The Value of Protected Open Space

Spring 2021

If you were asked why you live in Pound Ridge, what would you answer? Likely, the semi-rural character of our town is near the top of the list. Yet this is not guaranteed to continue…as housing demand has increased since the pandemic, many vacant parcels are susceptible to development. Through conservation of 560 acres, the Pound Ridge Land Conservancy’s protected open spaces help preserve our community’s rural character that drew so many of us to this town. This year, please join our efforts with a land or monetary donation.

Land conservation is one of those rare unifying goals. It has a history of strong bipartisan support even in our country’s current political divide. In August of 2020, the Great American Outdoor Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump – the largest conservation bill in decades. Among other things, it permanently secured the Land and Water Conservation Fund which has been a critical means of land protection since the 1960’s.

Earlier this year President Biden endorsed the 30x30 goal, an initiative to conserve 30% of land in the U.S. by 2030 – the amount needed to mitigate the worst impacts from climate change and biodiversity loss. With only 12% of land in the U.S. currently conserved, land trusts like PRLC and supporters like you will play a critical role in conserving the additional 440 million acres needed to achieve this goal.

Besides preserving Pound Ridge’s rural character, what other needs do PRLC preserves fill? Certainly, protection of natural habitats and biodiversity is central to our mission and where we spend a considerable amount of our energies. Additionally, numerous community economic studies confirm that protected open spaces contribute significantly to the local economy, human health, and quality of life. For instance, proximity to protected open space and public trails can increase property values more than 20%!

Outdoor recreation and open space visitation increased by at least 100% across the country during the pandemic. The Outdoor Industry Association reports much of this increase is from new participants who are motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with a low barrier to entry and are near their residence. The top activities were walking/hiking, jogging/running and bird watching – all activities that PRLC preserves provide. Most importantly, 60% of new participants will continue their new outdoor activities after the pandemic. I met numerous new people over this past year who discovered our trails or a particular preserve for the first time and say they intend to continue to visit. Remember, just 20 minutes a day outside reduces stress and increases your immune system. With seven trailed preserves and 19 preserves in total, PRLC is filling a critical need both in our personal health, our community and is part of a nationwide effort to conserve land for future generations.

- Andrew Morgan, Land Steward and Program Director, PRLC