37 members braved torrential rain to join the Board of Directors and staff of the Westport Land Conservation Trust for our 53rd Annual meeting.
After a warm welcome from Executive Director Ross Moran, outgoing Board President Tina Schmid made her final remarks as President, reflecting on the tremendous legacy of prior Board Presidents, as well as her own.
Thank You, Tina!
Tina has served on the WLCT Board of Directors for 15 years, including the last 3 as Board President. During Tina’s tenure the land trust acquired 980 acres, including Westport Woods Conservation Park, and supported the preservation of an additional 695 acres of Conservation and Agricultural Restrictions. Under Tina’s guidance, WLCT has grown stronger financially and developed greater capacity for the work we do in preserving Westport’s critical natural habitat, working farmland, and access to the outdoors.
Board Recognition
Newly elected Board President Steve McGuiness recognized outgoing Board members Valerie Bassett and John Patterson.
Valerie was the founding chair of the Land Connections Committee, creating the framework for programming that engages and inspires the next generation of conservationists.
John has a deep passion for Westport’s natural resources, especially farming. His advocacy for locally produced food, combined with his ability to see how a land preservation project can benefit the whole community, made John a particularly resourceful chair of the Land Preservation Committee.
We are incredibly grateful for the perspectives and passions Board members bring to their work. Thank you!
Treasurer’s Report
Board Treasurer Patti Cerilli walked attendees through 2024’s Financials for Operating and Programs (operating expenses, project stewardship, and land acquisition, as well as contributions to long-term funds). The numbers presented below are being analyzed by WLCT’s audit team and final numbers will be presented in the 2024 Annual Report in July.
Nominee for 3-Year Term
Donald S. Swift was nominated and affirmed to fill the 2025-2028 Board of Directors position. Don brings a passion for the outdoors and a love for the Westport River to the WLCT Board.
Amended and Restated Bylaws
While the WLCT Bylaws have been updated and adapted over the years, the organization felt it was time to restate and affirm the Bylaws as a whole. The Amended and Restated Bylaws were affirmed by unanimous voice vote. These Bylaws codify current best practices, including when and how Board members may attend board meetings and vote via online connection.
Before adjourning for cookies and lemonade and a chance to catch up, Kate Neave read the names of members who passed away in 2024:
Henry and Susan Ashworth
James Bartlett
Aileen Crawford
William Glaser
Robert Huff
Marjorie Mello
The Work Continues
Reflecting at the conclusion of the 53rd Annual Meeting, newly elected Board President Steve McGuiness said, “I’m pleased to be a part of WLCT and its mission to conserve Westport’s rural character. This year will be an important one for us as we continue our efforts to support open trails, working farmland, clean water, and natural habitat. Thank you WLCT members for supporting the conservation and stewardship of Westport’s open spaces.“
If you have any questions concerning the 53rd Annual Meeting, please contact Ross Moran Ross@WestportLandTrust.org