The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
The Martha's Vineyard Times The Martha's Vineyard Times
Elizabeth Whelan Illustrator

Land Bank 20th anniversary celebrated in photos

Posted September 28, 2006

"Evening Reflection" by Max Skjoldebrand.
"Evening Reflection" by Max Skjoldebrand.
A West Tisbury nurse and community health-care activist submitted the winning photo in a photography contest sponsored by the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank to celebrate the conservation agency's 20th anniversary.

Juleanne VanBelle's first-place-winning photograph, titled "View from the Board Walk," was taken at the Land Bank's 27-acre Farm Pond Preserve in Oak Bluffs.

Ms. VanBelle's photograph will be featured on the cover of the next issue of the Land Bank's Conservation Lands Map, which is scheduled to be published this summer.

"Late Springtime Splendor" by Patrick Stiriti.
"Late Springtime Splendor" by Patrick Stiriti.
The second-place photograph is "Evening Reflection," taken at Priester's Pond Preserve in West Tisbury by Max Skjoldebrand of Dubai, U.A.E. The third-place photograph, "Late Springtime Splendor," was taken at Duarte's Pond Preserve in West Tisbury by Patrick Stiriti of Edgartown. The second- and third-place photographs will be published on the inside of the Land Bank map.

"Moshup Beach," submitted by Anne Tagge and Katherine Tagge of Aquinnah, and "'Sweet' at Sweetened Water," by Blake Stelle, received honorable mentions.

Amateur photographers from the Island and around the world entered photographs, according to Land Bank officials. In all, several dozen photos showing beautiful landscapes and views of the Land Bank's conservation properties were received. "It was swell fun, seeing photos of all the places that Islanders have come to admire and enjoy," said Land Bank executive director James Lengyel. "Plainly it really means something to people to have the freedom to wander and explore."

Photo by Teri Mello
"View from the Board Walk" by Juleanne VanBelle.
The panel of judges included professional photographers Debbie Grant and Ron Howard and Land Bank fiscal officer Cindy Krauss.

The five winning photos are on display at the Land Bank offices where the public is invited to view them.

The photo contest was envisioned as a low-key way to celebrate the agency's 20th anniversary by encouraging people to take a hike with camera in hand.

Over the past 20 years, the Land Bank has received more than $100 million in revenues through a two percent fee on most real estate transactions. With these funds, the agency has purchased nearly 2,700 acres for public enjoyment.