To the Editor:

Recently, some of the Mahoosuc Land Trust properties were vandalized with Valentine Farm sustaining the most damage. The large event field sustained substantial damage. The row of beautiful flowers in the field was driven through 4 times, one of our signs was damaged and the field across from the main property also had more damage.

While this was costly to MLT, there turned out to be a silver lining – the amazing and heartwarming outpouring from the community. Immediately, many people stepped up and offered to help in so many ways. They loaned equipment and provided labor, and those who couldn’t help physically were there in thought and support. This is real proof that most people respect the property we work so hard to share with all.

A special thank you goes to Tyler and Dwayne Bennett for the loan of a harrow rake, John Dunn for the use of his tractor and his time, and the numerous HFA gardening volunteers. This generosity saved us hours of labor!

From the Habitat for All Garden, the Valentine Farm universally accessible trail, and the many MLT properties open to the public for hiking, hunting, fishing, nature observation, backcountry skiing, paddling, and more, our hope is that the public will continue to use and respect the properties that we work so hard to manage.

Sue Dunn
Board President, Mahoosuc Land Trust

Bethel