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HL partners with Saratoga P.L.A.N. as Front End Fundraiser

We are proud to be supporting our friends at Saratoga PLAN as our Front End Fundraiser for May & June 2016. Saratoga PLAN is dedicated to preserving the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County. PLAN help landowners conserve their farmland, woodlands and natural habitats to sustain the county’s “quality of place” and the environment, economy, and public health. They also strive to help communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit and farm. You can find more information about Saratoga PLAN by visiting their website.

What does “PLAN” stand for?

PLAN, which stands for “preserving land and nature,” connects people to nature through an extensive trail network with over 200 miles of trails in the county. We have found over the years that a good “plan” leads to the ability to take advantage of opportunities as they arise and accelerates results.

Saratoga PLAN is a community-based conservation organization, conserving “places for people.” Although not all conserved lands are open for public access, they provide health benefits and environmental services far beyond their borders. These lands are very much conserved by the people, too! PLAN’s roster of student interns and volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization, consisting of 250+ individuals finding ways to advance the conservation of Saratoga County’s unique places and natural resources. Volunteers help develop and implement plans at all levels of the county. PLAN’s staff of 4 provides support and coordination for the volunteers.

Volunteers help our stewardship staff manage 4,400+ acres of conserved lands by maintaining informational kiosks and 24 miles of trails across 10 nature preserves owned by PLAN that are open to the public for hiking, biking, birdwatching, botanizing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and paddling. They also serve on local boards and volunteer to maintain town, city, and county properties and trails. Volunteers plan events, lend their artistic talents, post boundaries, write, photograph, advocate for good public policy and funding for conservation, stuff envelopes, staff exhibits, provide legal services, accounting, lead field trips and offer biological expertise. If you would like to volunteer, please let us know by filling out their volunteer page.

Please donate what you can afford at our registers during the month of May and June 2016. Every dollar we raise will go to Saratoga PLAN.