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5/9/2026 – Albany, NH. The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) celebrated a year of major conservation achievements, community engagement, and volunteer dedication during its Annual Meeting this past Saturday at Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Board of Directors Chair Doug Burnell opened with a review of recent accomplishments, notably highlighting the successful protection of five new properties including the 626-acre Chain of Ponds Community Forest, a transformative conservation project 20 years in the making. 

Burnell also shared stewardship milestones from the past year, including trail improvement projects, community forums, and the annual monitoring of USVLT’s 90 properties. He emphasized the organization’s growing connection with expanded volunteer opportunities, guided nature walks, and public programs.

“USVLT continues to grow not only in the lands we protect, but in the ways we connect people to the natural world,” Burnell said. “Stewardship, community involvement, and education are central to our mission.”

The organization is also advancing internally with the addition of new board and staff members, strategic planning efforts, and re-accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance. 

Following Doug’s update, Conservation Director Kate Shambaugh led an interactive activity called the “Conservation Station,” where participants worked  as a team, to navigate real-world conservation scenarios. Participants assumed the roles of  executive director, conservation director, and land steward to decide which proposed projects to pursue, how to fund them, and how these conserved lands should be managed.

The meeting also honored several individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on land conservation in the region. 

Doug Haver received the Award for Excellence in volunteerism for his 19 years of tireless stewardship work, including his Thoreau-like excursions into the woods to inspect USVLT’s Dannies and King Hayes conservation easements and his unwavering commitment to protecting the region’s lands.

Linda Gray also received the Award for Excellence in Volunteerism for her longstanding experience and leadership in charitable fundraising; her sparkle and endless energy in behalf of protecting all things natural; her service on USVLT’s first board of directors, and her role establishing the “Art Celebrates Place” annual series.

The Conservation Partner Award was presented to Sally Manikian from The Conservation Fund for her leadership in securing the 626-acre Chain of Ponds Community Forest project that features a stunning assemblage of still and moving waters, runs and rills, pools, and beautiful wetlands. Sally built a trusting relationship with the landowner and helped guide USVLT’s  $1.8-million fundraising campaign through state and federal partnerships.

The President’s Award for Damn Good Work was presented to the Ham Hocs, a group of volunteers preserving the historic Ham House as part of the 1,250-acre Dundee Community Forest project. The Ham Hocs – Anne Pillion, Ann Bennett, David Shedd, and Stephen Weeder – were recognized for their inspiring commitment to USVLT, advocating for physical reconstruction to save this house.

The celebration concluded with a guided walk of the Pequawket Preserve led by Land Steward Cindy Sellers, who shared the preserve’s ecological significance, wildlife habitat, and local history.