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Rebecca asked:
02/21/2014
Good Morning. I have been trying to sustain 6 acres in Monroe, in Fairfield County, Connecticut on my own, and have always believed that it could add value to the community, both small, and at large. I would like to find a way to do something valuable with it that adds before the tax gods take it from me after a century or so...
John Calandrelli answered:
02/21/2014

Dear Rebecca, Working Lands Alliance or the Nature Conservency may be better able to answer this. However, from my experience there are variables to consider before knowing what options there are. For instance, by "sustain" do you mean in its most recent natural state? Or is this part of a working farm or timber land? Leaving it in its most natural state in perpetuity would require conservation easements in the deed and to keep that easement when the land is passed down to a relative or sold requires the right kind of lawyer. Putting the land in some kind of protection for future generations of Monroe is fairly straight forward but we don't know what the next century will bring. Connecticut is dealing with the same kind of issue when it comes to state owned land. There is a bill in this year's legislature (SB70) that tries to deal with this kind of land preservation issue. Please contact the local Nature Conservancy as they do this kind of thing as their focus.

Riva asked:
08/03/2013
Hi there, My friend and I are both 19. Our goal is to help others and see that our actions influence only feelings of utmost happiness. Our passion lies in sustainability, agriculture (local food included), and social events. We've come up with a solution to put it all together in a project that will benefit our local communities as a whole. My question then for you is....are you ever approached by people who have funds and the wishes that they be used for an initiative similar to that of
Daphne Dixon answered:
08/03/2013

Hi Riva, Thanks for your e-mail. Can you tell me more about your project? Thanks!

Anne asked:
11/01/2012
I am a graduate student at Arizona State University currently studying land trusts, and was wondering if there is any kind of forum or discussion board where practitioners and other interested parties meet?
John Calandrelli answered:
11/02/2012

Dear Anne There are regional meetings of Land Trusts in Connecticut. The internet is probably the best place to start for that information. Connecticut is having its annual conference of Inland Wetland and Conservation Committees November 17th at the Sheriden Four Points in Meriden. It's 9 to 4. Many Land Trust people are there. Check out: http://www.caciwc.org/pages/annualMtg/index.html This may be of some help.

Fern asked:
07/13/2012
How aquire a plot of land to start a comunity garden in Forest Park, Georgia?
John Calandrelli answered:
07/16/2012

There are details to be worked out but it certainly can be done. These details include (but are not limited to (just got to love that legalese): funding, who owns the land, what is it zoned for, is there remediation needed, who covers liability issues, taxes owed if any, etc. These details will be different state-to-state. As far as funding is concerned, you can start on the internet under grant funders like the TKF Foundation.(410 Severn Ave. Suite 216, Annapolis MD 21403, www.tkffdn.org) In many towns and cities, officials may be willing to work a deal on a space because a community garden will help with local appeal and property values. It may also get a blighted spot of their books because of the volunteer work needed to clean up a site. (the soil should be tested so you don't grow anything in tainted ground) Abandoned property can be a good place to make a deal with the city if the city wishes to pass on the clean up and liability issues to someone else willing to take them on.

Avery asked:
01/24/2012
Hi! I'd like to introduce myself and my company, Smaller Earth. We are based out of Stamford and we're looking for volunteers to go to Zambia this summer and plant 10,000 trees and partake in the educational aspect of this initiative. Any thoughts on who might want to participate? Thanks for your time and have a great day, here is a description of the program: http://www.smallerearth.com/program/301/trees_for_zambia/
John Calandrelli answered:
01/24/2012

Hi Avery Sounds like a great trip and a better way to see the world. There may be many Sierra members who would enjoy this kind of "vacation," however, I would have to check with our national office about the liability of advertising such a trip through our chapter. Call me when you get the chance: 860-236-4405 John C

David asked:
08/23/2011
Hello, I'm trying to reach Marina Marchese but do not have her contact information. I have a question about bees. I'm a small beekeeper. Thanks David
Yelm Community Wildlife Habitat Project answered:
08/24/2011

Marina Marchese has a facebook page with a discussion board here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Marchese/145898545466768 I hope this helps!

John Calandrelli answered:
08/23/2011

Dear David I'm sorry I don't have Marina's contact info. I know she lives in Weston (if that's the same Marina we're talking about) but that's all.