At the VLT 2026 Annual Meeting, Sally received this yearly award as a tribute to her lifelong environmental work including her key role in establishing the 81 acres Peter A Krusch Preserve in Cambridge. Her acknowledgement remarks honored the many local people who partnered in creating the Preserve and deep appreciation to the Town of Cambridge.
Sally Laughlin of Cambridge receives Land & Lives Award
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.”
