Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Natural Resources Trust of Easton (NRT) to educate about significant natural and cultural resources and to acquire and preserve land of special character for the benefit of the public. The NRT promotes a land ethic in the community through educational programming. The NRT provides leadership, cooperation, and networking to others with similar missions.
The Natural Resources Trust of Easton is focused on preserving Easton's rural character and heritage. The NRT programs and initiatives are pursued through the collaborative efforts of the NRT Board, staff, committee members and community volunteers.
The Natural Resources Trust of Easton is focused on preserving Easton's rural character and heritage. The NRT programs and initiatives are pursued through the collaborative efforts of the NRT Board, staff, committee members and community volunteers.
Our History
In 1973, the NRT was invited by Elise Ames Parker to use her former residence, Sheep Pasture, as a 115-acre classroom for its environmental programs and the study of nature in an outdoor setting. With the availability of this classroom came exciting new ways for the organization to implement its mission. A program of community gardens was introduced and managed. Farm buildings were repaired and farm animals acquired. A newsletter was published. In October of 1973, the third grade class from the North Easton Grammar School walked down Main Street to Sheep Pasture for its first environmental education program. That third-grade class pioneered a trail to the establishment of a new outdoor learning laboratory that continues today. In 1979, the NRT became the owner of Sheep Pasture through Mrs. Parker's generous bequest. Twenty years later, the NRT purchased 40 additional acres that had been a part of the original estate from Mrs. Parker's grandson. That purchase increased Sheep Pasture's size to 154 acres. The NRT acquires ownership of land through outright gift, through "bargain sale" (purchases below market value with grantor receiving the appropriate tax deduction), and through market purchase. The NRT of Easton also holds conservation restrictions on land owned by the town or by private citizens who seek to protect the natural features of their property without giving up its ownership.
Membership and local support are the cornerstones of the NRT of Easton. Membership dues, fundraising activities, in kind donations of goods and services, volunteering, bequests, and grants are all important to maintaining the high quality of programs and land stewardship that the NRT is known to provide.
Membership and local support are the cornerstones of the NRT of Easton. Membership dues, fundraising activities, in kind donations of goods and services, volunteering, bequests, and grants are all important to maintaining the high quality of programs and land stewardship that the NRT is known to provide.
