We asked for your feedback, and you didn’t let us down! This past Spring we reached out to our members and volunteers to help us understand the motivations of our supporters. This input helps Greenbelt Land Trust to think about ways to better align our messaging to reflect the interests of our supporters. We wanted your perspective on … ‘what does a land trust do?’, ‘why is it important?‘, and ‘how can we involve more of our friends and neighbors in this work?‘
Sometimes I forget that the perspective that I have as a staff member at Greenbelt may be different from those who use our trails, attend a walk with us, or help restore our lands. I am so close to this work that it can blur out an objective lens on our conservation, stewardship, and outreach programs. And that’s why it is so important to hear from YOU, our friends! Your insight and vantage point on Greenbelt Land Trust provides a snapshot of how we are viewed by our beloved community.
Hundreds of individuals completed a survey conducted by the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts in coordination with DHM Research, and the results are in! There’s some really cool and insightful stuff in this survey, and here are a few highlights:
“. . .preserving open spaces for the recreational/aesthetic enjoyment of current and future generations.” Female, 35-54
“. . . sustainable communities and recreation. Keeping species diverse and abundant even with human development.” Male, 25-34
“. . .the value of public land for wildlife habitat.” Male, 25-34
“. . .that the land is not ours to use up and destroy but to gain from and protect.” Male, 65-74
“. . .it preserves what we consider precious to keep our land and animals healthy and for future generations.” Female, 85+
“. . .it helps preserve what we’re losing before it is too late.” Male, 75-84
“. . .get them outside and in direct contact with these places!” Male, 25-34
“. . .directly ask for it, in person. Reach out, have events and promote what we love. But also just go to the people’ regular activities, walks, outings, etc. And ask to actively support/protect what they already use/enjoy.” Female, 45-54
Some of the keywords that we heard over and over again in the responses are ‘long-term’, ‘steward’, and ‘future generations’. As I read through these survey results, I couldn’t help but feel an immense sense of pride and joy for the people who are within Greenbelt’s orbit. You get it. You understand that, as a land trust we are here forever, and you are committed to being a part of ‘forever’ with us.
There are pages of survey data for us to absorb and analyze, and every single response will help Greenbelt Land Trust to be a better organization. Thank you for helping us to see Greenbelt through your own lens!
Blog Post: Jessica McDonald, Associate Director
