Sharon Land Trust Renews National Accreditation, Ensuring Long-Term Protection of Local Lands

Sharon, CT—For more than four decades, the Sharon Land Trust has worked to protect the open spaces, working farms, and forested landscapes that shape Sharon. At the end of 2025, the organization again achieved a significant milestone: renewal of its land trust accreditation, a mark of quality and permanence awarded to fewer than 500 land trusts nationwide.

“Renewing our accreditation reaffirms our responsibility to care for the land entrusted to us,” shared Executive Director, Carolyn Klocker. “It strengthens our ability to protect the places that define Sharon—its farms, forests, and open spaces—and ensures they will endure for generations.”

To earn renewed accreditation, the Sharon Land Trust undertook a rigorous review of its governance, stewardship practices, and project and financial records. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission’s decision confirms that the organization meets national standards for excellence, and that the land it protects will remain safeguarded in perpetuity.

The Sharon Land Trust protects more than 4,770 acres of open space, forests, and farmland throughout the town. In 2025, the organization:

• Conserved an additional 111 acres of farmland
• Completed its first forever-wild conservation easement
• Expanded community programming, offering six guided hikes, seven educational events, and its first family-focused Community Day—collectively reaching more than 270 participants
• Provided meaningful paid work experience to local youth through its Student Work Project and Stewardship Assistant program, which included trail building, habitat management, and hands-on conservation training
• Worked to control invasive species across five preserves, including significant restoration work at the Hamlin Preserve, where native plantings and protection of mature trees are helping stabilize a threatened conifer grove.

“We are proud to recognize the Sharon Land Trust’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust, and permanence. The Sharon Land Trust is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”

The Sharon Land Trust is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States, according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A full list of accredited land trusts and more information about the accreditation program can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.