This is Our Home: Isle La Motte, VT
Barbara Callahan tells us Isle La Motte is "a treasure we are trying to protect"
Barbara Callahan tells us Isle La Motte is "a treasure we are trying to protect"
Barbara Callahan tells us Isle La Motte is "a treasure we are trying to protect"
Isle La Motte, a small island in the heart of Lake Champlain, contains a treasure trove of stories woven into its ancient bedrock and scenic vistas. Meet the stewards of this paradise, people whose love for the land spans generations and who work to preserve the island's natural and historical wonders.
Selby Turner, a descendant of the island's original settlers, speaks fondly of his connection to Isle La Motte.
"We're related to the original settlers... I came here in a bassinet in 1941," he said. For Turner, the island is not just a place but a part of his heritage, a legacy to uphold and cherish.
Along with being a longtime resident, Selby also owns vacation rentals at his property known as the Turner Farmhouse.
"It's not a house that you have to be taking your shoes off to come in," Turner said, encouraging visitors to feel at home. "Treat it like it's your own. Enjoy it, you know, because there's nothing here that's sacrosanct forever." His sentiment encapsulates the farmhouse's welcoming spirit and the timeless beauty of Isle La Motte.
Barbara Callahan, a longstanding member of the Historical Society, echoes Selby's sentiments.
"There's nothing more beautiful than seeing the sun on the lake," she said, capturing the breathtaking allure that Isle La Motte holds.
Linda Fitch's journey epitomizes the island's resilience and determination to protect its heritage. From hearing jackhammers near her summer property to spearheading efforts to save the Fisk Quarry, Linda's story is one of triumph against adversity.
"The sound of jackhammers next to my house... was a source of terror," she said, reflecting on the pivotal moment that ignited her passion for preservation.
Through collaborations with organizations like the Lake Champlain Land Trust and Vermont Land Trust, Linda and her community turned the quarry into a preserve, safeguarding 20 acres of land from development. This also led to the acquisition of the Goodsell Fossil Reserve, which is 80 acres.
"I'm delighted to have been a part of preserving some land which won't be built on ever," Linda said, a sentiment shared by many who cherish Isle La Motte's unspoiled landscapes.
During these endeavors, Linda also found that it served as a personal growth opportunity.
"I've learned a lot of geology that I hadn't quite known before... Now I get an A-plus plus," she said, highlighting the educational and communal aspects of conservation efforts.