An old ledger documents the beginning of the Cheshire Land Trust. A group of concerned citizens met at the home of Emma “Lee” and Seymour Pelz on Cheshire Street on March 26, 1969. Twelve people gave $5 each to start the Trust.
 

Twelve people... five dollars
 

The foresight of this small group is remarkable. They planted the seed for a land trust at a time when the environmental movement was just starting to sweep the country.

By the end of 1969, more people had joined. In the following year, the Trust accepted its first gift, a 40-acre forested parcel on Cheshire’s western ridge.

Others helped the seed grow. Landowners gifted land out of love for their land, some of which had been in their family for decades. Several individuals left monetary bequests. Finally, there are the many members who have paid their dues every year and made additional contributions over the years.

Understanding why we all have chosen Cheshire to raise our families is easy with all the pastoral beauty and open spaces.

Help us to maintain the quality of Cheshire’s natural resources with your financial and volunteer support.

   ---- By David Schrumm