Release Date: December 21, 2022

Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, announced two new appointments to its Advisory Board; Annie Farrell, of North Salem, and Tatiana Kaletsch, of Kent Lakes. Farrell and Kaletsch bring robust experience in the fields of sustainable farming and public health, respectively. Both will use their professional insights to work alongside WLT’s staff, Advisory Board, and Board of Directors to support land protection, increased access to the outdoors, and stronger local food systems.

“We are profoundly honored to welcome Annie and Tatiana to the Advisory Board,” said Jonathan Wiesner, co-chair of the WLT Advisory Board. “Their commitment to land conservation, including in urban communities, and farming will be extraordinarily valuable to Westchester Land Trust.”

George Bianco, co-chair of the WLT Advisory Board and longtime supporter of Farrell’s work added, “Annie is truly the Farm Maven. She brings with her a wealth of agricultural experience. She knows the technical and practical aspects of farming and I am thrilled that she is joining the WLT Advisory Board.”

Annie Farrell is a resident of North Salem and has been a powerhouse in the field of sustainable farming in the greater New York area for four decades. She is currently a consultant for several private and noteworthy farms in the region. Farrell previously served as director of Millstone Farm in Wilton, CT, and consulted for David Rockefeller to develop the master plan for Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Dave Matthews’ Best of What’s Around Farm, Farm Aid, Annie Liebovitz’s Clifton Point Farm, Martha Stewart’s Katonah Farm, and designed the community Fodor Farm in the City of Norwalk, CT. She spent 10 years developing Cabbage Hill Farm, and designed and built the aquaponic systems at the farm. While there, she also opened the Flying Pig restaurant.

“Building stronger local food systems starts with increasing access to sustainable agriculture techniques that help us grow nutritious fruits, vegetables, and livestock,” said Annie Farrell. “I’m looking forward to working with the Westchester Land Trust team to address food insecurity in our communities and ensure that farmland is protected and productive for all who want to be more involved in what we eat.”

Farrell is a founding board member of the New England Livestock Alliance, served on the Muscoot Farm Advisory Board and Westchester County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, has been involved with the USDA Lower Hudson Resource Conservation and Development Council, was on the original Watershed Agricultural Council (East of Hudson) executive committee, and worked with the Jacob Alliance’s Livestock Consulting Group. She is part of the North Salem Climate Group.

Tatiana Kaletsch is actively engaged with and supportive of WLT’s land stewardship work and is a resident of Kent Lakes. She is a Master of public health with more than 20 years of experience implementing healthy habits systems for individuals and groups in corporate, clinical, educational, and community settings. She has expertise in collaborative, interdisciplinary strategies to prevent chronic disease. Her special interests are in equal access to local, farm-fresh food, and she is an active conservationist supporting nonprofits in land preservation, farmland protection, urban conservation, reforestation, and wildlife.

“Access to nature is a crucial component of wellness,” said Tatiana Kaletsch. “By combining my experience in the public health sector with Westchester Land Trust’s efforts to connect people to outdoor spaces and local food, we can improve the overall wellbeing of our communities.”

In addition to the WLT Advisory Board, Kaletsch serves on the Board of the New York City Audubon Society and is on the advisory councils at NH Forward and the NY WILD Film Festival held at the Explorer’s Club.

“We are always looking to bring in more relevant expertise to our Advisory Board,” said Bruce Churchill, chairman of WLT Board. “Annie and Tatiana both bring deep knowledge and experience to our team. I know they will add tremendous contributions to our efforts from the get-go.”

Farrell and Kaletsch will work alongside other members of the Advisory Board and Board of Directors to serve as the governing bodies of the organization, overseeing policies, fiscal and strategic planning, and supporting WLT’s commitment to creating a brighter future.