| | | Open Space Institute Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Open Space Institute (OSI) marked its 50th Anniversary with a gala celebration at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The event drew 550 guests to honor treasured friends and celebrate a major OSI milestone: 2.5 million acres of land saved directly and with partners throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. “The gala was both a wonderful celebration of OSI’s 50 years and a spirited testament to the enormous values of the smart, strategic land conservation on which OSI has built its reputation,” said OSI’s President and CEO, Erik Kulleseid.
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| | | | Honoring Decades of OSI Leadership
At the 50th Anniversary Gala, OSI honored longtime OSI President and CEO Kim Elliman, who retired in April after more than 30 years at the helm; as well as board founding chair John Adams and his wife, Patricia, a vital longtime supporter. Click through and watch the video honoring Kim, John, and Patricia, and celebrating OSI’s 50 years of conservation innovation! |
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| | | | Strong Community Response to OSI Greenway Study
Launched only a month ago, OSI’s O&W Corridor Study has generated an enthusiastic response, garnering nearly 1,000 replies to an online survey, and drawing 125 community members to three open houses in New York’s Hudson Valley. Community feedback is essential to OSI’s transformation of the O&W Corridor into a connected, 57-mile trail crossing three counties, a key project in OSI’s Growing Greenways Plan. |
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| | | | Major Expansion for South Carolina's Cartwheel Bay
More than 400 acres have been added to the South Carolina’s Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve thanks, in part, to OSI. Located less than an hour away from Myrtle Beach the Preserve is home to rare, threatened, and endangered species including numerous orchid varietals and carnivorous plants, and is one of the only places simultaneously supporting both Longleaf pines and unique landforms known as Carolina Bays. |
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| | | | Connecting Two State Parks
OSI has protected more than 100 acres in New York’s heavily developed Rockland County. The project is the latest in efforts to connect Sterling Forest and Harriman State Parks, and links the Sloatsburg train station to thousands of acres of protected land, creating a seamless experience for outdoor recreationists from nearby New York City and elsewhere. The acquisition also safeguards a primary drinking water source for the County. |
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| | | | A New Local Park in the Lowcountry
OSI and local partners came together to save 160 acres of an at-risk Lowcountry landscape for the creation of a new town park. The property, featuring hundreds of mature pecan trees and live oaks, and more than a mile of frontage along Oyster House Creek, will become Harrell Family Park, giving locals abundant access to water for shrimping, crabbing, and paddle sports. |
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| | | | Major Grant for Lake Placid Trailhead
OSI and the Village of Lake Placid have joined forces to create a new parking area and trailhead for the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail. Most recently, the project secured a $300,000 grant from New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund and efforts are underway to secure additional funds to support the project. With public and private support, future visitors will benefit from safe parking, orientation guidance, and other amenities. |
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