Another year is behind us. My thanks to everyone who has helped support and build the Conservancy. With your help, we have come a long way since I first joined the organization.

When I began my tenure with the Conservancy, we had protected just over 100 acres, our membership was around 300 and our total assets, both operating and long-term stewardship funds, barely broke $100,000. Now we have protected nearly 800 acres—when this goes to print, we’ll have surpassed the 800-acre mark. Our annual budget is set at more than $200,000, and our assets include nearly $100,000 of stewardship funding dedicated to meeting the long-term responsibilities we incur when we accept a conservation easement or ownership of a parcel. And the number of people who support the Conservancy has grown significantly.

These are all outstanding accomplishments, but we are not where we want to be. With more supporters and a stronger financial base, we can protect more land. We had a number of important successes in 2004, despite some significant challenges. In the coming year I look forward to increasing our momentum and, most importantly, the amount of land we protect.

Thank you all for your help and support. Please join me in adding to our strength and positive energy in the coming months.

Chris Bunch