Join the Rensselaer Land Trust at Brown’s Brewing Co.’s Revolution Hall for their 29th Annual Meeting.The Land Trust will celebrate their 2016 accomplishments, review plans for next year, honor this year’s award recipients, hear a compelling presentation “The Transformative Impact of Trails and Greenspace on Communities” by Jeff Olson–keynote speaker, and enjoy good food and company.
2016 marks the first year that the Land Trust will be honoring two individuals in their inaugural annual awards program. This year’s recipients will be Francille Egbert receiving the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award and William Niemi receiving the William Niemi Conservation Leadership Award.
Francille Egbert has fostered the growth of the Land Trust over last 20 years with her endless dedication in volunteer work. Francille, a former board member continues to chair our Outings Committee and brings leadership to the Trail Crew as “Captain” working on numerous trails throughout the Rensselaer county making them accessible for everyone’s enjoyment. She is the Land Steward of Geiser Preserve and leads a variety public outings throughout the year. Francine recently assisted with the planning and implementation of the Land Trust’s 2016 New Website launch (renstrust.org).
William Niemi, a former board member, joined the Board of Directors in 1987, Rensselaer Land Trust’s first year. He has been an instrumental force behind the Land Trust’s success. Niemi served as President for five years, as Vice President, and on multiple committees. Under William’s guidance and term as President, Rensselaer Land Trust brought GPS into their property monitoring process, hired their first Executive Director, achieved national accreditation, and acquired the Hoosic River Property in Eagle Bridge, a very complicated transaction that involved a private landowner, DEC's Fish &Wildlife, the New York Attorney General's office, the state's farmland protection office, and the USDA. William has organized and worked on all of the Land Trust’s Annual Tomhannock Reservoir Shoreline Cleanup Volunteer Days.
Keynote speaker, Jeff Olson, an RPI Alumnis, an RPI Alumnis, architect, planner, and author who has been involved in greenways, open space, active living, and alternative mobility projects for more than 25 years. Jeff has had a diverse career with national, international, and local experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This experience was recognized in 2014 by the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals with a Lifetime Achievement Award. His unique vision and leadership ability are important assets to projects ranging from regional planning to site-specific projects and programs. He is the co-founder of the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project, teaches America’s first university course in bicycle and pedestrian planning, and is Co-Director of the UAlbany Initiative for Healthy Infrastructure, which creates model plans connecting public works with public health. He is a frequent inspirational speaker at conferences, public meetings and other events and the author of the book “The Third Mode: Towards a Green Society.”
The mission of the Rensselaer Land Trust is to conserve the open spaces, watersheds and natural habitats of Rensselaer County for the benefit of our communities and future generations.
417 River Street
Troy, NY 12180
United States
| Annual Meeting Fee Per Person | $15.00 |
| Annual Meeting Fee Per Couple | $30.00 |
