With winter on the way, the beautiful summer eveningsof 2011 are a bit difficult to recall. Yet the evening ofAugust 16, 2011 wasn’t just another lovely summer day. It was one that will be longremembered for bringing outdozens of OBI supporters who helped make our landtrust’s annual cookout fundraiser a tremendous success.
The event was hosted by Urban and Sally Hirschey at their home, Le Mistral, overlooking Fuller Bay. The Cape Vincent location provided a beautiful backdrop as guests enjoyed freshly made steak sandwiches and a wonderful, tasty array of homemade foods prepared by OBI Board members and their families. For the first time, the cookout added a children’s area to make the event even more family-friendly.
The evening raised more than $4,000 for OBI and drew more than 140 OBI volunteers and supporters. The annual cookout was started several years ago and has since raised thousands of dollars for OBI. It also helps spread the word about the mission and the work of the land trust, which was started in1993.
This marks the third time that the cook out has been hosted by Urban and Sally, a long time member of our board of directors.
The event is a fun social event that also helps spread the word about OBI’s mission and the work of the land trust. There were several displays featuring OBI’s conservation properties and guests had the chance to signup for the Friends of OBI program.
Jim LaPlante, chairman of the OBI Board of Directors,addressed the crowd to express appreciation for their support of OBI and also highlighted the various accomplishments of OBI during 2011.
This included a turtle crossing project on Wilson’sBay Marsh in Cape Vincent, a $5,000 grant from the Land Trust Alliance for an assessment of the Board of Directors and a conservation easement for Downybrook, a 182-acre wildlife sanctuary in Brownville owned by Helen and Mary Eldrett. A separate $8,250 grant from LTA will be used to create a management plan at Downybrook. Jim recapped what has been an exciting, busy year for our growing land trust.
OBI Consultant Gerry Smith provided an overview of conservation easements and why property owners may want to consider taking steps to protect the open spaces and wildlife habitats in our service area.
Bird expert Rick West, an Adams resident, was once again a special guest along with his fascinating “birds ofprey.’’ Several species of birds were given the spotlight during Mr. West’s presentation, which offers guests a glimpse into the lives and habits of his amazing f e a t h e r e d friends.
All funds collected through reservations and donations in support of the fundraiser will be used to help cover basic operations. It is our only fundraising event of the year. It will help support OBI’s conservation activities in 2012.
The all-volunteer land trust relies upon donations and grants to further its conservation programs and conservation work. Additional support from donors is always appreciated. Donations are tax deductible under applicable tax laws.
We hope to see you at next year’s cookout!
