National Recognition of Excellence

In February, the Norfolk Land Trust (NLT) received its accreditation from the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA).

One of only 254 land trusts across the country that are currently accredited, the NLT is authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation.

The land trust began the arduous process of applying for accreditation in 2011, submitting extensive documentation and undergoing rigorous review.

“The Norfolk Land Trust has always striven for excellence,” said Libby Borden, the organization’s president. “Now we have earned the LTA ‘Seal of Approval,’ and our members, donors, and everyone we deal with will know that the Norfolk Land Trust adheres to the very highest standards.”

“Through accreditation, land trusts conduct important planning and make their operations more efficient and strategic,” said LTA Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. “Accredited organizations have engaged and trained citizen conservation leaders and improved systems for ensuring that their conservation work is permanent.”

Van Ryn added, “Accreditation provides the public with an assurance that, at the time of accreditation, land trusts meet high standards for quality and that the results of their conservation work are permanent.”

The Norfolk Land Trust was created in 1982 to encourage the preservation of natural heritage and open space.  The trust is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote the conservation of Norfolk’s natural resources for future generations.  These resources include wetlands, pristine water courses, meadows and woodlands, and their associated plants and animals.

The NLT is interested in helping preserve tracts of land which support conservation, recreation, and cultural values.  To date NLT has protected more than 3,000 acres of open space with conservation easements.  These easements have preserved valuable environmental areas while leaving the property on tax rolls.

Through generous gifts, government grants and innovative financing, the NLT has also acquired several parcels of land in fee, totaling more than 800 acres.  These parcels include the most recent addition of 311 acres once belonging to the Girls Scouts, 205 acres on Beech Hill, 95 acres on Loon Meadow Drive and 94 acres on Riggs Hill in South Norfolk.