrel My most memorable volunteer is doing. I feel good contributing to the experience was on my birthday in 2017 community by being part of preserving when my partner and I helped at the green spaces and helping make them Greenberg Family Conservation Area in accessible so that future generations can Westhampton. It was a pleasant, sunny, enjoy them as a sanctuary from daily life. brisk (it was cold!) late fall day. A large

Nate is currently a student at Holyoke Community College, planning to transfer kestreltrust.org/give/volunteer to a university to study mechanical Join the Land & Trail Crew! Become a volunteer to help improve trails and care for the land. engineering. He lives in Holyoke.

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 Thank you for helping to conserve the Valley you love! kestreltrust.org

YOUR VALLEY

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COVER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Michael Zide April 1 - June 30 Barn, Haybales & Clouds PHOTOGRAPH Y Join us for the first time “After many decades of photographing the farmlands, waterways, and Y Renew your support forests of this beautiful landscape, I have come to better understand my own Y Invite a friend relationship to our Valley and the elements that play against its geological forms throughout the seasons and years. These photographs help define my A gift of any amount makes you a member own sense of this very unique place that I call home.” for one year. Each gift made before June 30 See more of Michael's work at michaelzidephotography.com enters you into monthly drawings 8 for great local prizes!