Rupert -- For more than 40 years, the Ceglowski family has been caring for farm animals and pets from their veterinarian office in Rupert. But it is not just breached calves, lame horses and injured dogs that the Gene and Jean Ceglowski have cared for; they also have been caregivers for the land. This week they conserved 92 acres of farmland with the Vermont Land Trust.

The newly conserved property is adjacent to their home farm, which they conserved in 2004. The couple has been a central part of the Rupert agricultural community for years, looking after many farmers' animals.

They both feel that preserving the working farms and forests of Rupert helps the town keep its identity and rural economy. "I'd rather see good land growing crops, livestock or timber than vacation homes," says Gene.

The Ceglowskis have been very active in conservation efforts. Gene was an original member of the Mettowee Valley Conservation Project steering committee in the 1980s. He is a member of the Agricultural Stewardship Association, a land trust for farms in nearby Washington and Rensselaer counties in New York. The Ceglowskis are also involved in the Merck Forest & Farmland Foundation, a nearby non-profit that combines working land with public access for hiking, camping and education.

To protect their land for the future, the Ceglowskis donated a conservation easement—a permanent legal interest in the land that is held by Vermont Land Trust—that removes development rights but allows farming, forestry and related uses. "We want this land to be open for people and animals," says Jean.

The majority of newly conserved land is managed forest. Mill Brook, which runs through part of the property, received additional protection in the easement to protect water quality and minimize erosion.

"Thanks to Gene and Jean's generosity and ongoing stewardship, the land around them in Rupert will remain intact for generations to come," says Donald Campbell of the Vermont Land Trust.