January 2000

The EBFSP/Gilsum Organic Gardeners Cooperative organizes a bulk Fedco Seed order as a small fundraiser and to encourage local agriculture. Proceeds from 2000 order purchase the book Digging Deeper: Integrating Youth Gardens into Schools and Communities

March 2000

The Emerson Brook Forest Sustainability Project is certified as a New Hampshire non-profit corporation on March 21, 2000.

The Board of Incorporators: Aine E. Whittum, Judith Schwartz

Shirlee Ingalls, Robert L.Cook and Valerie Piedmont

Our Purpose

1. To create an inclusive accessible facility in the regenerating Emerson Brook Forest, to study forest ecology, and to study, practice and disseminate information for living sustainably on the planet, while preserving the environmental and ecological integrity of this real property and all others that may come forth.

2. To reach out into the local community and cooperate with existing organizations, institutions and businesses to encourage community building and sustainable living practices such as community gardens, community supported agriculture, seed saving and community meals; the organization of naturalized support systems for the local community’s elderly, disabled young people, parents and other individuals with special needs; and the development of a community expressive arts program (theater, music, creative writing, storytelling, etc.) for the purposes of achieving said goals and objectives of the organization.

3. To purchase, receive or take by grant, gift, devise, bequest or otherwise, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, employ, use or otherwise deal in and with, real or personal property, or any interest therein, wherever situated, in an unlimited amount for the purpose of conservation and preservation of open and sustainably inhabited lands.

4. To raise funds through donations, grants, loans, or any other means necessary to carry out the aforementioned objectives.

5. To expand and engage in other activities related to inclusion, community building, environmental education and expanding our capability to live sustainably and/while encouraging others to do the same.

Source: EBFSP Amended Bylaws 1/15/01

April 2000

Board of Directors formed. The members are Gail Connelly, Bob Cook, Pablo Fleischmann, Shirlee Ingalls, Sharon Poitras and Valerie Piedmont.

We begin the tasks of creating the by-laws, 501(c)(3), and NH State income tax exemption and registration.

A stated priority of the board is to position the EBFSP to raise the necessary funds to purchase the rest of the Emerson Brook Forest from Haynes.

May 2000

The 28.8 acres of Emerson Brook forest are deeded from Valerie and Pablo to the Emerson Brook Forest Sustainability Project.

Local environmentalists Annie Faulkner and Bob King purchase the surrounding 640 acres of Emerson Brook Forest.

With town approval, a group of Gilsum residents organize an all volunteer effort to fully reclaim the Gilsum Town Hall as a community resource begins. Once restored and enhanced, the 90 year old building is expected to provide the town with a beautiful stage, dance floor and meeting place accessible to all. This effort reflects the spirit of the EBFSP goal for building sustainable community.

June 2000

The EBFSP receives an employer identification number (EIN#) 02-0517964.

Angy Lombara joins the Board of Directors.

Officer elections: Pablo-Chairman, Gail-Vice Chair, Angy-Secretary, Bob-treasurer.

EBFSP Bank account opened.

July 2000

EBFSP members and friends from Trinidad and Equador build the Peace Labyrinth in the Village of Gilsum during Old Home Days.

August 2000

By-laws completed.

We have $100 in our checking account.

We create our first projected budget.

On site: "firepit," primitive kitchen, and trail work moves ahead.

September 2000

On site: the harvest of a small first year organic garden

the tipi, yurt and the donkey shed are up;

trail work is ongoing.

Shirlee develops a community service verification form and a recruitment volunteer letter.

Bob Cook resigns from Board of Directors.

October 30, 2000

Jane Loud joins the Board of Directors.

Angy assumes responsibilities of treasurer.

The 501(c)(3) application and 872(c) are mailed.

We begin considering issues of liability and insurance.

December 2000

Application for registration with the State of NH is completed.

Board members meet Carolyn Cloutier at the Small Business Development Center to discuss our organizational needs. Carolyn finds our Mission Statement exemplary.