About Us
In 1990 The Oblong Land Conservancy was formed by a group of Pawling area residents concerned about the negative effects of encroaching development. The future was clear: open space was rapidly disappearing along with 300 years of rural heritage and natural spaces. Once destroyed they will be gone forever.
In 1990 The Oblong Land Conservancy was formed by a group of Pawling area residents concerned about the negative effects of encroaching development. The future was clear: open space was rapidly disappearing along with 300 years of rural heritage and natural spaces. Once destroyed they will be gone forever.
The Oblong Land Conservancy's focus of interest is Pawling, Dover and its environs located in the southeast corner of Dutchess County,
New York, at the borders of Putnam County and the state of Connecticut. It is an area rich in beautiful landscapes, clean water, large
rural open spaces, extensive forests, working farms, and abundant plant and animal habitats. Our name "Oblong" is derived from the historic
Oblong, a narrow 2 x 60 mile tract of formerly disputed territory on the New York/Connecticut border.
Thus far OLC has helped to promote village and rural trail networks and has successfully acquired conservation easements for open spaces
ranging in size from 4 acres to 200 acres. We have helped protect over 1000 acres through a combination of easements (932 acres) and
preserves (157 acres). Learn More
Quakers were among the first to settle the area in the 1700's. In 1767 the first effective action against slavery in The New World was taken by the Quakers in the Oblong Meeting House on Quaker Hill. In the winter of 1778 Pawling played a role in the Revolutionary War when General George Washington and his Continental Army encamped at The John Kane House and surrounding area. Pawling and Dover are nestled amid the Hudson Highlands, recognized as a "landscape of national significance" by the US Forest Service.
The Taconic Ridge on the eastern border with Connecticut is recognized in New York State's Open Space Plan, as well as The Great Swamp, one of New York's largest wetlands, which bisects the valley floor. The western highlands, known as Pawling Mountain, Depot Hill and West Mountain are listed in the State's Open Space Plan. The Great Swamp is listed as a top priority for protection. Both The Swamp and Little Whaley are also officially recognized as "Important Bird Areas" by the State.
Our region is known for its recreational opportunities. With access to the Great Swamp, lakes and trail networks, notably the world class Appalachian Trail, which winds across Pawling, and other trails located in the Pawling Nature Preserve, and connections to The Oblong Trail Association equestrian and pedestrian trails. For more see Hiking & Recreation The O.L.C. is a member of the Land Trust Alliance, and we have adopted their recommended Standards and Practices for Land Trusts.
In addition, OLC actively networks and partners with other conservation organizations such as:
Our Mission
The Oblong Land Conservancy, a land trust, is dedicated to the conservation of appropriate open space resources in the towns of Pawling, Dover and their environs. It encourages the conservation of our community's ecological, agricultural, architectural, recreational, cultural, archaeological, scenic and historical resources by working with appropriate organizations and programs, and by providing educational resources to raise the public awareness of the need for conservation.
The Conservancy will, as appropriate, accept and maintain conservation easements, purchase or improve land for conservation and public access purposes, accept gifts of land to preserve or resell, and support the local government in the protection of recreational, scenic, or ecologically sensitive land. The Conservancy will work with individual landowners and developers to advise and assist them in utilizing suitable methods for conserving their land's resources while seeking to optimize its economic value. The Conservancy believes in the importance of long range community planning and will advocate economically sound planned development through education and active cooperation with local government and community groups.
The Conservancy believes that the public should enjoy the benefits of conserved land to the fullest extent practical and possible.
The OLC Board of Directors
John Burweger - Director
An expert in commercial real estate and self employed, John has an active concern with land acquisition and conservation issues. He provides valuable insights into the real estate aspects of Oblong activities. John served as President of the Board of the Pawling Free Library.
Constance (Stancy) DuHamel - Director
A member and supporter of FrOGS, the Dutchess Land Conservancy, the Housatonic Valley Association, the Pawling Nature Reserve and Coalition for the Responsible Growth of Dover, Stancy has been involved in local conservation projects since becoming an officer of the Duell Hollow Conservation Association when she moved to Wingdale in 1989. She is supportive of local economic development, and it is with an eye towards her interest in public-private partnerships that the Oblong Land Conservancy recruited her for its board.
Jay Erickson - Director
Pawling resident Jay Erickson, a life-long environmentalist, is co-founder of the consulting firm Bootstrap Software and podcasting services company SoniByte. He brings his expertise in technology and the internet to help further Oblong's mission and is also a member of the locally-based Americana band Red Rooster and a board member of the Pawling Farmers Market. With Jay's help we are looking closely at the role that technology plays in our ongoing activities.
Stephen C. Ewing - Director
Growing up under the tutelage of lifelong conservationist and environmentalist parents, Steve learned at a young age to appreciate, love, respect and preserve Nature. Since moving to Pawling in 2004, Steve has become an active board member of the Pawling Nature Preserve restoring over 15 acres of Preserve land from being overrun with invasive plant species and the Oblong Land Conservancy, where his fundraising skills honed from a career on Wall Street, are utilized. Steve is also a founding member of the Pawling Farmers Market, the founding member of a classic soul dance band, The Hot Damn Band, member of The American Legion, and a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars.
William Garrett Foscato - Director
As a local businessman (landscape construction & design) and avid outdoorsman, Bill has a great interest in conservation. His background in business development and marketing can help Oblong meet the challenge of promoting our organization to the public. His outdoor interests extend to hiking and fishing, landscaping and plant materials and a particular interest in the use of water features in landscape design. Bill is also fond of music.
Sibyll M. Gilbert - Vice Chair
A strong background in conservation has made Sibyll a major player in the field, not only in Pawling but across Dutchess County. For many years she has served as a member and primary researcher for the Pawling Conservation Advisory Board. Her strong personal interests in birding, nature study, and formal training in landscape design and art contribute to her achievements.
Kent Johnson - Director
An Oblong director since 1992, Kent has served on and is currently Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board of the Town of Pawling where he has served since 1978. He has also been active in the Harlem Valley Partnership for two years. He firmly believes in a balanced, rational approach to area growth, while protecting the environment.
Teri Olson - Director
A passionate horsewoman, Teri rides in competitive trials, when she is not raising her family and devoting her time to the Pawling School Board as President. Recently she was an active participant in a volunteer commission to develop a master plan for Lakeside Park, Pawling's recently acquired parkland. Teri is founder and Chairperson of The Oblong Trail Association.
Amelie Rives Rennolds - Director
Ms. Rennolds has won prestigious awards for her residential architectural designs. Currently self employed, her design work has involved her with volunteer planning work for Pawling's Village Green.
Theresa Ryan - Director
A project manager for a civil engineering form, Theresa is a committed environmentalist. When not designing and managing projects she can be found in the field or in a kayak enjoying the sights and sounds of our natural world. Theresa brings a great deal of experience to Oblong in terms of past service on the Town of Dover Conservation Advisory Council and her professional career that spans just about every aspect of site planning including site design, erosion control, stormwater management, and regulatory agency approvals.
Louis Trombetta, PhD - Secretary
A professional toxicologist and member of the Society of Toxicology, Louis has engaged in extensive research in aquatic pollution. He is past president of the New York Entomological Society at the American Museum of Natural History, and his strong conservation interests are focused on land management, water and land pollution and environmental standards.
Charles Werner - Treasurer
Chuck's experience as a corporate banker, and in recent years as founder and partner of an institutional brokerage firm, brings financial expertise to Oblong. A Pawling Community activist, Mr. Werner is the owner of the local book store The Book Cove which is a landmark Pawling Village magnet.
Dorian Winslow - Director
Dorian has been a Pawling resident since 1993. Her company Womanswork makes gardening products sold worldwide. Dorian's background in marketing and her entrepreneurial drive and focus adds much needed skills to our efforts.
Christopher Wood - Chair
Well versed in all aspects of real estate and development, Chris is an invaluable asset. He is also president of the Quaker Hill Civic Association, serves on the Board of Friends of the Great Swamp (as Director of Development), and is on the Board of Trustees of the Philosophy Day School in Manhattan, an independent children's day school where he serves as Treasurer.
Advisory Board:
Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Baker
Philip Bonnano, M.D.
F. Gordon Douglas
James Earl Jones
David Rathbun
John Utter
The Oblong Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1990 under Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of New York. A copy of our latest annual financial report may be obtained by requesting in writing to this land trust, or to the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
Quakers were among the first to settle the area in the 1700's. In 1767 the first effective action against slavery in The New World was taken by the Quakers in the Oblong Meeting House on Quaker Hill. In the winter of 1778 Pawling played a role in the Revolutionary War when General George Washington and his Continental Army encamped at The John Kane House and surrounding area. Pawling and Dover are nestled amid the Hudson Highlands, recognized as a "landscape of national significance" by the US Forest Service.
The Taconic Ridge on the eastern border with Connecticut is recognized in New York State's Open Space Plan, as well as The Great Swamp, one of New York's largest wetlands, which bisects the valley floor. The western highlands, known as Pawling Mountain, Depot Hill and West Mountain are listed in the State's Open Space Plan. The Great Swamp is listed as a top priority for protection. Both The Swamp and Little Whaley are also officially recognized as "Important Bird Areas" by the State.
Our region is known for its recreational opportunities. With access to the Great Swamp, lakes and trail networks, notably the world class Appalachian Trail, which winds across Pawling, and other trails located in the Pawling Nature Preserve, and connections to The Oblong Trail Association equestrian and pedestrian trails. For more see Hiking & Recreation The O.L.C. is a member of the Land Trust Alliance, and we have adopted their recommended Standards and Practices for Land Trusts.
In addition, OLC actively networks and partners with other conservation organizations such as:
- Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS)
- Oblong Trail Association
- Dutchess Land Conservancy
- Naromi Land Trust (CT)
- The Nature Conservancy
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- The Open Space Institute
- The Highlands Coalition
- Land Trust Alliance
- Trust for Public Land
Our Mission
The Oblong Land Conservancy, a land trust, is dedicated to the conservation of appropriate open space resources in the towns of Pawling, Dover and their environs. It encourages the conservation of our community's ecological, agricultural, architectural, recreational, cultural, archaeological, scenic and historical resources by working with appropriate organizations and programs, and by providing educational resources to raise the public awareness of the need for conservation.
The Conservancy will, as appropriate, accept and maintain conservation easements, purchase or improve land for conservation and public access purposes, accept gifts of land to preserve or resell, and support the local government in the protection of recreational, scenic, or ecologically sensitive land. The Conservancy will work with individual landowners and developers to advise and assist them in utilizing suitable methods for conserving their land's resources while seeking to optimize its economic value. The Conservancy believes in the importance of long range community planning and will advocate economically sound planned development through education and active cooperation with local government and community groups.
The Conservancy believes that the public should enjoy the benefits of conserved land to the fullest extent practical and possible.
The OLC Board of Directors
John Burweger - Director
An expert in commercial real estate and self employed, John has an active concern with land acquisition and conservation issues. He provides valuable insights into the real estate aspects of Oblong activities. John served as President of the Board of the Pawling Free Library.
Constance (Stancy) DuHamel - Director
A member and supporter of FrOGS, the Dutchess Land Conservancy, the Housatonic Valley Association, the Pawling Nature Reserve and Coalition for the Responsible Growth of Dover, Stancy has been involved in local conservation projects since becoming an officer of the Duell Hollow Conservation Association when she moved to Wingdale in 1989. She is supportive of local economic development, and it is with an eye towards her interest in public-private partnerships that the Oblong Land Conservancy recruited her for its board.
Jay Erickson - Director
Pawling resident Jay Erickson, a life-long environmentalist, is co-founder of the consulting firm Bootstrap Software and podcasting services company SoniByte. He brings his expertise in technology and the internet to help further Oblong's mission and is also a member of the locally-based Americana band Red Rooster and a board member of the Pawling Farmers Market. With Jay's help we are looking closely at the role that technology plays in our ongoing activities.
Stephen C. Ewing - Director
Growing up under the tutelage of lifelong conservationist and environmentalist parents, Steve learned at a young age to appreciate, love, respect and preserve Nature. Since moving to Pawling in 2004, Steve has become an active board member of the Pawling Nature Preserve restoring over 15 acres of Preserve land from being overrun with invasive plant species and the Oblong Land Conservancy, where his fundraising skills honed from a career on Wall Street, are utilized. Steve is also a founding member of the Pawling Farmers Market, the founding member of a classic soul dance band, The Hot Damn Band, member of The American Legion, and a member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars.
William Garrett Foscato - Director
As a local businessman (landscape construction & design) and avid outdoorsman, Bill has a great interest in conservation. His background in business development and marketing can help Oblong meet the challenge of promoting our organization to the public. His outdoor interests extend to hiking and fishing, landscaping and plant materials and a particular interest in the use of water features in landscape design. Bill is also fond of music.
Sibyll M. Gilbert - Vice Chair
A strong background in conservation has made Sibyll a major player in the field, not only in Pawling but across Dutchess County. For many years she has served as a member and primary researcher for the Pawling Conservation Advisory Board. Her strong personal interests in birding, nature study, and formal training in landscape design and art contribute to her achievements.
Kent Johnson - Director
An Oblong director since 1992, Kent has served on and is currently Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board of the Town of Pawling where he has served since 1978. He has also been active in the Harlem Valley Partnership for two years. He firmly believes in a balanced, rational approach to area growth, while protecting the environment.
Teri Olson - Director
A passionate horsewoman, Teri rides in competitive trials, when she is not raising her family and devoting her time to the Pawling School Board as President. Recently she was an active participant in a volunteer commission to develop a master plan for Lakeside Park, Pawling's recently acquired parkland. Teri is founder and Chairperson of The Oblong Trail Association.
Amelie Rives Rennolds - Director
Ms. Rennolds has won prestigious awards for her residential architectural designs. Currently self employed, her design work has involved her with volunteer planning work for Pawling's Village Green.
Theresa Ryan - Director
A project manager for a civil engineering form, Theresa is a committed environmentalist. When not designing and managing projects she can be found in the field or in a kayak enjoying the sights and sounds of our natural world. Theresa brings a great deal of experience to Oblong in terms of past service on the Town of Dover Conservation Advisory Council and her professional career that spans just about every aspect of site planning including site design, erosion control, stormwater management, and regulatory agency approvals.
Louis Trombetta, PhD - Secretary
A professional toxicologist and member of the Society of Toxicology, Louis has engaged in extensive research in aquatic pollution. He is past president of the New York Entomological Society at the American Museum of Natural History, and his strong conservation interests are focused on land management, water and land pollution and environmental standards.
Charles Werner - Treasurer
Chuck's experience as a corporate banker, and in recent years as founder and partner of an institutional brokerage firm, brings financial expertise to Oblong. A Pawling Community activist, Mr. Werner is the owner of the local book store The Book Cove which is a landmark Pawling Village magnet.
Dorian Winslow - Director
Dorian has been a Pawling resident since 1993. Her company Womanswork makes gardening products sold worldwide. Dorian's background in marketing and her entrepreneurial drive and focus adds much needed skills to our efforts.
Christopher Wood - Chair
Well versed in all aspects of real estate and development, Chris is an invaluable asset. He is also president of the Quaker Hill Civic Association, serves on the Board of Friends of the Great Swamp (as Director of Development), and is on the Board of Trustees of the Philosophy Day School in Manhattan, an independent children's day school where he serves as Treasurer.
Advisory Board:
Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Baker
Philip Bonnano, M.D.
F. Gordon Douglas
James Earl Jones
David Rathbun
John Utter
The Oblong Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1990 under Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of New York. A copy of our latest annual financial report may be obtained by requesting in writing to this land trust, or to the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.