KWLT partners with HCECF to further natural landscape
Recently, the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust board of trustees voted unanimously to establish a Conservation Fund at the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation, marking a significant step forward in protecting the region’s natural landscapes. It was made possible through a gift from the Gabele family.
Last month, the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust board of trustees voted unanimously to establish a Conservation Fund at the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation, marking a significant step forward in protecting the region’s natural landscapes for generations to come.
This new fund is made possible through a gift from the Gabele Family. The donation was inspired by a deeply personal connection to the area and a shared vision for the conservation of both wild areas and farmland.
“We know there are many people like the Gabele Family who are passionate about protecting the natural beauty and rural character of this region,” said Tate Emerson, executive director of KWLT. “Our hope is that this fund continues to grow, enabling us to safeguard even more of the remarkable places within the Killbuck watershed and surrounding areas.”
KWLT currently protects 1,663 acres of farmland in Holmes County through conservation easements, which allow landowners to maintain ownership while protecting their land from future subdivision. The land trust also owns and manages 584 acres of nature preserves throughout Holmes County, including Killbuck Swamp Preserve, Baker Wetland and Brinkhaven Oak Barrens.
“The foundation has brought so much enthusiasm to our partnership, and I think they are going to be a wonderful advocate for the work we’re doing locally,” Emerson said.
What began more than 40 years ago as Holmes County Education Foundation, the charitable organization’s mission to encourage education for the residents of Holmes County through scholarships and grants, expanded in 2021 to become a community foundation that improves the quality of life in Holmes County.
“As Holmes County’s community foundation, we are always looking for opportunities to partner with local nonprofits that make a significant impact in our county,” said Holley Johnson, executive director of HCECF. “We are excited to be able to add the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust Conservation Fund to our foundation. We are committed to helping this important local organization receive the funding they need to do the essential work of keeping Holmes County the beautiful place that we all love.”
To contribute directly to the KWLT Conservation Fund, visit www.hcef.net/giving or send a check to:
Holmes County Education & Community Foundation
Attn: KWLT Conservation Fund
114 North Clay Street
Millersburg, OH 44654
For more information about the KWLT Conservation Fund and to learn of other ways to contribute, contact Emerson at tate@killbuckwatershedlandtrust.org or Johnson at hjohnson@hcef.net.