The Sharon Land Trust welcomed the community to our first Cider Press Party, hosted at the beautiful home and orchard of Chip Kruger on September 20. Attendees celebrated the season and the support that makes land conservation possible in Sharon, enjoying freshly pressed cider, seasonal dishes, live music, and the camaraderie of friends and neighbors.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of our inaugural Land Stewardship Awards, honoring individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact on our lands. These awardees reflect the values at the heart of the Sharon Land Trust: care for the land, commitment to community, and leadership in conservation. Their contributions range from protecting farmland and securing critical landscapes to capturing the beauty of our preserves, championing public access, guiding organizational leadership, and connecting conservation with community needs.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and to all who support our mission. Whether you were with us in person or in spirit, you are part of a vibrant community dedicated to keeping Sharon’s landscapes protected and thriving.

Land Stewardship Award Recipients

Our inaugural Land Stewardship Award recipients are:

  • Chris Clow
  • Jonathan Doster
  • Jim Krissel
  • Lynden Miller
  • Melinda Sweet (posthumously)

In recognition of their extraordinary service, each will have a tribute bench placed along one of our preserves’ trails.

 

Pictured from left to right: Jim Krissel, Lynden Miller, Chris Clow, Liz Dowling (daughter of Melinda Sweet) & Jonathan Doster.

Thank you to all who attended and to our Generous Event Supporters!

Champion

Anonymous

Guardian

Anonymous

Stewards

Steven Aresty
Jennifer & Derek Dillon
Purdy & Josh Eaton
Grassland Dessert Cafe
Jane & Richard Kresch
Holly & Christian MacDonald
Ciara Marley & Andrew Gerlach
Pamela & Gifford Miller

Conservers

Maureen Bailie & Tom Kruger
Rachel Combe & Orlando Knauss
Leona & Michael El Hadj
Christina & Alex Evans
Nora Jordan & Allen Reiser
Karen Joyce & Scott Dillman
Andrew Heyward & Patrick Kearney
Elizabeth & Ian John
Bill Melnick & Stephen Haproff
Suzanne Purdy & Boris Vuchic
Deborah van Eck

Partners

Julie & Bob Bailey
Annette & Chris Clow
Sarah Curtis & John Petrini
Elyse Harney Real Estate
DUGAZON
Rob Fish
Helen Haje
Iron Bank
Claudia & Steve Malley
Lynden Miller
Emily Nelson & Carrick Mollenkamp

James Turk

Friends

Litchfield Distillery
Moore & More Printing

Photo Gallery

All photos by Anne Day