Land Trust board member Henry Swan (left) in discussion with Johannes Nagtegaal (right)
Henry Swan is a member of the land trust’s Board of Directors and resident of Westport Point. He is a keen legal mind whose dedication to the mission of the land trust inspires his colleagues and friends alike. Westport Land Conservation Trust is most thankful for Henry’s continued support and guidance. We sat down with Henry this week to get his take on thankfulness this holiday season.
1) Why did you get involved with the land trust?
“I spent the summer of 1945 in a rented farmhouse near other farms and it appealed to me. That September, in good weather, I could walk the last mile or so after school to home by a small stream in the woods and then a farm field. That was the start for me.
My bride Judy and I moved to Westport in 1996 and at the suggestion of a neighbor we joined the Westport Arts Commission Board for a few years. This led us to the Westport River Watershed Alliance board for two 6-year terms and then my friend Arthur Parker spoke with me about Westport Land Conservation Trust. I knew several people active with the land trust including Ben Guy and Max Kohlenberg so I became active and joined the board. I served as Treasurer for a few years thereafter. The idea of preserving open space, woods and farms appeales to me as much as it did in 1945.”
2) What do you love about Westport?
“I love the historic sections, the beach, the rivers, the harbor, the atmosphere of the small restaurants, the farms, the Town Hall, the Town Meetings, Lee’s Market, The Apothecary and the diversity. I like the trails and wish I saw more use of them and that I could use them more.”
3) Do you have a favorite spot to escape to and relax in Town?
“I am not very good at relaxing. Places I like going to the most are the beaches, the trails but this is mostly for walking as I don’t sit very well in the sun. I don’t mind sitting on a boat however.”
4) What are you thankful for this year?
“I am most thankful this year that Judy and I both continue to enjoy reasonably good health and are able to continue to live in this great place.”
I spent the summer of 1945 in a rented farmhouse near other farms and it appealed to me. That September, in good weather, I could walk the last mile or so after school to home by a small stream in the woods and then a farm field. That was the start for me.