Bedford Hills, NY— Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, is hosting its annual benefit, The Art of Nature, Saturday, June 3 at the PepsiCo Headquarters in Purchase, NY overlooking the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens. The event will celebrate land protection successes and honor distinguished leaders who have devoted their time and talents to advance the land trust’s conservation mission.

Lori Ensinger, Katonah resident and former WLT president, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedicated work as president of WLT from 2013–2022, where she led the protection of nearly 2,000 acres of land. Prior to her tenure as president, Ensinger served on our Board of Directors from 2004–2013 and chaired the investment committee and governance and nominating committee. Ensinger and her late husband, Bill Kuebler, donated a 17-acre conservation easement to WLT in 2005. Today, as senior advisor, she works with WLT’s staff to implement the organization’s strategic conservation plan, lending her expertise to real estate negotiations and conservation finance.

Jen Schwartz, Bedford resident and longtime WLT Director, and the Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation will receive the Preservation Award for their generous support of WLT’s land protection projects and their unwavering commitment to supporting the organization’s community conservation programs. Schwartz has served on WLT’s Board of Directors since 2014 and is a frequent volunteer across the organization, lending a hand at WLT’s Sugar Hill food justice farm garden, and offering her expertise on the executive and Annual Benefit planning committees.

Stella and Jack Sanko will each receive a Youth Conservationist Award for their volunteer work with WLT.

Stella and Jack Sanko, siblings from Mamaroneck, will receive Youth Conservationist Awards for their volunteer work on projects that enhance wildlife habitat and improve visitor experience at WLT’s publicly accessible nature preserves. As part of her scouting Gold Award Project, Stella designed, built, and installed five wood duck boxes to provide a safe haven for these birds at Westchester Wilderness Walk / Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge. To fulfill his Eagle Scout Project, Jack built a kiosk at Otter Creek Preserve to improve visitors’ experience and to help visitors learn more about the natural beauty of the area. He’s also worked closely with our stewardship team, assisting with everything from maintaining forest restoration plots to removing invasive vines.

“The honorees being recognized at our Annual Benefit this year have made a true impact in their communities and our organization,” said Kara Hartigan Whelan, president of WLT. “From Lori’s leadership in protecting thousands of acres of land, to Jen’s generosity and enthusiasm for our expanded urban conservation program, and dynamic sibling duo Jack and Stella volunteering to improve our preserves, we’re inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm.”

In addition to celebrating the honorees, The Art of Nature annual benefit will showcase the stunning sculpture gardens at PepsiCo’s headquarters while featuring gourmet food, signature cocktails, dancing, and a silent art auction. Tickets are on sale now at westchesterlandtrust.org. All funds raised support WLT’s land conservation mission, including land protection and open space enhancement.