Meme Hanley joins Orange County Land Trust as development director

SUGAR LOAF — Meme Hanley of Gardiner has joined the Orange County Land Trust as director of development.

Land Trust President Marlena Lange said Hanley will be responsible for all aspects of fund raising to support the operations and land protection programs at the nonprofit.

“She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in fund raising and land protection, and a sincere commitment to conserving our environment and preserving our open spaces," Lange said in the land trust's press release detailing Hanley's hiring.

'The most important thing we can do'

Hanley has 10 years of experience in fund raising for land trusts; she also has additional experience working in communications at Boston’s leading anti-poverty agency, Action for Boston Community Development.

In her most recent position as Development officer at Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz, she handled many fund raising activities including special events, membership, annual fund drives and planned giving.

“Protecting land is one of the most permanent things we can do to benefit people and the environment," Hanley said in the land trust's press release. "When land is protected we ensure that future generations can benefit from the views, open spaces and outdoor recreation that we are lucky enough to enjoy today.”

Meme holds A Bachelor Of Arts In Art History from the University of Hartford. She is a member and former board member of the Association of Fund raising Professionals, Mid-Hudson Chapter. She credits her love of nature to the many hours spent outdoors each day as a child where she grew up in Connecticut.

She enjoys running, hiking and snowshoeing in her spare time.

5,000 acres
Since 1993, Orange County Land Trust has worked to preserve Orange County’s important natural resources, scenic landscapes and working farmland, resulting in the protection of nearly 5,000 acres of land, including 12 working farms.

The Land Trust owns and stewards 11 nature preserves, seven which are open to the public every day at no charge for outdoor recreation and nature study.

Two preserves are leased to farmers and are in active agricultural production, and one preserve is inaccessible, protected wildlife habitat.

The Jack and Louise Birnberg Preserve, located in the towns of Chester and Blooming Grove and adjacent to the Heritage Trail, is slated to open by summer 2014.

For more information, call 845-469-0951 ext. 14 or visit www.oclt.org.