A community campaign to conserve the Vondell-Cobb property in Woodstock has reached $376,000 in pledged contributions, leaving just $24,000 to meet its $400,000 goal.
The campaign received a $100,000 gift last week, according to Mark Harris, a Woodstock resident who has led the fundraising effort with fellow resident Tom Debevoise.
The 358-acre Vondell-Cobb property lies in Woodstock’s northwestern hills and includes forestland, open meadows, recreational trails and a reservoir that holds approximately 28 million gallons of water. The campaign supports the permanent conservation of 323 acres of the town-owned property.
Harris said reaching the $400,000 goal will complete the community’s fundraising commitment toward the conservation transaction.
The Woodstock Rotary Club is serving as the campaign’s charitable partner, providing a way for foundations and donor-advised funds that require a nonprofit recipient to support the conservation effort.
The goal is to have all pledged funds in hand by Aug. 1, although Harris said some payments could arrive shortly afterward because of timing.
With $24,000 remaining, Harris hopes another round of community support will carry the campaign to its goal.
“Let’s get this thing over the finish line,” he said.
Those interested in contributing or learning more about the campaign may contact Harris at [email protected].
For more on this, please see our July 23 edition of the Vermont Standard.
