Valley Trust
Number 33 / fall 2007
Conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of Southwest Ohio
Calendar
OCTOBER
3 LTA Rally begins
Masterworks for Nature
3 Board Meeting, 7 pm, TVCT
6 LTA Rally ends
8 Adventure of a Lifetime
raffle sales begin
13 Adopt-A-Highway Pickup,
10 am, call Liz at 523-1782
november
4 Time Change at 2:00 am
7 Board Meeting, 7 pm, TVCT
10 Art Auction, 6:30 pm
BeauVerre Studios
DECEMBER
5 Board Meeting, 7 pm, TVCT
15 Drawing for Adventure of a
Lifetime raffle
JANUARY
2 Board Meeting, 7 pm, TVCT
Index
Art Auction in November ...... 1
Let Me be Frank....................... 2
Art Auction Benefactors ......... 2
From the Desk of Larry............ 3
Remembering Indian Creek..... 4
Snapshot! Series....................... 5
Snapshot 1: The Dohn’s .......... 5
Return of the Prairie................. 6
Developing News . .................. 7
Pig Roast Review..................... 7
Snapshot 2: The Hoke’s........... 8
Call for Nominations............ 11
Membership Form................ 11
Board of Trustees................... 12
“Valley Trust News,”
the newsletter for members of the
Three Valley Conservation Trust, is
published four times per year.
Editors:
Michele Simmons
Mary Glasmeier
NEWS
Art Auction
Saturday, November 10
6:30 - 10:00 pm
BeauVerre Studios
Left: “Tales of Twin Creek” by Chris Walden, one of the prints
available to auction benefactors. Call the office for details.
At 8 pm, November 10, original paint-
ings by internationally recognized
MasterWorks wildlife artists Devere
Burt, Mary Lou Holt, John Ruthven,
Katie Jo South, Chris Walden, and
five others will be auctioned by the
always entertaining Doug Ross to raise
funds for the Three Valley Conserva-
tion Trust. Vacation getaways, jewelry,
oriental carpets, Central Asian handi-
crafts and more will also be auctioned.
Additionally, there will be limited high
quality silent auction items available
for a wide range of tastes.
The MasterWorks for Nature artists
are a group of regional wildlife and
landscape artists with a common pas-
sion for nature. They were inspired
by their visits to easement-protected
properties when creating these works
for auction. “Quick finish” paintings
will be completed by some of these
artists during the evening.
The annual auction is the Trust’s
major fundraiser with proceeds
going to operations. These funds along
with memberships “pay the bills” to
pursue our mission. This approach has
helped the 13-year-old Trust to protect
over 7600 acres of farmland, habitat,
woodlands, and streams.
Join the Trust and these ten superb artists
for an interesting and enjoyable evening.
For your $40 reservation,
enjoy gourmet food, wine and beer,
superb music, an entertaining auctioneer,
and chances at terrific door prizes!
In October, many items will be displayed
online at the TVCT’s web site:
www.3vct.org,
and on Doug Ross’ web site:
www.auctionross.com.
The paintings to be auctioned will be on
display at BeauVerre Studios
1054 Central Avenue in Middletown.
For auction reservations, absentee bid,
and/or for more information,
call the Trust office at 513-524-2150.
 Let Me
Be Frank
Frank House
Chair, Board of Trustees
I read Craig Springer’s article in the last Valley Trust MASTERWORKS FOR NATURE
News about the longear sunfish with great interest. His
descriptions of the fish and creeks closely paralleled my ART AUCTION BENEFACTORS
experiences as a kid growing up on Paint Creek.
Individual
On Saturdays, Grandpa House would pick up us boys
(three of us one year apart) and our night crawler bucket Butler County Pheasants Forever
that was always kept in the spring house so it would stay Jon & Amy Costanzo
cool and not dry out. At that time there were several pay Hardy & Barbara Eshbaugh
lakes in the area, and depending what we were going to Jim Fitton
fish for we might need minnows. We would usually seine Rebecca Fitton
for them on the way. By pushing the schools up stream, the Sam & Terri Fitton
minnows would dart back into the net as you approached
Jerry & Cleo Gerber
very shallow water with the rock bass all jumping over
Frank & Marcia House
the back of the seine and the big striped suckers darting
around the sides to escape. When we lifted the minnow Indian Creek Family Health, LLC
net, it was a beautiful sight, some fish had horns on their Lawrence & Natalya Leahy
heads, others looked like a rainbow was painted on their Jim & Sarah Michael
sides and some flashed like a mirror in the sun as they Roger Millar
flipped in the net. Mary & Robert Moore
Many times we would fish the slow moving pools in Four Betty Rogers
Mile Creek (before Acton Lake was built). The first one J. Ronald & Sue Stewart
to catch a fish was the fisherman of the day and it was Don Streit, Principal, Fine Trim Landscaping Services
usually a sunfish or a chub (The only problem for us kids Marc Tincher & Danielle Mann
was that Grandpa always seemed to catch the first one). Tom & Holly Wissing
However, Grandma usually had a large plate of our catch
Mike Yoakum, President, Lighthouse Agency, Inc.
that had been pan fried in butter (sautéed in today’s lingo)
at Sunday dinner with all of the aunts, uncles and cousins.
And after more than fifty years, I can still taste them as I
write this article. Corporate
Craig piqued my memory, but the real purpose of this Hank Dupps, CEO, The Dupps Company,
ramble is that I don’t see the big chubs, rock bass or Germantown, OH
striped suckers in our creek anymore. With quality water The Dupps Company: a continuing supporter of preservation
such an important resource, it gives me great pleasure to
see all of the easements with nearly twenty miles of creek Thomas Sargero, MD & Heron Creek Farm
frontage and to know that part of the Trust’s mission is to Rocky Mountain horses and the largest heron rookery
protect and improve water quality. on Four Mile Creek
Perhaps, one day, I’ll see you at one of Grandpa’s fishing
spots. z Rob Cottrell, Managing Partner, Financial Clarity Group
Financial planning, wealth accumulation & transfer strategies
Founded in 1994, the Three Valley Conservation Trust works with
people and communities to conserve the natural environment and
cultural heritage in Southwest Ohio. The Trust protects open space If you would like to join this group of benefactors,
and farmland by acquiring, through gift or purchase, conservation contact Lawrence Leahy at 513/524-2150,
and agricultural easements, and works to protect and improve
513/461-3785 or email lpleahy@3vct.org.
water quality in the western tributaries of the Great Miami River.

2 www.3vct.org Valley Trust NewS

 From the Desk of...
Larry Frimerman
This record hot, dry summer has dried our crops, but
not sapped our energy to sustain these beautiful valleys.
Indeed, the efforts of the Board and volunteers of the
Three Valley Conservation Trust and our partner
organizations are planning events, providing baseline
documentation and follow-up monitoring for the amazing
habitats and farms we protect. They are working with staff
to create protocols, to develop beautiful brochures, to edit
the newsletter, to raise awareness and funds, and to fill in
for Office Manager Mary Glasmeier during recuperation
(Thanks, Catherine Hollins!). Our staff and volunteers
have developed the soundest policies and procedures to
safeguard your money, your lands and your vision of a
magnificent three-valley area.
The whole organization is beginning a shift toward
stewardship of protected lands. With these monitoring
responsibilities mounting, we rely on trained monitoring
volunteers to carry the ball. Participating in a fall
monitoring training session provides an opportunity
for hands-on views of protected lands. Call the TVCT
office for information on the next training session.
The Trust has revised the area’s Twin Creek Watershed
Action Plan to develop consensus strategies for
Win an Adventure of a Lifetime!
Enter the TVCT Trip Raffle and win
the trip of your choice:
 Kauai & Hawaii Adventure Trip; or
 Glacier Bay Discovery Alaskan Cruise; or
 Canada & New England Discovery Cruise; or
 Peru Highlights (includes Machu Picchu!)
(TRAVEL MUST BE COMPLETED IN 2008.)
Drawing on December 15
For more information, visit www.3vct.org.
Call 524-2150 after October 8 for tickets.
Autumn 2007 www.3vct.org
Executive Director
conservation and planned water
quality improvement projects.
Thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
(ODNR), Ohio EPA, the new Watershed Coordinator
agency, and the Miami University Institute of
Environmental Sciences.
TVCT is currently working through more than a dozen
easements to be completed before year’s end, and we
continue to get calls from landowners seeking the tax
benefit that is slated to expire 12/31/07. Since June, we
have completed nine more terrific easements, now totaling
63 TVCT easement-preserved properties covering 8400
acres of special natural and agricultural lands. You have
helped us to preserve five new properties (Geddes, Bruns,
Hoffmann, Glander, Molen) with large native prairies and
wetlands and to protect nearly 3000 acres in 2007 alone.
We are grateful to many local, state, and federal agencies
as well as our usual hardworking group here.
If you would like to participate in the MasterWorks for
Nature Art Auction Benefactor Program, contact Lawrence
Leahy at the office. Invitations for the event will be sent
out in October. We look forward to seeing you there! z
$100 per ticket
ONLY 300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
Tickets go on sale October 8
3
 Remembering Indian Creek
I won’t issue an apology; I miss jerking creek chubs from a
boyhood creek. A good many summers have passed since I
first plied its waters as a kid. But those memories are as fresh
as bread baked this morning. A tiny piece of garden worm
could arouse the interest of most anything: a pesky crayfish, a
bullhead, rock bass, or a redhorse. I landed a good number of
game fish there; one is on my wall above my desk as I write.
But thoughts of a creek chub bobbing on the line jogging in
the current summons that sense of newness that seems to live
fresh only in youth. Thoughts of chubs summon sounds of
silver maple leaves turning upside down in the breeze at the
front end of a coming summer storm, when the hot air turns
quickly cool. I can
hear the “croak”
of a chub in
hand, looking at its
wide grin. Five-inch-long chubs,
green like an apple on top and red
like a fading rose on the bottom, and a head
covered with horns - they brought a kid closer to the workings
and wonders of nature. Indian Creek discreetly rises where
tiny races seemingly too little to name, pull together where
glaciers piled up gravelly till. But the little races do carry
names, and from what they are named is not entirely clear.
Brandywine, College, Sand, Little Four Mile — they
converge like veins on a maple leaf to form Indian-proper.
Add to it the tiny Tent Run, not more than a mile long, lying
across the state line. I used to imagine the first government
land surveyors camped in tents there in 1799, making a base
camp as they laid artificial lines at right angles on the land so
Congress could sell it to eager farmers.
It’s a curious intersection where the artificial meets the natu-
ral. There, right on the Indiana-Ohio state line, Fairfield Road
tethers Oxford to Brookville. It’s now an asphalt monument
to the privations of Israel Ludlow and his surveyor’s crew.
The road lies over a section line, straight as ribbon. Ludlow’s
crew endured hardship on what was then a wilderness, the
frontier in a young United States. Far removed from any
sizable civilization, Ludlow laid down lines in square-mile
4 www.3vct.org
submitted by
Craig Springer
blocks. Ludlow walked straight lines turning at right
angles as he went along, making notes for pragmatic
purposes. He noted the soils and timber and water
courses, mostly so the General Land Office in Cincin-
nati could market the properties for would-be frontier
farmers. His survey was among the first of its type that
from there westward would carve the land into a uniform
checkerboard. The road in front of my New Mexico
home parallels Fairfield Road. A stiff straight line north
was his artificial anchor and the eventual state line. A
hard right turn east, only a few feet away and Ludlow
crossed a small stream looping and roiling obtusely; duly
noted in the log book in cursive writing not unlike the
twists and bends the creek makes approaching Reily.
The huge oaks and maples yielded to the
axe and plow. Only vestiges of woods
remain. Big sycamores hold steadfast still
to the creeksides. Beneath the still waters
of my natal creek, near the throat of a pool, in
the tangle of the roots lies the object of my former
affections. Glaciers brought what
chubs needed in Indian Creek.
They excavated nests in the
gravelly bottoms, making 10-foot-
long ridges of gravel where oxygen-rich water percolated
over fertilized eggs. Shelves of fossil-littered limestone
slabs make a lair for them to hide under looking to put
their maw around anything small enough to pass by or
drop in. The stream’s slope was just right to move water
downhill, not too fast, and not too slow.
Dendritic creeks in the headwaters still feed Indian
Creek, where the dendritic veins in maple leaves pass
the creek water on in a circularity of experience. The
geography of experience expresses itself in the right
angles of roads crossed by nature’s sinuous curves
intersected with my sentiments bound up in the
passing of time. I’ll be reconstituted there at my
passing in a circularity of experience; I miss the creek
chubs that much. z
Valley Trust NewS
Snapshots! People & their land
Snapshots! People & Their Land provides stories of the people and the lands they protect. We hope that you will enjoy getting to
know a little about your neighbors.

Snapshot 1:
Preble County Sheep,
llamas and more
Submitted by Summer Glasmeier

Dave Dohn with a view of his Preble County property.

still hear the coyotes
eerie yowling in the
Dave and Janice Dohn live on 65 acres of rolling hills surrounding countryside.
that were placed under easement in 2004. It’s at the In the words of his
southernmost part of Preble County right on the Butler mother, Dave quipped,
County line in Gratis Township. They chose to protect “The howl of a coyote
their land “because we need the space.” Like many other just makes your tailbone
landowners, they see the cities creeping out of their quiver.”
boundaries, encroaching on farms and habitat.
They employ their land in several different ways. Twenty-
two acres of woods are reserved for natural habitat. Trails
meander through the woods for their enjoyment. One of
the trails leads to what they originally suspected to be one (Snapshots!
of the biggest sassafras trees in Ohio. After checking with continued on page 8) Baaa! Baaa!
the state, it was the largest one in Preble County.
Another 16 acres encompasses the homes for the Dohns
and all their animals. The “farmhouse” is home not
only to Dave and Janice, but also to their cat, Steve, and Every purchase supports the Trust!
their dog, Claire. Farmhouse is not the correct term for Use your card regularly!
the Dohn home. With its unique lines and lighting, it’s
unusual and fun just like the Dohns. Make it
When you head out to the “other house,” the barn, you
a habit!
will find two llamas, 28 lambs, some ducks, geese, and
a few barn cats. Call 513-524-2150
About 27 acres are used to grow hay for the livestock. to get your
The lambs are raised for market and the investment must free card.
be protected, hence the llamas. Llamas are excellent
for warding off coyotes. Even with the llamas, you

Autumn 2007 www.3vct.org 5

Return of the Prairie
submitted by Jon Costanzo
Few Ohioans realize that prairies once were prominent
features of our local landscape. Encouraged by a historic
dry climate and maintained by fires set by Native
Americans seeking easier travel and better hunting,
native grassland was an important ecosystem throughout
western Ohio.
Upon their arrival in the late 1700s, settlers found
hundreds of individual prairies ranging in size from a few
acres to many square miles. A sight unfamiliar to folks
indigenous to the Eastern Woodlands, prairies—from
the French word “meadow”—at that time encompassed
over one million acres of the future Buckeye State. In
the minds of these pioneers, the tall grasses and paucity
of trees signified barren land unworthy of farming. Only
Deere’s “grasshopper plow” of wrought iron and steel
could cut the heavy sods, exposing rich, fertile soils
and sealing the prairie’s fate. By the early 1900s, only
Visit a Prairie Near You
Woodland Trails Wildlife Area
Oak Savannah.
Fourteen-acre site developed by Miami Valley
Pheasants Forever. Intersection of State Route 127 and
Gasper-Somers Road, 3 miles north of Camden.
More info: www.orgs.muohio.edu/pheasantsforever/
programs/habitat.html
Miami Whitewater Forest
Warm-season grasslands and cool-season meadows.
9001 Mount Hope Road, Harrison.
More info: www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/parks/miami.htm
6 www.3vct.org
scattered prairie plots remained; today, truly native prairie
flora is relegated to isolated patches along abandoned
railroad rights-of-way and the neglected corners of
pioneer cemeteries. Intensive agriculture and land
development have made the tallgrass prairie one of the
rarest ecosystems in Ohio.
With the disappearance of these productive grasslands
went much of the wildlife that depended on them for food
and shelter. Gone forever is the once-common prairie
chicken, an icon of the pioneer heritage extirpated in the
early 1900s. Soon to follow is the American badger, a
solitary resident of burrows beneath the prairie sod. In
the face of these ever-shrinking habitats, some grassland
species adapted to haylands and pastures, surrogates
of the lost prairie. Unfortunately, populations of many
songbirds, the Eastern meadowlark, dickcissel, and
bobolink among them, are now in serious decline. The
causes are not well known, but often can be
traced to the loss, degradation, and adverse
management of these habitats.
The good news is that the ecological values
and aesthetics of the Ohio prairie have been
rediscovered. From the efforts of government
agencies, conservation groups and committed
individuals, modern warm-season grasslands are
being created and managed to protect soil and
(Continued on page 10)
Butler County Department of Environmental
Services (BCDES) is implementing an innovative
naturalization project, converting exotic lawn turf to
a rich diversity of prairie species on some of its 72
facility sites. The conversion has reduced mowing
and other lawn maintenance costs, while also
providing wildlife habitat and beautifying the sites.
Photo credit: Monica Wilson, BCDES
DeWitt Cabin
Demonstration Prairie.
One-acre site developed by Audubon Miami Valley.
Miami University Natural Areas, off State Route 73.
More Info: www.units.muohio.edu/naturalareas/
special/PrairieDemo.htm
Huffman Prairie
Largest remaining stand of original tallgrass prairie
in Ohio. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton.
More info: www.nature.org/wherewework/
northamerica/states/ohio/preserves/art3094.html
Valley Trust NewS
 Developing News
from Lawrence Leahy, Development Director
During these past few months we have developed quite a few
projects, as you will notice in articles dispersed throughout
the Newsletter:
• Our Pig Roast on the Bruns’ farm was a memorable event;
I think if we ever have a drought like this past summer,
we should have a Pig Roast much earlier—as soon as we
finished setting up and everyone began arriving the dark
clouds rolled in, the wind pounded us and it poured.
• We are still preparing for our November Art Auction and
trying to identify Benefactors to support this event. We
have approximately 25 Benefactors. Thank you to all, but
we need many more.
• Plans are coming together for a trip raffle to be held later
this year. We will have a wonderful prize for the raffle
winner. See page 2 for more information on a chance to
win a trip to a destination you are sure to enjoy.
One of our most important activities is to constantly
communicate our mission to people and to increase our
membership base. While our membership base is the
foundation for our operations budget, we will always need
fundraising events to further support operations so we can
Pig: Tasty
Weather: Awful
Do it again? You bet!
One of the more memorable events in the history of the
Three Valley Conservation Trust has to be the 2007 Blue-
grass & BBQ at the Bruns Farm! Although this region has
experienced severe drought for months, to assume that it
would break on Saturday the 8th of September at 4:30 in
the afternoon was certainly not expected during the days
of final planning in late August.
At 2:00 pm on Saturday, the sky displayed patches of blue
and white then gradually clouded over as our volunteers
were struggling to erect the red-topped tent loaned by
Miami Valley Pheasants Forever. The tent was a perfect
compliment to the large picnic shelter built by hosts Al
and Mary Bruns. Tables were arranged with a display of
raffle items and easement photos. Around 4:15 pm an om-
inous inky black sky began to reveal itself on the southern
horizon. As guests arrived, the wind hit hard and fast and
Autumn 2007 www.3vct.org
continue our work to protect and
preserve land. We are committed
to protecting our easement
properties forever so the more
people who know us and support
us, the better.
Many people who are familiar with the Trust know
that we access Federal and State funds to assist our
easement holders. However, the Trust is a “pass-through”
agency, and as such, we do not keep a percentage of,
or have access to these funds. Our support comes from
membership, donations, planned giving, and fundraising.
Please keep this in mind when talking with others about
the Trust.
In the previous newsletter there was an article about a
unique way to donate IRA funds—tax free—in 2007.
Please feel free to contact me if you are interested or have
any questions about this program that is due to expire on
December 31.
Enjoy the changes of the seasons and warm holiday
wishes for you and yours. z
The Woolum Brothers play at their “second” location - under the
shelter.
rose in intensity. Two tent flaps burst apart just as all the
items were swiftly being removed to the safety of nearby
vehicles. The gusts and rain were relentless and threatened
to lift the tent – not unlike Dorothy - into the air to be de-
posited somewhere in northern Preble County or beyond!
Several people grasped the frame structure overhead acting
as human anchors for the struggling tent. The downpour
was so heavy that the waterproof fabric began to fail
(Continued on page 10)
7
Snapshot 2:
Smaller Conservation Easements Provide Edge Habitat,
Small-scale Farm, Open Space Values
submitted by Larry Frimerman
CENTRAL BUTLER COUNTY
MILFORD TOWNSHIP
Jason and Jennifer Hoke agreed on placing their thirteen
acre mini farm in Milford Township under a conservation
easement with the Three Valley Conservation Trust even
before acquiring the property. Their interest was piqued
after two of Jason’s partners in his medical practice were
discussing some of the benefits of donating land to a
Dr. Jason Hoke on his Butler County property
conservation easement. Not only do easements protect and
preserve the land and its natural beauty, the landowner
also realizes a tax benefit from donation..
In fact, conversations with fellow physicians Mike Fain
and Nathan Morris often focused on protecting their farms
and preserving the rural character surrounding Oxford.
“Nathan had read about another organization working
with landowners on conservation easements in a farm
journal, and the three of us in our medical practice were
all very interested. After Congress enacted the tax change
making it easier to use the donation of an easement on
our taxes, my CPA confirmed that signing an easement
would work tax-wise for my family. When we had moved
to Southwest Ohio to practice medicine in Oxford, we
wanted to live in and support the rural values we have
held since our childhoods. Dr. Fain and Dr. Morris
grew up on farms, and their appreciation of rural values
had brought us together, and given us a strong sense of
commonality and community of interest in our practice.
Even though we didn’t grow up on a farm, our relatives
did, and we can identify with the lifestyle and the values.
It was something important to our family,” Jason noted.
The Hokes shortly thereafter selected and purchased their
13.5 acre site for their future home and mini-farm. The
primarily agricultural ground in Milford Township retains
its woodland borders and provides lovely vistas of the
countryside. The property sits high on a ridge and rolls
8 www.3vct.org
back toward a tributary to Seven Mile Creek and backs up to
a large cattle farm to the west. The family plans on having a
small orchard, a few horses, and enjoying the open space. The
land has fox, deer, coyote, rabbits, as well as red-tailed hawks
and many other species of birds. The land contains a headwater
stream and drainage leading to Seven Mile Creek nearby.
At the edges, the property has white and red oak, walnut,
sycamore, maple, honey locust, hackberry, and cedar, among
its trees.
“We were attracted to this property because of our desire and
the ability to be in a rural area, away from city life, but just
10 or 15 minutes from my medical practice in Oxford. We
selected our small farm location because of the view — a
beautiful hilltop site overlooking an open expanse, lovely
trees, and the barn. The view, and the openness of the land, is
something you don’t find anymore. Jen and I did not want to
live in or support the creation of another intensely suburban
area such as along the Cincinnati-Dayton I-75 corridor. But,
you never know when your neighbor or people that come after
you will decide to sell and subdivide, and then your land’s
beauty is gone for good. We like the thought that no major
thoroughfare would come through Oxford — that remoteness
from heavy traffic allows the area to maintain the small town
feel and setting that would otherwise be lost. We don’t get the
sense that this area will ever be overgrown like the Cincinnati
Dayton corridor.”
Valley Trust NewS
 Conservation Easement Tax Provisions in Jeopardy
In 2006, Congress expanded for 2006 and 2007 the
conservation easement tax deduction to correct a defect
in the pre-existing tax law that limited easement
donors’ ability to fully deduct the conservation
easement donation value.
The tax change permits current conservation easement
donors to deduct 50% of their adjusted (prior to item-
ized and standard deductions) gross income (AGI) each
year for up to a maximum of sixteen years, or until the
value of the appraisal-derived easement donation value
is used up, whichever comes first. For farmers who are
often “cash poor, land rich”, the deduction is 100%
“Most importantly we appreciate what this property has to
offer not only now, but in the future. We want to pass down
the property to our children and keep it in the family. And,
I hope our children and theirs would feel the same way as
we do. We have two boys, our oldest is 3½ years old and
youngest is 13 months old.
Jason further noted, “I grew up
near Mansfield, and Jen near
Willard, in rural areas similar to the
area which includes this property.
We grew up in the country. My
uncle was a beef cattle farmer, and
I loved being at his farm. Jennifer’s
family has a dairy and grain farm.
Some of her family still lives on
the same road they grew up on,
and most are living within a one
mile radius of each other. We share
the same values. We both went to
college, had our time in the city,
but have gravitated back to the
rural environment that we wanted
to raise our family in.”
“Jen would get teased because she
wanted to play with bugs and frogs
and turtles. Jen is the fisher in the
family, she’ll be the one who’ll
teach our boys to fish because
she’s good at it. I just love being View of the Hoke’s property.
outdoors, and not too cramped — going
for hikes, enjoying nature.
“Larry and the Trust made the easement process very easy
and comfortable for us. He helped us understand the issues,
the permanence of our decision, and all the steps and tasks
involved with completing and managing our easement. We
really appreciated that,” he added.
“We’re glad we made our decision to protect our land,
and are looking forward to being closer to Oxford after
Autumn 2007 www.3vct.org
of their incomes. However, unless Congress extends
the new provisions, they could revert to the old tax law
which permitted an easement donor to deduct only 30%
of their AGI per year for up to six years. If you do not
want to see this provision to expire, you may want to
contact your Congressional representative.
EDITOR’S NOTE: On September 21, 2007, the Senate
Finance Committee approved the “Habitat and Land
Conservation Act of 2007” by unanimous vote. This bill
includes the provisions of S. 496 — permanent exten-
sion of the conservation easement incentive.
living in Germantown for a few years. We just recently
moved nearby after selling our home there. We’re planning
construction of our new home, which is a time-consuming
process, so it will be much easier to manage the process
without the commute,” added Jennifer.
Smaller rural parcels such as the
Hoke’s can still offer conservation
benefits. Some of these benefits
often can be significant, and
are worth preserving. “Small
parcels that are conserved even
for agricultural and conservation
purposes can offer a variety of
edge species of birds, waterfowl,
and habitat,” noted Sam Fitton,
TVCT Board member, at a
conservation easement monitoring
training workshop. “It turns out
that many small agricultural
fields provide a necessary buffer
for adjacent forests and riparian
woodlands.” In fact, the easement
could be the anchor for other
conservation easement activity
nearby, both through word of
mouth and greater understanding
of what easements do and
don’t do.
The Hokes recognized the
potential benefit of the recently
enacted law temporarily expanding the conservation
easement donation tax deduction. The change is significant
enough to make it more feasible for a broader range of
property owners to more fully utilize the tax deduction than
under the prior tax law. “The changes in the federal income
tax law made it more attractive to act now, and before the extra
benefit expires in December,” said Jason Hoke. “Hopefully,
Congress will permanently extend the tax benefit this year.” z
9
 Gift Idea for Pig Roast (continued from page 7)
and the rain soaked through — dripping onto heads and
shoulders. Thanks to Danny Woedl, Sergio Pierluissi and

the Holidays! his guest Katie, Jon Costanzo, Mary Glasmeier, Catherine
Hollins, Larry Frimerman, and the two chefs from the Da-
vidson Meat Processors for their heroic acts of bravery and
self-sacrifice. All pitched in to keep the tent from blowing
to Kansas. Only when the lightening increased did they
come to their senses and abandoned their stations. Soon
the wind subsided, though it continued to rain, and the tent
sat slumped and crooked waiting to be straightened.
More than 100 hearty souls made it to the Bruns Farm for
the event. It was a
relief to see so many
who were not deterred
by the threat of the
elements. Davidson
Meat Processors from
Waynesville prepared
delicious pulled pork
and our great team
John Ruthven of cooks led by Ann
“Three Valley Great Blue Heron” Geddes, Marcia and
Laura House, Mary Rain-soaked Eric Hollins takes cover under
the picnic shelter.
Limited to 100 Signed & Numbered Prints Bruns, and Josette
Just a few are left! Stanley prepared tasty picnic side dishes and desserts. By
uproarious applause, it was obvious that everyone enjoyed
$125.00 the outstanding bluegrass music performed by the Woolum
Call the Office at 513-524-2150 Brothers of Hamilton. We would like to recognize the
sponsors who helped to underwrite the event: The Dupps
Company, Germantown; Bullen SemiConductor, Eaton;
Weyerhaeuser, Eaton; Dale Carter Ford and Rodney Cobb
Prairie (continued from page 6) Chevrolet both of Eaton. Ten dollar gift certificates were
water quality, to provide wildlife habitat, and to beautify provided for each guest by Gander Mountain of Huber
the landscape. Like the original prairies, these stands are Heights. Raffle prizes were donated by Bass ProShop,
composed of grasses and forbs (wildflowers) that grow Fairfield; Wal-Mart of Eaton; Escort Inc. from West
mainly during the summer and produce seeds in the fall. Chester;
These plants are deep-rooted, long-lived perennials that Whistle Stop
are invigorated by grazing and fire. Compared to pasture of Oxford
and hayfields, which are dominated by just a few cool- and LCNB
season exotics, warm-season grasslands not only are more of Oxford.
tolerant to drought and disease, but they also support a Rumpke
greater biomass and diversity of both plants and animals. Consolidated
Many landowners (and even some governmental provided
agencies—see photo on page 6) have found that native a portable
grassland is an excellent alternative to plain-Jane restroom at
turfgrass. Wildflowers of Easter egg hues and stately a substantial
grasses swaying on the breeze offer eye appeal that turf discount.
Lawrence Leahy, Josette Stanley, Ann Geddes and
fescues just can’t match. Converting one’s manicured The threatened Susan Maxfield
lawn to a native planting makes ecological and economic washout of the
sense, too: contrary to the lawn’s continual demand for event provided an opportunity for greater camaraderie
fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing, established prairie plots and future memories. Should there be another drought in
require fewer inputs and much less management. z the future, the solution may lie in a pig roast! z

10

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
FOR THE
WALLACE I. EDWARDS
CONSERVATIONIST
AWARD
The Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist Award has been
established by The Three Valley Conservation Trust to
recognize not only work done by a person or persons
in the preceding year but also the cumulative results of
a long-term commitment to conservation values. When
choosing recipient(s) the Three Valley Conservation Trust
Selection Committee will take into consideration activi-
ties and projects that clearly reflect Edwards’ vision. Traits
relevant to efforts should include: perseverance; patience;
ability to cooperate with others; commitment to the
preservation of natural resources; and willingness to
listen to all sides; to explain and to teach; to find common
ground to promote the greater good; and to look at the big
picture, long-term outcomes.
Projects that would exhibit these traits include:
• Demonstrating land use practices that are
environmentally, economically, and culturally
sustainable;
• Nurturing a strong conservation ethic and good
stewardship habits in others;
• Organizing community members to learn about and
work toward stewardship goals;
• Volunteering time to improve others’ land or organize
others to take restoration action;
• Organizing a coalition of diverse interests and
individuals to work toward a common goal;
• Advancing or disseminating methods to control
invasive, non-native species;
• Any combination of the above.
The recipient of the Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist
Award need not be a member of the Trust. The recipient of
this award may be either professionally or avocationally
involved in conservation or protection.
Instructions for nominations can be found on the reverse
side of the Nomination form and on the Trust website. z
Deadline for submissions is December 31.
The Award will be presented at the
Annual Meeting in February 2008.
Autumn 2007 www.3vct.org
three valley conservation trust
Conserving the natural
environment and cultural
heritage of Southwest Ohio
NAME __________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________
CITY ___________________________________ ST _________ ZIP ________________
PHONE(S) ______________________________________________________________
EMAIL __________________________________________________________________
 Send the newsletter via email to the address above.
 I would like to volunteer. Please contact me.
 I give permission to list my name as a supporter.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
All receive a static cling decal and Valley Trust News (via mail or email)
Trust Benefactors
 Great Blue Heron Group - $10,000+
Free reservations for all Trust events, Chair’s Reception, Tour of at least one
easement site
 Founder’s Society - $2,500+
Free reservations for two Trust events, Chair’s Reception, Tour of at least one
easement site
 Conservationist - $1,000 - $2,499
Free reservations for two at Annual Meeting, Chair’s Reception
Trust Partners
 Guardian - $500 - $999
Free reservations for two at Annual Meeting
 Contributor - $250 - $499
Free reservations for two at Annual Meeting
 Sponsor - $100 - $249  Member - $50 - $99
 Student - $25  Other - $_______
 My company has a matching gift program, I will send the form.
 CHECK  MC  VISA
CC# __________________________________ Exp. Date ____ /____
3 digit code_____ _________________________________________
PRINT NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR CARD
_________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE
Total Amount Enclosed $_____________
Mail and make payable to: Three Valley Conservation Trust
TVCT, PO Box 234, Oxford, Ohio 45056.
11
 Invitations will arrive
in your mailbox in October Board of Trustees
Margarette Beckwith
Jon Costanzo

MasterWorks for Nature Frank “Hank” Dupps

Sam Fitton

Art Auction Catherine Hollins

Frank House
Ben Jones
Gregory Peck
Saturday, November 10th, 2007 Mary Moore

6:30 - 10:00 pm Michele Simmons

Jerry Stanley
J. Ronald Stewart
BeauVerre Studios Don Streit
1054 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio Tom Wissing
Liz Woedl

Non-Profit Org.
5920 Morning Sun Road, PO Box 234 U.S. Postage
P A I D
Oxford, Ohio 45056 Permit No. 171
513-524-2150 • 513-524-0162 fax Oxford, OH
45056
www.3vct.org
Larry Frimerman, Executive Director
Lawrence Leahy, Development Director
Mary Glasmeier, Office Manager

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.