On January 1, 2024, the Rensselaer Land Trust merged with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. The merged organization is now Hudson Taconic Lands. For all questions regarding donations, events, land, or other matters, please visit www.rensselaerplateau.org or call 518-712-9211. In spring 2025, we will launch a new website for Hudson Taconic Lands.
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THANK YOU to the MANY generous community members that took action this summer to help us reach our $99,000 fundraising goal to purchase the 76-acre property along Poesten Kill Creek in Troy and Brunswick. As we approached our September 1 deadline for the property sale closing, we had an unwavering response from passionate supporters who wanted this urban natural area protected. This is a huge victory for land conservation in our area, THANK YOU!
Rensselaer Land Trust and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance are now co-owners of this beautiful riparian and woodland habitat, the largest undeveloped forest block in Troy. This natural oasis is an excellent place to offer educational programs and recreational opportunities to our communities today and in the future.
Poesten Kill Bends is located along the south shore of the Poesten Kill and much of the area is floodplain of this mid-sized river. Protecting natural areas like this property is a climate resiliency* strategy that needs to happen locally and globally. Many southern coastal cities are evacuating this week in the face of Hurricane Dorian's destructive rains and flooding and even more close to home, many communities in the Capital District have been hit hard this past month with significant flooding from heavy rains and high winds. Extreme weather pattern changes are becoming our new normal–protecting natural areas like Poesten Kill Bends from development is a key solution in helping communities and nature adapt to our changing climate.
Thankfully we have the support of our communities to ensure our conservation efforts of today will be relevant in the years to come.
Read more: We did it! New Urban Nature Preserve at Poesten Kill Bends in Troy and Brunswick
Become a Member Becoming a Monthly Donor
Individual/Family Membership Levels
- $3,000 Watershed Circle
- $1,000 Land Steward
- $500 Advocate
- $250 Sustaining
- $100 Supporter
- $50 Family
- $30 Individual
All members receive these general benefits for one year:
- Knowing that you have contributed to accomplishing Rensselaer Land Trust’s mission
- Voting privileges at the annual meeting (members may vote in person or by proxy)
- Free or reduced workshop and outing fees
- Rensselaer Land Trust Member Window Decal
- Recognition in Rensselaer Land Trust’s Annual Report
- Semiannual Newsletter
- Monthly E-news
- Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law
$250 Sustaining Membership
- The above general benefits plus
- Complimentary Notecard set
- Advanced Notice of Outings
- Special Event Invitations*
- Board member liaison assigned – personal thank you notes and invites sent!
$1,000 Land Steward Membership
- The above general benefits plus
- Individual briefing session on Rensselaer Land Trust’s projects
$3,000 Watershed Circle Membership
- The above general benefits plus
- A Ultra Club Iceberg Fleece with Rensselaer Land Trust’s Logo
$5,000 and above
- The above general benefits plus
- Newsletter article regarding gift (if desired)
* Also Available to Bluebird Society Members (10-year loyalty at any level).
Business Membership Benefits
For more details go to our Business Membership Benefits Page
Since 1987, Rensselaer Land Trust has been working to conserve the open spaces, watersheds, and natural habitats of Rensselaer County, for the benefit of our communities and future generations. We have over 1,500 acres protected across Rensselaer County. In 2008 we were one of 38 land trusts awarded national accreditation in the country of over 1,700 land trusts.
In addition to conserving critical land and watersheds in Rensselaer County we offer numerous workshops, nature outings, special events, and lectures throughout the year.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our members, business members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, local municipalities, and partners.
Help us to continue to our conservation work to secure open spaces and clean drinking water for future generations of our families, friends, neighbors, wildlife, and forests by joining our membership today.
Like what we do? Want to get involved? We depend on public support to fulfill our mission and carry out our programs. Here is how you can help Rensselaer Land Trust continue to conserve land and protect resources in Rensselaer County:
Volunteer Your Time
- Steward a preserve or conservation easement
- Volunteer at events and workdays
- Join a committee
- Lead an outing or workshop
- Volunteer your expertise
- Serve on the Board of Directors
- Help prepare membership mailings
- Host an event
- Organize an event
- Manage a project
- Help us with a fundraising drive
- Write articles to promote our outreach efforts
- Document our outings with photographs or short videos
Outreach Via Word-of-Mouth
- Ask your family and friends to join Rensselaer Land Trust’s efforts
- Tell others about our work or invite them to one of our outings, workshops, or events as your guest
Donate Land, Money, Supplies
- Individuals and families–join our membership program
- Businesses–join our Business Member Program
- Talk to your employer about matching your charitable gift to us
- Make an unrestricted cash donation
- Donate a conservation easement
- Donate land
- Purchase a naming right to one of our properties
- Donate stocks or bonds
- Set up a charitable remainder trust
- Make an extra gift to our endowment fund
- Leave something to Rensselaer Land Trust in your will
- List Rensselaer Land Trust as your beneficiary on IRA, brokerage accounts and life insurance policies
- Set up a charitable gift annuity
- Do an asset bargain sale with Rensselaer Land Trust
- Donate appreciated assets (and avoid capital gains tax)
- Sponsor an event
- Donate a raffle item
- Donate office supplies/equipment
- Donate stamps
- Underwrite the publication costs of annual newsletters and annual reports
- Provide decorations, food, and drink for events
Contact Julie at 518-659-5263 or by email for more information.
Rensselaer Land Trust
PO Box 790
Averill Park, NY 12018
RLT@rensselaerplateau.org
(518) 712-9211
Show your support for the Rensselaer Land Trust through your annual membership or a donation.
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The Rensselaer Land Trust is a member of the Land Trust Alliance.