Cain Hibbard partner Syd Smithers guided Greenagers, Inc., a non-profit organization that engages teens and young adults in meaningful work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming and natural resource management, through the complex process of acquiring the historic April Hill property on Undermountain Road, South Egremont. The property will serve as the new headquarters for the energetic non-profit under the strong leadership of its Executive Director Will Conklin of Sheffield.
The original house on the April Hill property dates back to 1744, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Beginning in 1976, April Hill served as the summer home of Charles and Mary Margaret Kellogg. In 2004, Mary Margaret Kellogg donated the property to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for educational, historic preservation, recreational, agricultural and conservation activities. In 2017, after a solicitation of proposals, The Conservancy chose Greenagers to be the next steward of April Hill.
Acquisition of the property presented some special legal challenges, as it is protected by a scenic easement, an agricultural preservation restriction, a historic preservation restriction, and a conservation restriction. To accomplish a successful succession of stewardship, Syd Smithers redrafted and updated property protections in a way designed to preserve its architectural, historical and agricultural integrity.
The Cain Hibbard team has supported Greenagers since its inception. In 2012, Vicki Donahue, with the help of senior paralegal Kathy Reynolds-Holes, incorporated Greenagers and obtained its IRC § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Since that time, Managing Partner Lucy Prashker has provided pro bono services to Greenagers in non-profit governance and related areas, and associate Melissa Stewart has worked with Greenagers in connection with its youth work programs.
To learn more about Greenagers and their new home, click here.