CLINTON UNITED'S first annual Spring Luncheon fulfilled everyone's expectations and beyond. On a perfect Spring afternoon we gathered on the lawn of Clinton Town Hall to meet with our neighbors, enjoy a good meal, and discuss means to preserve the town that we all love. Approximately 75 local residents, adults and children, gathered to share the afternoon. There was free-flowing discussion, a free raffle of garden plants, free food and drinks.

The second half of the afternoon's program featured a presentation given by Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson. Mr. Sullivan was introduced by Bronwyn Bevan, a member of Clinton United, who first spent time explaining the origin and mission of Clinton United. She then moderated a short discussion among audience participants who volunteered their reasons for attending the luncheon and expressed their concerns about the process of development in Clinton. Mr. Sullivan spoke just a little about Scenic Hudson's projects and goals, but spent the bulk of his presentation explaining the concepts of "conservation by design." Conservation design is an approach to development planning that features setting aside half or more of the buildable land on a site as permanently protected community open space. The key ingredient to the "conservation by design" approach is planning.

Becky Thornton, director of the Dutchess Land Conservancy, and Michael Hagerty, director of the Winnakee Land Trust, also spoke briefly about the purposes and activities of their organizations. There was time for questions, more informal interaction, and dessert before the afternoon ended. One guest summed up the general feelings of the afternoon, saying "the speakers were great--I finally understand the whole technical process of conservation development and how it works. Ned really spelled it out. Fascinating and lots of work ahead!"

Ned Sullivan from Scenic Hudson and Michael Hagerty from Winnakee Land Trust.

Becky Thornton from the Dutchess Land Conservancy.