Thickson’s Woods is looking forward to at least two of last year’s students returning to take part in conserving this habitat again in the summer of 2025. With a very small budget, Thickson’s Woods has been able to tap into some funding opportunities (like SARAF), build on the work of volunteers and mentors, and strengthen the ecological health of the land trust – but perhaps one of the things they’re most proud of is contributing to the growth of future ecologists. Dan Shire, a board member, shares “The value of the practical education opportunities for students is a big part of what we do. These programs are very important because they allow us to have some staff, but they also help support the next generation of ecologists.”
Bringing together multiple generations, learning together, and conserving land together, this work exemplifies the kind of strong and enduring community that land trusts – of every size – can help build.
