LSP Marks 25 Years of ‘Keeping the Land & People Together’ with Special Events, Publications & New Logo

Farmer/Author Wendell Berry to Launch Celebration June 29 in Saint Paul

CONTACT: George Boody, LSP, 651-653-0618;
Brian DeVore, LSP, 612-729-6294

5/2/07
The Land Stewardship Project is marking 25 years of “keeping the land and people together” in 2007 with numerous public events, a new logo, special publications and the unveiling of a long-range vision.

“This is an exciting time of growth for the Land Stewardship Project as we celebrate a quarter-century of working in the Upper Midwest while looking forward to the next 25,” said George Boody, Executive Director of the Land Stewardship Project. “We’ve got several initiatives on the front burner these days, from expanding our training for beginning farmers and making sustainably and locally produced foods an economic driver in rural communities, to organizing for policy reforms that are good for rural communities, family farmers and the land.”

The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) was launched in 1982 in Saint Paul, Minn., as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the ethic and practice of stewardship on America’s farms. From its inception, LSP has advanced practical solutions to achieving stewardship while building widespread public support for an agricultural system in which family farms, small towns and a healthy environment could thrive. LSP has also long worked to advance social justice for people who produce food and care for the land.

Early in its history, LSP focused on ethical issues related to soil erosion, stewardship and land ownership as they related to the farm crisis of the 1980s. Over the years, the organization has evolved and expanded its work into policy and organizing, beginning farmer education and support, and community-based food systems. LSP is active in local communities, as well as on the state, regional and national levels. Based in Minnesota with offices in Lewiston, Montevideo, Minneapolis and White Bear Lake, LSP’s membership is made up of more than 2,200 farm families and rural and urban households across the Upper Midwest and beyond. LSP continues to grow, with its membership increasing by 50 percent since 2003.

“LSP’s members are the lifeblood of this organization. They support our work, provide new ideas and inspiration and serve key leadership roles in LSP and their communities,” said Boody.

“They know that by working together in a citizen-based organization we will develop food and farming systems that keep the land and people together for current and future generations. Our members are working to address key issues in our society such as global warming and increasing people’s participation in democratic institutions.”

During 2007, LSP is marking its 25th anniversary with several events:

• On June 29, farmer/author Wendell Berry will be at the College of St. Catherine in Saint Paul to help launch a series of events celebrating LSP's 25th anniversary. Berry will be featured during an evening of readings and discussion that will also include Minnesota authors Mary Rose O’Reilley and Joe Paddock. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased ahead of time by calling 651-653-0618 or e-mailing lspwbl@landstewardshipproject.org.  

• On July 22, a potluck picnic will be held on the Erickson farm near Lewiston in southeast Minnesota to celebrate LSP’s work. Call 507-523-3366 for more information.

• On Aug. 2, a 25th Anniversary event in Minneapolis/St. Paul focused on the accomplishments and future efforts of LSP’s policy and organizing work will feature Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Details are available by calling 612-722-6377.

• In September, LSP's Montevideo, Minn., office will mark the organization’s anniversary with a special event. Call 320-269-2105 for more on this event.

LSP is also celebrating its anniversary in other ways, including:

• The introduction of a new logo. A high-resolution version of the logo is available for downloading at www.landstewardshipproject.org/index-aboutus.html.

• Publication of “25 Years of Keeping the Land & People Together,” a summary of LSP’s history, current work and plans for the future. A pdf version is available at www.landstewardshipproject.org/index-aboutus.html. 

• Publication of an outline of LSP’s vision for a sustainable society and how the organization plans on attaining results within the next five years. A pdf version of “Land Stewardship Project Long Range Plan: 2007-2012” is available at www.landstewardshipproject.org/index-aboutus.html.

• A “KEEPING THE LAND AND PEOPLE TOGETHER” poster created by artist Ricardo Levins Morales that commemorates LSP’s 25th year. Information on purchasing the poster is available at www.landstewardshipproject.org/index-aboutus.html.

A timeline highlighting LSP’s accomplishments over the past quarter-century is also available at www.landstewardshipproject.org/index-aboutus.html. For the latest news on LSP’s 25th anniversary observance, see www.landstewardshipproject.org. 

-30-