THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST

2008 ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER

FEBRUARY 7, 2009
MARCUM CONFERENCE CENTER, MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD, OH 45056

Left: TVCT Board Vice Chair Sam Fitton

leads a walking tour of the Duvall easement
as part of the “Country Evening for
Conservation.”

Below:
A view of the Rodeffer Family Farm
easement.

Right:
’08 MU Junior
Scholars
removing debris
and honeysuckle
at the Beck Farm
for their service
project. Great
teamwork and
energy!

Above:
A view of the habitat and homestead on the Wissing
easement.

Left:
The tranquil pond behind The Dunbar House,
located on one of Ann Geddes’ easements.

The Three Valley Conservation Trust (TVCT)

works with people and communities to conserve
the natural environment and cultural heritage in Southwest Ohio.
Agenda
5:30 pm Registration • Music by Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra
6:15 pm Please be seated. Dinner served by Marcum Center Staff
6:45 pm Frank House, Board Chair • Welcome
6:55 pm Thane Maynard, Executive Director • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
“How Land and Stream Conservation Enhances and Protects Habitat for Wildlife, Rare Plants”
7:20 pm Dave Nolin, Director • Five Rivers MetroParks
7:25 pm Easement Donor Remarks • Name
7:40 pm Ray Arlinghaus, Board Member • “Save an Acre”
7:50 pm Ann D. Geddes • Presentation of Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist Award
8:00 pm Recognition
8:20 pm “Save an Acre” Tally
8:25 pm Larry Frimerman, Executive Director • Accomplishments in 2008
8:35 pm Business Meeting • Election of new Board Members
8:45 pm Enjoy the Music and Your Neighbors

Speakers
Thane Maynard
is the Director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The
mission of his work, teaching and writing, mirrors that of the
zoo: to tell the story of biological diversity, natural history, and
wildlife conservation to the general public.
Thane is best known as writer and host of numerous wildlife
programs, including the daily “public radio series” the “90-
Second Naturalist,” which airs on stations across North
America. He has been featured on “Good Morning America,”
“Today,” and “CBS.”
As a boy growing up in central Florida, he explored the low
country swamps in the days before condominiums. From this
initial interest in wild places, he went on to receive his B.A
degree in environmental studies from Rollins College in his
hometown of Winter Park, Florida, and his M.S. degree from
the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources.
Thane is the author of thirteen books on
wildlife. His latest work is a book he is
co-authoring with Jane Goodall.
In addition to his work for the Cincinnati
Zoo, Thane is an active member of the
American Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA), serving on the Field
Conservation Committee and Protected
Areas Initiative. Thane is involved in the Cincinnati community
as a member of Leadership Cincinnati Class XVII, and a
Trustee for The Hillside Trust.
He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Margo
Marsh Biodiversity Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Jim and Amy Leedy

live on the original Leedy farm deeded to Jim's great dairy farm and will become a TVCT
grandfather in 1890 and is an Ohio Century Farm. He began board member this year. The
farming over 200 acres as a freshman in high school and Leedys, with Jim's mother, Hazel
received the American Farmer Degree (the highest honor in the Call, have nearly 650 acres under
FFA Association). He eventually took over the family agricultural easements in affiliation
operations full time after graduation from Ohio State University. with the Trust. Jim is also an active
The family agribusiness initially included dairy, beef and hogs Board member of the Preble County Soil and Water
but now concentrates on feeder cattle and grain. Jim married Conservation District.
his teenage sweetheart (Amy Ulrich ) who also grew up on a

Hays Cummins & Donna McCollum

are Miami University scientists who have integrated their love woods. They teach tropical ecology
of ecology with their home and lifestyle. He is in the courses throughout the world, but
Department of Geography with the Miami honors program and believe that their little bit of Ohio is
Donna is Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental as intriguing and beautiful as
Sciences. Starting from a-5 acre residence on McCoy Road in anything found in a tropical
Reily townships, they have expanded in several stages to paradise.
include 20 acres of native prairie, multiple wetlands and
2008 Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist of the Year, 2008
JOHN BLOCHER
The Three Valley Conservation Trust hereby recognizes John program and has
Blocher for the 2008 Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist remained a generous
Award. John has served as an area-wide conservationist for 28 donor, networker and
years, ever since moving to Oxford in 1981. He and Phyllis promoter since.
moved into the house where this region’s great naturalist,
John Blocher also has
Robert Hefner, had lived and started the Silvoor Sanctuary,
served as a highly
and John immediately took on responsibilities for long-term
valued educator and
stewardship of the adjacent recovering site. He promoted the
nature enthusiast for
Sanctuary as a nature laboratory for Botany, Geology, and
these 28 years. He
Zoology students and the public, yearly monitoring the
coordinated weekly
blooming dates of the Sanctuary’s over 50 native spring
spring flower walks
wildflowers, and served as Curator of Miami University’s use of
during March-April for
Silvoor Sanctuary.
students and the public
John was instrumental in establishing a stewardship and in the greater
management agreement for the Silvoor Sanctuary between southwest Ohio area
Miami University and Three Valley Conservation Trust and has and for nine years led
worked hard to have most of the private land owners in the the Institute for
Silvoor Sanctuary accept a land conservation easement with Learning in Retirement
the Three Valley Conservation Trust. Spring Wildflower
Walks. He has led the
John organized community members of all ages to join in the
establishment of nature trails in a forested area at The Knolls of
control of invasive species needed at Silvoor. By engaging so
Oxford, and erected and monitored the productivity of 15 bluebird
many people in these conservation projects over so many
boxes at The Knolls. Also in recent years John has had previous
years he effectively promoted good conservation, good town
recognition of his contributions, being cited by Kiwanis/The Oxford
and gown relationships among University faculty, students,
Press in 1993 as a Citizen of the Years. One sponsor of that
service groups, the public and the Silvoor Lane property
recognition cited Blocher for having “done all these things from a
owners. In addition, he was in 1989 the co-editor, fundraiser,
love of life, the arts, the earth, and this community.” This phrasing
and promoter of the book Silvoor Notes, a compilation of Dr.
states John Blocher’s serious, long-term vision of conservation
Hefner’s newspaper articles.
ethics and action, extending these values to a quite large following
During this work, John Blocher also was very active in the of thoroughly engaged individuals.
area’s Audubon Society chapter (now Audubon Miami Valley),
 Orie Loucks, Mike Ball, Eric Hollins
and served as editor of Fox Tales, the local group’s newsletter
for about 10 years. He was also treasurer for several years, Selection Committee
chair of the birdseed sale for many years, and records tabulator Mike Ball • Ann Geddes • Eric Hollins • Orie Loucks
for about five years of Audubon’s Oxford Christmas Bird Count.
(The Three Valley Conservation Trust extends its gratitude to John
John’s interests extended as well to the education of this Ruthven for allowing the Trust to reproduce “Three Valley Great Blue
community’s grade-school students. In 1994, he was one of Heron” as a memento of the Wallace I Edwards Conservationist of the
the first donors to the Environmental Mobile Unit (EMU) Year Award.)

Prairie Project in Progress at the Beck Farm

This project is targeted as a great educational tool and demonstration
of conservation efforts in the form of an oak savannah at the Trust office on
the Beck Farm.
o Honeysuckle removal partially complete
o Land preparation completed
o Storm damaged trees removed
o Phase 1 herbicide applied
o Cooperative agreement with Fish & Wildlife,
o Pheasants Forever
o Fully funded by FWS, Duke Energy, Mike Beck
o (as a part of the 9/14/08 tree storm cleanup)
Above: Example of an oak savannah in the Midwest.
 2008 Land Protection Accomplishments
New Focus in 2008 Provided Exemplary Monitoring and
After 27 easements and 3,596 acres protected in 2007, TVCT Stewardship Service
recognized the need to focus on catching up with our finances, • Completed & distributed all monitorings and reports
organizational development and procedures, in order to more • Increased monitoring endowment calculation to reflect
effectively manage our operations and monitor our easements actual costs; implemented program to incorporate
toward sustainability. Thus, we focused our land protection endowments as a part of grant application process
efforts on developing new policies and procedures, and on • Professionalized the organizational structure of the
existing commitments and obligations in 2008. To this end, we monitoring process, training of lead monitors
recorded two new easements for 2008 − Al & Mary Bruns’ 119 • Developed and implemented a strong Recordkeeping
acre prairie and streamside farm in Israel Township, Preble Policy
County, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, • Initiated consideration of a proposed Taylor easement
and James Moses’ 91.3 acre Twin Creek farm in partnership amendment in response to a request from the family
with Five Rivers Metroparks and US Natural Resource
Conservation Services (NRCS).
In addition, the Trust worked diligently toward the conclusion of
seven more easements approved in 2007, and were successful
in securing funds for thirteen additional properties in twelve Left:
different applications - two through the Clean Ohio Agricultural A view of James Moses’
Easement Purchase Program (out of 25 submitted), six through property – easement
NRCS’ Farmland Protection Program (out of five submitted for signed in 2008
matching funds) and six through the Clean Ohio Conservation
Fund (out of six submitted).
Existing obligations and governmental
commitments to help protect properties
• Farm & Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) 2007-2008
Below:
Cooperative Agreements A view of Al & Mary
• Agricultural Easement Protection Program (AEPP) 25 Bruns’ property –
applications submitted around three clusters. Two farms easement signed in
approved. 2008
• Six Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Applications - 2/county;
all approved.
• Total holdover easements from 2007-2008 likely to close in
2009: (17 funded purchase contracts)19 easements,
approximately 2600 acres, with two additional expected,
totaling another 340 acres.
• With funding assistance from the Miller Brewing Company,
trained, effectively utilized GIS interns, developed
Conservation Priority Intern slot to help with establishing
priority areas for future protection, with even stronger
scientific underpinning.
• Developed a transparent priority queue for walk-ins and
opportunity-driven land conservation.
Developed and implemented new policies to
excel in meeting the Land Trust Alliance’s
Standards & Practices Member Contributors for 2008
• Overt and transparent Land Protection & Stewardship $ 76,144.28 20 Corporations, organizations,
Committee (LPSC) & Board affirmative decision to approve family foundations, etc.
easements, land deals. $ 35,015.00 252 Donations designated as
• Easement development procedures and checklist – also “membership” (submitted with
using full priority matrix to assess easement priorities membership form)
• Funding of easement monitoring endowments $ 67,495.38 345 Other donations
• Easement violations $102,510.38 597 Total
• Landowner conflict of Interest
• Easement Defense $178,654.66 617 Total Contributors
• Easement Amendment
Development
In 2008, the Trust continued to implement initiatives that
involved increased outreach and fundraising. With the
assistance of our Board and many devoted volunteers, we have
made some significant steps that have improved our overall
Development program.
In 2008 revenues raised for our Operating Budget totaled
$332,524. These funds help to significantly reduce the 2007
shortfall. The pie chart [at right]
portrays the percentages of the
Trust’s revenues according to our
various fundraising methods. Some
of the program highlights from 2008
include:
Outreach Program
The overall goals of the outreach
program are to have communities
understand the Trust better and to
increase our base of support. We
conducted a variety of activities that
helped increase our presence in
parts of our service area and
introduced the Trust to more
people. Some of our major
outreach activities included:
• Small Gatherings showcase some of the Trust’s protected
properties and explain our initiatives to our members.
• Became members of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
and participated in or hosted numerous chamber-related
events. (We are now members of the Chambers of Oxford,
Preble County, Middletown and Hamilton.)
• Initiated a Strategic Working Group to expand the Trust’s
presence in the Hamilton community.
• In the process of initiating a working group whose goal is to
expand the Trust’s presence in the Dayton and Montgomery
County area.
Concert By the Creek
In July, the Trust held its second annual concert and Bar-B-Que
event. Yvonne and Mike Yoakum graciously hosted the Concert
by the Creek with approximately 100 guests at their beautiful
home near Ross. Thanks to our sponsors, raffle items, and
other endeavors, the Trust raised over $4,000 for our
operations.
Auction for Acres
The Trust’s annual auction event returned to the Auction for
Acres format in September 2008. Over 150 people attended this
event, held at the Knolls of Oxford. We would like to send our
warmest thanks to all who donated items and time to help with
the event—it takes months of planning and many hours of
volunteer time.
Progressive Dinner
Live music, delicious cuisine and nature walks highlighted the
first Trust Elegant Dinner in May. This was a unique gathering
that showcased some special protected properties. We are
grateful to our hosts – Wendy & Tom Duvall, and Ann Geddes –
and the volunteers who helped with the event. This activity is
scheduled again for 2009.
Wine Tastings
Brown’s Run Country Club in Middletown hosted the Trust’s first
wine tasting. Thirty wines from around the world were available
for tasting and purchase; they were accompanied by a
delectable variety of hors d’oeuvres and deserts. This was an
exceptional way to treat your palate to unique wines and great
food in a special atmosphere. We are planning to do this again
in 2009.
Grants
The funding the Trust receives from corporate,
community and family foundations helps to
defray expenses and increase the quality of our
programs.
Volunteers
Every year we receive great support from a
core of volunteers who are the foundation for
our activities. We are very grateful to everyone
who has devoted their valuable time to assist
the Trust. As we continue to grow and take on
new challenges, we welcome new volunteers to
assist. Volunteers are vital to our success.
Donors
A complete list of donors in 2008 will appear in
the next issue of “Valley Trust News.”
Three Valley Conservation Trust Plans for 2009
2009 promises to be an exciting and demanding year for the
Three Valley Conservation Trust. Our planning for 2009-2010
includes a number of existing commitments and responsibilities.
As such, we have ongoing obligations to our current easement
donors, agencies, and other landowners. This starts with a
commitment to monitor easement compliance annually for each
of our current easements, and in increasing our capacity to
monitor those easements. It also means a priority on solidifying
our financial operations and endowment base to sustain the
Trust in its mission. Without a sound financial base, no lands
could be protected, even those that are existing commitments.
In this state of the economy, it is an essential core focus.
In 2009, the Trust will close twenty-one existing land protection
contracts that are pending carryovers from 2007 and 2008
applications and landowner agreements. Thankfully, six of
these will close before the end of the month. In addition, the
Trust has committed to serving as a local sponsor and applicant
for landowners and governments in the Three Valley area.
These include ongoing commitments for the USDA Farmland
Protection Program, Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement
Purchase Program, and the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
Our commitments focus on protecting the most sensitive lands
in high priority areas. The Board has asked the Land Protection
Committee and staff to prioritize these lands while fulfilling
ongoing commitments. Where possible, the Trust will consider
newly identified area initiatives, and walk-in easement requests.
Finally, we recognize that the Conservation Easement Tax
Incentive is due to expire 12/31/09 unless Congress extends
the Incentive for two years or longer. This factor could impact
the Trust’s land protection agenda during the fourth quarter of
2009.
Financial Report

Income and Expense Statement – Endowment and Unrestricted Funds Breakdown –

Year to date as of December 2008 Year to date as of December 2008
INCOME ACTUAL BUDGET ENDOWMENTS (PERMENANTLY RESTRICTED)
Total Contributed Support $223,032 $194,000
Total Earned Revenues $ 58,239 $ 58,572 Operations
Total Special Event Revenue $ 49,676 $ 27,428 Hamilton Community Foundation $ 12,124.27
Total Other Revenue $ 1,577 $ 0 Oxford Community Foundation $ 20,000.00
Total Income $332,524 $280,000 Mass Trust $217,895.28
EXPENSES ACTUAL BUDGET Total Operations Endowment $250,019.55
Total Salaries & Related Expenses $200,075 $196,242
Total Other Personnel Expenses $ 9,838 $ 21,000 Stewardship
Total Non Personnel Expenses $ 20,310 $ 23,200 Mass Trust $144,077.87
Total Occupancy Expenses $ 4,304 $ 4,640 Total Stewardship Endowment $144,077.87
Total Travel & Meeting Expenses $ 8,831 $ 16,000
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Cash LCNB $ 32,455.91
Total Miscellaneous Expense $ 13,259 $ 10,500 Mass Trust $144,846.41
Total Business Expense $ 631 $ 635 Total Unrestricted Funds $177,312.32
Total Special Event Expense $ 9,188 $ 6,780
TOTAL EXPENSES $266,437 $278,997
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 66,087 $ 1,003
Minutes of the Business Portion of the 3VCT 2007 Annual Meeting
February 9, 2008  Marcum Conference Center, Miami University
Minutes recorded by T.E. Wissing, Outgoing Board Secretary
1. Larry Frimerman introduced Catherine Hollins, Vice-
Chair of the Trust, who recognized all of the good
work done by the Trust’s committees over the past
year. These (chairs in parentheses) included the
Finance Committee (Ben Jones), Membership
Committee (Liz Woedl), Land Protection
Committee (Ann Geddes & Eric Hollins), Public
Information Committee (Michele Simmons),
Development Committee (Catherine Hollins), and
Executive Committee (Frank House).
2. Catherine then asked for a motion approving the
minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting. Motion was
made by Liz Woedl and seconded by Margarette
Beckwith. It passed unanimously.
3. A motion to accept the 2007 Treasurer’s Report
was made by Marna Evans and seconded by Jim Reid.
It passed unanimously.
4. The nominees (Steve Gordon, Dolph Greenberg) for
two vacant Board positions were then introduced,
along with the names of current Board members
(Margarette Beckwith, Sam Fitton, Don Streit) who
will serve a second three-year term. A motion to
approve these appointments to the Board was made
by Betty Rogers and seconded by Marilyn Edwards.
It passed unanimously.
5. At this point, Catherine asked Larry Frimerman to
read the Board Development (Nominating)
Committee’s slate of officers for 2008. He in turn
asked for a motion to close the membership portion
of the 2007 meeting. Motion was made by Jim Reid
and seconded by Eric Hollins. It passed unanimously.
6. Liz then convened a short 2008 business meeting for
the purpose of electing new officers for 2008. The
slate of nominees consisted of Frank House (Chair),
Catherine Hollins & Sam Fitton (Vice-Chairs), Ben
Jones (Treasurer), and Jerry Stanley (Secretary). A
motion to close nominations was made by Liz Woedl
and seconded by Mary Moore. It passed
unanimously. Marna Evans then moved to elect the
slate as presented. Motion was seconded by Jim
Reid. It passed unanimously.
7. Larry also thanked outgoing Board members, Jon
Costanzo and Tom Wissing, for their service to the
Trust, and recognized Lois Nelson for her work as
the volunteer Monitoring Coordinator.
8. A motion to adjourn the meeting was then made by
Orie Loucks and seconded by Eric Hollins. It passed
unanimously.
9. 2007 Annual Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Watch for these 2009 Events!

A COUNTRY SPRING EVENING ► SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2009

Gaze at the pastoral 180-acre Sugar Valley Bed & Breakfast, Camden, OH. Enjoy a glorious meal
prepared by renowned Chef Ghyslain Maurais, chamber music, wines, and a tour of the grounds.

WINE TASTINGS ►HAMILTON & MIDDLETOWN!

Sample various wines and mingle with other wine lovers. Dates are TBA.

LIVE MUSIC & BBQ! ► AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2009

Jam to some live music at a public outdoor site near Oxford. Country homemade fare includes
BBQ, side dishes, soft drinks and beer.

REVIVAL OF THE LAND TOUR! ► OCTOBER 2009

The land tour is back! Join us at The Beck Farm for a picnic! Enjoy the fall colors! Take a guided
walk/hike on this 148-acre easement.

AUCTION FOR ACRES ► NOVEMBER 2009

The auction will take place at The Knolls of Oxford. Details to come.
 THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST
2008 Board of Trustees
*Frank House, Chair Ray Arlinghaus Mary L. Moore
*Sam Fitton, Vice-chair Margarette Beckwith Gregory Peck
*Catherine Hollins, Vice-chair Frank N. Dupps J. Ronald Stewart
*Ben Jones, Treasurer Stephen C. Gordon Don Streit
*Jerry Stanley, Secretary Adolph Greenberg *Liz Woedl
*Member of Executive Committee
Committee Chairs
Ann Geddes, Eric Hollins, Catherine Hollins, Development Liz Woedl, Membership
Co-Chairs, Land Protection Stephen Gordon, Public Information Ben Jones, Finance

Retiring Board Members

Catherine Hollins Jerry Stanley Liz Woedl

Nominees For Continuing Board Positions

Frank House, 2011 Ben Jones, 2011 Ron Stewart, 2011

Nominees for For Open Board Positions

Calvin Conrad, 2011
Oxford
Consultant, Northwestern Mutual
Life Insurance
Cal is a former mayor of Oxford, long
time community volunteer, past Citizen
of the Year, world traveler and sailor,
and a “student of the grape.” He has
supported the Trust as both a member
and as a fundraiser.
Amy Leedy, 2011
Eaton
Educator, Miami Valley Career
Technology Center
Amy earned a BS in Education from
Ohio State University and is certified in
English. She has taught adult
education for the past 23 years and is
a member of the Community Literacy
Board and Project Read. She became
Involved in TVCT through their 500-
acre agricultural easement. Farming is
the Leedy’s livelihood and heritage.
Christian Worrell, 2011
Liberty Twp/West Chester
Attorney, Partner,
Graydon Head & Kitchey, LLP
Chris concentrates in the areas
of general business, real
estate, environmental and construction
law. He was named one of The Best
Lawyers in America in 2007, 2008 and
2009, as well as being named an
"Ohio Super Lawyer" in 2007.

Nominees For Board Officers

Dolph Greenberg, Chair Ron Stewart, Vice Chair Margarette Beckwith, Secretary
Sam Fitton, Vice Chair Ben Jones, Treasurer

Volunteers
Very Important People who help the Three Valley Conservation Trust to achieve its mission. Many people have helped make the Trust
what it is today. You give of your time, energies, talents, and patience. Thank you!

Staff
Larry Frimerman, Executive Director Mary Glasmeier, Office Manager Jennifer Prather, GIS Intern
Lawrence Leahy, Development Dir. Lois Nelson, Monitoring Coordinator Nicolas Fondom, Conservation Intern

About Three Valley Conservation Trust

The Three Valley Conservation Trust is a non-profit membership funded land conservancy whose mission is to work with the people and
communities to conserve the natural environment and cultural heritage. The Trust covers all of Butler and Preble Counties, as well as
parts of Montgomery, Darke, and Wayne Franklin and Union Counties. The land trust works with willing landowners and local
communities to help to protect private lands for wildlife habitat and farmland preservation through conservation easement agreements,
and assists governments in protecting public lands for parks and preserves. To date the Three Valley Conservation Trust has helped
landowners protect 74 properties covering 9315 acres of green space and prime farmland. For more information, contact the Three
Valley Conservation Trust at (513) 524-2150, or visit its website at www.3vct.org