About Us The Berlin Land Trust (BLT) was established in 1988 by a group of citizens concerned about the quickly disappearing open space fields, wetlands and woodlands in Berlin and surrounding towns. The BLT is a non-profit corporation with two major goals: 1. To preserve land in the town of Berlin. A parcel may be significant because of its scenic beauty or importance as a wetland, historic site or natural habitat. 2. To educate residents in the benefits of land preservation. As the pace of development in Connecticut increases, Berlin residents should understand the importance of open space preservation. Land that is under BLT protection will be preserved, according to the wishes of the donor, as permanent open space, kept in its natural state for the benefit of all residents of the town.  The Berlin Land Trust protects open space by seeking gifts of undeveloped land, such as fields, wetlands and woodlands. Donors may give their land outright, or may give the development rights in the form of a conservation easement. The BLT may assist with normal expenses of land donation. Because the BLT has federal tax-exempt status, donors will benefit from tax deductions or reductions that are associated with a charitable gift. If you have land you would like to see preserved and protected for years to come, please contact the land trust. Here are links to brief descriptions of land conservation options. Conservation easement Land donation Bargain sale of land Other resources The BLT also educates the community in the benefits of land conservation through the work of volunteer committees. These committees develop educational programs, monitor zoning and land use decisions, and work on specific land acquisition projects. 2009-20010 Officers & Board of Directors Dennis Kern, President Roland Baikal, Vice-President Marilyn Brierley, Secretary Joe Porcaro, Treasurer Martha Vernlund, Historian Mark Holmes, Administration James Pepe, Stewardship Carl Vernlund, Publicity Ray Bosso, Land Acquisition George Brierley, Land Acquisition Thomas Heisler, Land Acquisition Sylvia Schindler, Programs Clyde Selner Board Meetings The Berlin Land Trust Board of Directors meets on the first Monday of the every month at 7:30 p.m. from September through June. (If the first Monday is a holiday, we meet on the 2nd Monday.) Most meetings are held in the Board Room of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. Members and the general public are always welcome! Please contact us with questions or concerns about membership, volunteer activities or open space preservation in the Berlin, Connecticut area: How to Contact Us Berlin Land Trust, Inc. P.O. Box 8278 Berlin, CT 06037 Phone: 860-828-4393 E-mail: info@berlinlandtrust.org Members are kept up-to-date on activities and events through frequent emails and mailings. 2009-10 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule Held at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library's in the Board Room starting at 7:30 p.m. 2009 September 14 October 5 November 2 December 7 2010 January 4 February 1 March 1 April 5 May 3 June 7 - Annual Meeting