Message from the CPF President: A Reflection on Perpetuity

Perpetuity is not a word most of us use often. It refers to something lasting forever—an infinite, uninterrupted period of time. Derived from the Latin perpetuus, meaning “continual” or “uninterrupted,” the term also has important legal and financial meanings within the land trust community, making it central to the work of CPF.

CPF’s mission is to protect historic, agricultural, and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community. As an accredited land trust, CPF secures and stewards these protections through conservation easements—voluntary, legally binding agreements between a landowner and CPF that permanently limit certain types of development and land use. Conservation easements remain attached to the deed and apply to all future owners, ensuring that protected lands are preserved in perpetuity.

CPF also stewards properties it owns directly, many of which carry long-term conservation obligations. At CPF, our commitment is not measured in years or decades, but in generations.

When I joined the CPF Board seven years ago, I hoped to give back to my community through an organization aligned with my passion for the outdoors. I figured I would build trails, volunteer at events, and in the process grow closer to my community. What I discovered was so much more.

Unlike many nonprofits focused on solving a specific problem, CPF’s mission is rooted in ongoing stewardship. Thinking in terms of perpetuity shapes how decisions are made. Planning must be thoughtful, deliberate, and guided by a long-term vision for the community.

This does not mean CPF is tied to the past. Rather, board members, volunteers, and supporters actively put our mission into practice every day through innovative conservation efforts.

As we reflect on time—both past and future—we are reminded that our own lives are finite, while CPF’s responsibilities continue forever. So, the next time you walk a trail, drive by an active farm, or reflect on the historic character of our community, pause for a moment and think how these will be available for future generations. Your support makes that possible—today and in perpetuity.

David Gerber
CPF Board President