Land Trust Names John Vibert Citizen of the Year

The Farmington Land Trust named John Vibert its Citizen of the Year Thursday night during its annual meeting.

Vibert, a fourth-generation Unionville resident, Farmington Town Council member and former Land Trust president and has contributed greatly to the preservation of open space in Farmington, said Angham Zakko, the outgoing Land Trust president.

“He was a great leader,” Zakko said. “He directed the establishment of a new mission statement, emphasizing advocacy and education. He straightened out the organization’s finances and established a culture of advocacy that led to managing the wetlands in Farmington in a new way. We’re so proud you have been our president and a member of the Land Trust for so many years.”

In accepting the award, Vibert said he was originally drawn into the land trust while working toward the preservation of Suburban Park in Unionville.

“It changed my life and brought me a lot of joy. And to be honored by board members in this way is an honor I’ll always remember,” Vibert said. “What brings me joy is to do worthwhile local activities.”

Vibert also serves on the town's Land Acquisition Committee and continues to serve as steward for the Douglas Mount and Zipp parcels.

The board also honored its Steward of the Year, Helmuth “Dutch” Schultze.

Schultze is the steward of the Rauch parcel and has worked to transform the parcel from a field overgrown with shrubs and bushes to a lush meadow that provides habitat for numerous species.

“The Farmington Land Trust is honored to name him our Steward of the Year,” said Mike Delaney, the organization’s steward chairman, as he presented the award.