Westchester Land Trust's stewardship wins commission's reaccreditation

Westchester Land Trust announced May 15 it has earned reaccreditation from the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Accreditation Commission, reaffirming the organization’s standing among a select group of land trusts nationwide that meet the most rigorous standards for excellence, accountability and the permanent conservation of land.

Bedford Hills-based WLT  was among the first land trusts in the country to achieve accreditation when the program debuted in 2008. With each subsequent renewal, WLT has demonstrated its continued commitment to upholding national quality standards for sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship ensuring that conserved lands are protected forever.

The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive, multi-year review assessing WLT’s processes, policies, and procedures that support its regional conservation activities. 

“Reaccreditation is more than a milestone, it’s a promise,” said Kara Whelan, President of Westchester Land Trust. “For nearly two decades, this designation has reflected the trust placed in us by our community. When a landowner partners with us, or a supporter invests in this work, they are helping ensure that these landscapes — our forests, our water, our shared spaces — are cared for and protected for generations to come.”

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission was established in 2006 as an independent program to verify that land trusts across the country meet national quality standards.  

Today, 480 land trusts nationwide out of 1,281 groups have achieved accreditation. Together, these land trusts have protected more than 61 million acres of land in the U.S.

Since its last reaccreditation, Westchester Land Trust has continued to expand its impact across the region, conserving nearly 1,000 additional acres, including its largest acquisition to date, Lodestone Preserve in Southeast. WLT has also expanded its work in urban communities, advanced forest health and pollinator habitat initiatives to restore ecological resilience, and sustained its food pantry garden program, which grows and donates more than 10,000 servings of fresh produce annually to local families.

 WLT’s land protection efforts help protect critical drinking water resources that serve more than nine million people across New York City and Westchester County, while also safeguarding wildlife habitat, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding access to nature.

“Land conservation is a long-term commitment that requires both vision and discipline,” said Janelle Robbins, vice president of conservation at WLT.  “This reaccreditation reflects the strength of our work at every level, from the legal protections that secure land permanently to the hands-on stewardship that sustains these ecosystems over time. It’s how we ensure that every acre we protect continues to provide real benefits for clean water and biodiversity, and for the communities who depend on these landscapes every day.”

One of the first accredited land trusts in the nation, WLT continues to serve as a trusted partner to landowners, municipalities, and funders working to address the growing pressures of development, climate change and habitat loss, officials said.

Westchester Land Trust will hold its annual benefit June 6 at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining. The event will celebrate leaders in conservation, restoration, and community stewardship while raising critical funds to support WLT’s ongoing conservation work. This year’s honorees include the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Allison Turcan of DIG Farm, and community volunteer leader Doug Mancinelli. 

Visit westchesterlandtrust.org for tickets and donation information; and visit landtrustaccreditation.org for more information about the Land Trust accreditation program.