Matt Longyear’s grandfather purchased farmland in Woodstock in 1946, and he and his family are still working it eight decades later. Almost everything in Woodstock has changed in the last 80 years — everything except the Longyear family’s commitment to farming and serving the community. It’s that commitment to service and stewardship of the land that earned three generations of Longyears — Kathy, Matt, his wife Heather and their three kids — the William R. Ginsberg Stewardship Award.

Join us at Vernal Fling May 16 to honor the Longyear family with this special award!

While local farms have been disappearing from Woodstock, Longyear Farm continues to operate. “It’s a labor of love,” Matt said, emphasizing both the labor and the love. Although he works more than 60 hours a week as a lineman for Central Hudson, he still finds time to care for the livestock that serve as the heart of the farm’s offerings. Stop by the Honey House, the moniker for the farm stand, to find beef, pork, eggs and hay for sale — on the honor system, of course. Depending on the time of year, there may be garlic, maple syrup or Thanksgiving turkeys.

Running the farm and providing local food to local customers takes all three generations of Longyears. It’s a legacy Matt hopes remains in the family for many more generations.

He said he and his family are honored to receive the Ginsberg Award. “We’re proud to be recognized as a steward of the land,” he said. For a full list of previous Ginsberg Award winners, click here.

In addition to the Ginsberg Stewardship Award, WLC will be inaugurating a new award, and we’re so pleased to honor artist and advocate Zoe Keller with our first Emerging Leader award. Like Matt Longyear, Zoe was born and raised in Woodstock with a family who taught her to love and respect the outdoors at a young age. After moving across the country for school and work — living in Baltimore, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis/St. Paul and both Portlands (Maine and Oregon), Zoe returned home to the Hudson Valley. Educated as a graphic designer, Zoe transitioned to illustration and is now getting commissions from across the globe. She’s known for her detailed illustration of flora and fauna, including her favorite animals to illustrate — birds, reptiles and amphibians. Click here to see some of her breathtaking work celebrating the ecological diversity of the Zena Woods.

When Zoe isn’t researching, drawing, running her business or helping amphibians cross the road during migration season, she’s co-chairing the Stop Zena Development coalition. She’s spoken on behalf of the coalition at Planning Board meetings, led neighborhood meetings, recruited volunteers and assisted in fundraising efforts. She speaks passionately about what’s at stake in the fight to protect the forest, and she’s inspired others to join the cause.

Come celebrate our award winners at the 14th annual Vernal Fling. Tickets are on sale now and will be offered at a discount throughout the month of April.