We have struggled to find the words; today Athens Land Trust joins so many in our community who were touched by her spirit in mourning and remembering Lara Mathes.
Lara became involved with Athens Land Trust in 2004 after working with nonprofits in the affordable housing and conservation sectors as a graduate student at the University of Virginia. Back in Athens, she saw firsthand how development pressures were creating community quality of life challenges: straining the supply of affordable housing while simultaneously eroding habitat and open spaces.
Lara joined the board of directors in 2006 to help further our mission to be a trust for the land, to support the critical functions that sustain community – housing, conservation, and agriculture. In 2008 she helped establish and orchestrate the Harvest Moon Dinner, a beloved farm to table fundraiser that supported all of ALT’s programs.
Lara served two terms as president of the board of directors, both of which were at significant times in Athens Land Trust’s growth. She had a great combination of integrity, creativity, and compassion which made her an excellent leader for our organization over the years. She was closely involved in the vision for ALT’s Williams Farm, and she led the effort to turn the vision into an approved plan. In her time on the Affordable Housing, Agriculture, and Executive Committees, she brought her deep experience in urban planning and land use to the inclusive table she helped to form.
Lara was thoughtful and deliberative; she was also passionate. This made her a quiet force, but a force nonetheless. She was proud to roll up her sleeves and join in the hard work.
In her own words, “when the conversation shifts to how to meet fundamental community needs, it’s always ‘well, they should …’ It’s incredibly rewarding to change the pronoun from “they” to “we”, and to be a part of the effort.”
Lara, we will miss you.