SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., September 25, 2026 – The places that shape quality of life in the Saratoga region are being protected through the efforts, both big and small, of many people. Some protect their land in partnership with Saratoga PLAN. Others donate to help fund conservation projects, steward trails or create opportunities for people to connect with the land and with one another. Together, their efforts help ensure that the region’s farms, forests, waters and trails remain part of the future. These heroes are neighbors, friends and fellow community members.

That spirit was at the heart of Saratoga PLAN’s annual PLAN for the Future celebration Sept. 17 at The Saratoga Winery, where more than 150 individuals gathered and $110,000 was raised to fund local land conservation and stewardship projects, and initiatives to enhance access to the outdoors.

The event, themed “Celebrating a Legacy of Stewardship: Honoring Those Who Protect Land, Community & Conservation,” recognized five individuals and couples whose contributions reflect the many ways people can shape the future of the region.

Joanne and Thomas Klepetar were honored as Conservation Heroes for protecting 444 acres of forestland in the Southern Palmertown Range. Katie Odgen and Matthew Harris received the same honor for protecting their 43-acre horse farm in the town of Stillwater. The third Conservation Hero, Rick Higgins, was recognized for his crucial role in helping PLAN acquire a 20-acre property that will become the Northern Gateway to the Graphite Range Community Forest.

Alex Milton was named Volunteer of the Year for his work as the site steward of the Glowegee Creek Trails South in the town of Galway. His mother, Maryanna, donated the land in 2005, and Alex now helps care for the place his family helped protect, carrying that conservation ethic into the next generation. He is also an active member of PLAN’s Monday Stewards volunteer group.

Maria Trabka was honored as Conservation Champion for a 40-year career in conservation, including roles at The Nature Conservancy and the Agricultural Stewardship Association. She served as Saratoga PLAN’s executive director from 2008 to 2022, a period of significant growth for the organization. During her tenure, PLAN facilitated the conservation of more than 10,000 acres, established 12 nature preserves and helped create more than 200 miles of trails throughout Saratoga County.

“Those we honor tonight are not passing any torches,” said Jamie Brown, PLAN’s executive director. “They are still lighting the way ahead, while lighting the torches of others.”

The evening also shined a light on the next generation of conservationists. Adrian Appleman and Emma Fuhrmeister, co-chairs of PLAN’s Next Generation Committee, spoke about how their involvement with PLAN has made them more engaged in their community and prompted them to consider a simple question: “What will we leave behind?”

“We live in one of the most beautiful and innovative areas in the country,” Appleman said. “Every time I see trees being torn down, it reminds me just how important it is for organizations like PLAN to exist so that we can continue to grow our region thoughtfully while preserving the bountiful natural resources around us.”

The question also became a call to action for supporters. “Your gift is a way of saying that the places we love should still be here for people we may never meet,” Appleman said. “We invite you to imagine all that is possible if we all choose to act, not simply for the land we have protected, but for the forests, farms, trails and communities that are still waiting for someone to stand up and say: ‘This matters, and I will help protect it.’”

The $110,000 in net proceeds, raised through event ticket sales, event sponsorships, a paddle raise and both a live and online auction, will support PLAN’s efforts to protect the farms, forests and waters of the Saratoga region and help connect more people with nature.

The event was made possible in part by Mighty Oak Event Sponsors Brigid & Charlie Dake, Higgins Family Foundation and The Makowski Trust.

About Saratoga PLAN

Saratoga PLAN stewards and protects farms, forests, and waters of the Saratoga region and the southern Adirondack foothills – now and forever.

Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has helped conserve over 14,000 acres of land in Saratoga County. PLAN helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands, and natural habitats, and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 13 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature study. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit, play and farm. PLAN facilitates community-based conservation by partnering with municipalities to help them accomplish their community’s conservation goals.

For more information, call 518-587-5554, or visit www.saratogaplan.org.