Fifty years ago, a small group of Amherst residents who loved the town’s many natural spaces saw the local forests and farms being lost to a wave of rapid development. These passionate conservationists created The Kestrel Trust in December 1970 to support the Town’s efforts to protect its vital farms, forests, and riverways.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of dedicated volunteers and supporters have continued this work to save land for people and for wildlife throughout the Pioneer Valley. Caring for this special place we all call “home” has always been at the heart of what Kestrel Land Trust does: And, it will continue to be our mission for the next 50 years and beyond.

From the Mount Holyoke & Mount Tom Ranges, to the rich Valley farmlands, and the hilltown forests, support from people like you has enabled Kestrel to conserve more than 28,000 acres. We believe in connecting people to the land through the arts, history, and culture to ensure future generations care about the special places that make this region a great place to live.

For generations, artists have played a critical role in inspiring people to care about the future of our land with their artwork. The works in this exhibit celebrate this connection and our shared love of the land. Kestrel is grateful to the artists and R. Michelson Galleries for supporting our continued efforts to conserve the Pioneer Valley with proceeds from this exhibit. – Kari Blood, Kestrel Land Trust

View the exhibit here