The theme for the “Dutch Treat” evening at the On the Rocks Restaurant at Fox Hopyard, was Wood Stone and Water, which highlighted the expertise of each of these special guests. Wood was for Anthony Irving (1994-2004), a graduate of the Yale School of Forestry. Stone was for Ralph Lewis (1996-2006) with a PhD in Geology. Water was for Linda Bireley with a PhD in Marine Biology.

Executive Director George Moore saluted the extraordinary accomplishments of the three honorees and the directors who served with them. While each served the allowable ten year term, much of it was simultaneous, resulting in a team who together, accomplished some of the largest additions to open space in Lyme. Moore went on to commend their continued intellectual contributions to the Land Trust and their dedication to public service.

Carrying the theme further, current president John Pritchard presented each with a framed color print donated by frequent Land Trust Photo Contest ribbon winner, Skip Broom. The picture, taken in Lyme, was an artistic presentation of wood, stone and water.

Pritchard spoke of the honor of following in the footsteps of three such accomplished individuals. Continuing to preserve land remains a principal objective of the Lyme Land Trust, he said, but as our stewardship responsibilities increase, it will become increasingly important for the Trust to offer more opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn about and appreciate what has been accomplished on their behalf in the last 45 years.