Open spaces are vital to our physical, economic, and psychological health, and to the ecological systems that enable all life. Yet we've lost many special outdoor places in the past generation, even in the past few years. If we want to pass this region's natural assets on to future generations we must make our voices heard, and speak out about what we value. The Land Trust ensures that future generations can use and value open space forever.

Economic benefits include:

• Increased property values for all town residents
• Reduced population growth and therefore the need for more schools, keeping property taxes down

Physical and ecological benefits include:

• Protective buffer zones around streams and underground aquifers
• Reduction of flood dangers
• Adds to the town character
• Provides a natural environment for recreation