An Inspiring Model of Land Ownership
We keep Vermont farmland out of extractive corporations, and in the hands of local community residents.
By supporting new and retiring farmers, and by providing for community-ownership of the land, the White River Land Collaborative is an inspiring model for towns throughout Vermont.
The project builds on previous community land trust models that were created to hold farmland collaboratively. As we create our structures for community ownership, we are taking inspiration from initiatives that include New Communities in Albany, GA and Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom Farm Cooperative in Sunflower County, MS, both of which were created during the civil rights movement as a way to secure Black-owned land.
When you support our mission, you support:
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Protecting Farmland
Building Local Community
Expanding Access
Follow along with our Progress
Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about our efforts and success in protecting farmland and educating people about this important topic.
Also, receive early invitations to all of our Events!
What is a Community Land Trust?
A community land trust, such as the White River Land Collaborative, is a unique organization that combines the principles of conservation, community engagement, and sustainable land use to ensure long-term access to land for farming and other community-based activities.
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In Vermont, the White River Land Collaborative's community land trust tackles the challenges of rising land prices and development pressures by promoting collaboration and resource sharing among local community members.
Through partnerships with the Abenaki community, the trust integrates Indigenous knowledge with modern land stewardship practices, fostering ecological and cultural preservation. By engaging the surrounding community through educational events, the trust strengthens connections to resilient agriculture, sustainable forest management, indigenous land stewardship, and climate change resilience.
"Help protect the essential character of Tunbridge and Vermont"
Whether you attend an event or make a donation, your contribution truly matters.
"This project serves as a model throughout the state as Vermonters in every community work to preserve their working landscape, support the next generation of farmers, increase local font availability and accessibility, and strengthen community relationships.We are excited to partner with the White River Land Collaborative to make this a reality."
October 28, 2022
Tracy Zschau
Executive Director
Vermont Land Trust
