More than 300 people showed their support for the Westchester Land Trust’s 2015 Benefit “It’s Our Nature” on Saturday, June 13th. The event, which was held under the double decker tent at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, set records for the local land conservation organization by grossing more than $450,000! Lori Ensinger, President of the Westchester Land Trust (WLT), hailed this achievement as a result of the hard work and commitment by the organization the past year protecting land on behalf of the community we all share. “We protect the land because ultimately we are all the beneficiaries of what the land has to offer – clean air and water, access to local food, and opportunities for recreation. Last year we protected 300 more acres and we’re on track to far exceed that in 2015.”

In addition to an amazing meal catered by Tastefully Yours, there was dancing, a silent and live auction, and beautiful views of the surrounding woods and fields. A new video entitled “Making a Difference” was premiered for the guests and was welcomed with rave applause. But the highlight of the evening was long-time Board Member and current Vice-Chair, Benjamin F. Needell, who was honored with the organization’s Preservation Angel Award.

While hundreds of individuals and businesses made generous contributions in support of the Benefit, the event was sponsored in part by the Calvin Klein Family Foundation; Georgetown Company; Kamran & Ellen Hakim; Kathleen & Benjamin Needell; Old Salem Farm; Donna & Marvin Schwartz; Serendipity magazine; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and David & Pamela Small.

Our Honoree, Benjamin F. Needell

Benjamin F. NeedellWLT honored long-time Board Member, Benjamin F. Needell for his commitment to land conservation in our community. Ben has been a Senior Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York City for almost 35 years. He has been recognized as an outstanding attorney and named one of The Best Lawyers in America for real estate law as well as Best Lawyers’ “2013 New York City Real Estate Lawyer of the Year.”

He has been a member of the Westchester Land Trust Board of Directors since 2001, most notably serving as Chair of its Land Preservation Committee.  During his tenure, he provided the leadership that resulted in the protection of over 6,500 acres in Westchester and eastern Putnam Counties.

Ben is also the Chairman of the New York Restoration Project, a past Chairman of the Stratton Mountain School, and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Pound Ridge.

News Avatar

About Westchester Land Trust

Westchester Land Trust works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity and to enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam counties—a densely populated region under persistent threat from the pressures of development. Founded in 1988, WLT has preserved 9,278 acres of open space. More than 1,148 acres of land are owned by the organization which are free and open to the public year-round. WLT was one of the first land trusts in the nation to receive accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.