Times of Transition
If we have learned anything this past year, it is the importance of community, the value of the natural world and the significance of rural economies. The Watershed Agricultural Council, like so many others, faced unprecedented challenges and unexpected transition in 2020 but met them with perseverance, commitment and compassion. Despite it all—our fields flourished, our markets soared, and our small towns opened their big hearts for visitors from near and far. Our forests were havens for those escaping the built environment, and our farms supplied upstate al fresco feasts to downstate school lunches.
Throughout this report you will read stories of success, accomplishment and pride that were made possible by assistance from our Agricultural, Conservation Easement, Forestry and Economic Viability Programs. As the world around us paused, we carried on – our staff, farmers, loggers and partners continued to work together to protect our people, our land and our water. We also took this year as an opportunity to fortify our relationship with our main funder, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. It undoubtedly clear that we must cooperate and collaborate to achieve our shared mission of preserving water quality through sustainable working landscapes. We know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together we are stronger and together we will prevail.
Read the 2020 Annual Report here.
