Supporting a Sustainable Future: Kestrel Receives A+ Award

Each year, the Amherst Area Chamber gives A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across the area that the Chamber serves: Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland and the Pioneer Valley as a whole.

This year, Kestrel Land Trust is honored to receive the Leader in Sustainability Award. The Chamber’s Executive Director, Claudia Pazmany said the Chamber chose to recognize Kestrel for its work to create a sustainable community, by conserving 583 acres on the Mount Holyoke Range this fall. And because Kestrel is “celebrating 50 years serving as a major force in forest land protection, farmland conservation, and in creating—and expanding—outdoor recreational space in Amherst and throughout Hampshire County.

“Kestrel Land Trust is not only providing much needed open space, which has been so healing to many during COVID, it has also made critical pathways to preserve wildlife, ensuring its vitality for future generations of wildlife and humanity alike.”

Kristin DeBoer, Kestrel’s Executive Director, said “We are thrilled to be recognized for our 50-year commitment to the Valley’s lands and to all the communities that rely on them. Kestrel is grateful for the five decades of support from individuals and businesses in and beyond the Amherst area. It’s because of this commitment from the community that Kestrel has been able to work with willing landowners, towns, and state and federal agencies to conserve more than 30,000 acres of forests, farms, and public conservation areas.”

Kestrel is pleased to be recognized along with the Amherst Area Chamber’s other award winners this year who share a commitment to the communities we serve. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Betsey McInnis of Amherst, the Leader in Innovation Award recognizes Phoenix Fruit Farm of Belchertown, the Young Professional Award honors Ash Crawford, and the Community Service Award honors Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 A+ Awards Show will be held virtually and broadcast live from Hadley Farms Meeting House on Thursday, November 12 with Presenting Sponsor, PeoplesBank. Details and tickets can be found here.