The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association this week unveiled In Their Own Words: 15 Stories of Conservation & Inspiration, a unique compilation of essays written by Pennsylvania landowners who have protected these family lands.

“Those who conserve their land create a profound legacy,” explains PALTA Executive Director, Andy Loza, “a gift that will resonate through time. In this collection, these landowners offer a second gift - a gift of their words - sharing their motivation and inspiration for protecting precious lands.”

Landowners can work with local land trusts in creating a lasting agreement that guarantees the wishes of the family and protects the integrity of their land. There are ninety-five local and regional land trusts working throughout Pennsylvania; and, to date, these organizations have worked in partnership with landowners to protect a total of 470,293 acres.

PALTA has published 20,000 copies of In Their Own Words to be distributed to local conservation organizations throughout the Commonwealth. These organizations will use the publication to educate landowners on the conservation choice.

This publication is the result of collaboration among conservation organizations, landowners, businesses and foundations, all of which have a strong commitment to protecting our precious landscapes for future generations.

Alcoa Foundation is one of the major sponsors that had made this publication possible. “Conserving and sustaining the environment is one of the Alcoa Foundation’s areas of excellence”, according to Steve Fries, Manager of Human Resources Communications and Development for the Alcoa North America Rolled Products and a representative for the Foundation, “we are glad that we could support this worthwhile project. The stories that are told will inspire others to care for the land.”

PALTA thanks the generous support of its membership and the following sponsors: Alcoa Foundation, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, William Penn Foundation, Rohm & Haas, Arcadia Land Company, the Western PA Watershed Program, York County Community Foundation, Reed Smith, and PP&L. Additional sponsors are listed at conserveland.org along with an online version of the publication.

Landowners, municipal officials, educators and others interested in receiving a copy of In Their Own Words may contact a local land trust; if unsure of which organizations work in your community, visit conserveland.org and use the “Find a Land Trust” feature or contact PALTA at 717-230-8560.

In Their Own Words: 15 Stories of Conservation & Inspiration is available online.

2/23/2007