Montpelier, VT — At its annual celebration Tuesday, the Vermont Land Trust recognized Sally Laughlin of Cambridge and Greg Cox of Rutland’s Boardman Hill Farm for their exceptional contributions to uniting land and lives in Vermont.
The Land and Lives Award, given by the land trust annually to an individual or organization, recognizes qualities of leadership, resourcefulness, and inclusiveness that have made an enduring difference in the well-being of Vermont’s land and people. VLT awarded Sally Laughlin, environmentalist, conservationist, and lifelong Vermonter, for her decades-long efforts to protect the natural world and enhance the public’s ability to experience and learn from it.
L to R: Tracy Zschau, VLT President and CEO; Land and Lives Award winner Sally Laughlin; and Bob Heiser, VLT Project Director.
Sally was one of the founders of VINS, the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences in Quechee, and served as its executive director for 18 years. A pioneer in bird science and education, she directed the first Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas, co-edited ‘The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Vermont,’ the first state bird atlas published in North America, and coordinated the Woodstock Christmas Bird Count for 50 years, retiring after the 2025 count.
Sally also led the effort to create a nature preserve in Cambridge, donating over 50 acres of land she owned with her late husband, Peter Krusch, to the town in 2021 and helping the town buy another 30 acres earlier this year. She has been integral to both efforts with her vision and her collaboration in bringing people together and raising funds, including for trails, bridges, and a parking area at the original preserve and plans for new trails on the new 30 acres. Sally continues to connect community members to the preserve’s nature through public events and serves as chair of the town’s Krusch Preserve Committee.
“Thanks to the Vermont Land Trust for all it has done to protect Vermont’s heritage, from forests to working farms,” said Sally. “It has been a pleasure to work with them to establish the Town of Cambridge’s Peter A. Krusch Nature Preserve.”
The Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award is given annually to a farmer in recognition of outstanding service to community, land stewardship, and innovation. It honors the legacy of Eric Rozendaal, an innovative farmer who ran a vegetable farm in Starksboro with his wife, Keenan.
L to R: Don Campbell, VLT Project Director; Gay Cox; Rozendaal Award winner Greg Cox; and Tracy Zschau, VLT President and CEO.
This year’s $5,000 award went to Greg Cox, who has been owner, manager, and worker at Boardman Hill Farm in West Rutland, VT since its inception more than 40 years ago. Boardman Hill is an 81-acre family farm producing certified organic vegetables, chicken, and pork, as well as specialty jams and frozen, vacuum-packed vegetables. In addition to running the farm, Greg has hosted interns and apprentices, providing housing, food, stipends, and training to those looking to become future farmers. Greg has also been instrumental in starting winter farmers’ markets in Rutland and Ludlow and co-founding the Vermont Farmers Food Center.
In accepting the award, Greg said, “Winning this award is humbling, knowing all the talented and amazing farmers in this state and all they have done. Awards like this shine a light on the work of farmers, and the effects that farmers can have on the environment and their communities.”
Greg lives on the farm with his wife, Gay, and their son, Avery, and his partner. The award will enable them to replace the roof on their 30-year-old main greenhouse to eliminate leaks, improve light and insulation, and thus increase plant quality and yields.
When asked about his thoughts on the future of Vermont farms and farmers, Greg added, “Food is the foundation of human health and potential. I wish for Vermont farms and farmers to continue to work with nature and the land in a sustainable and responsible way, and continue to grow a local food system that feeds all its citizens regardless of economic capacity.”
“Sally and Greg inspire us with their commitment to community, connection, and Vermont’s land,” said Tracy Zschau, President & CEO of the Vermont Land Trust. “We are delighted to recognize them for all they have made happen.”
