About the Land Trust

The Lake Claire Community Land Trust (LCCLT) is a non-profit incorporation of neighbors who are developing land between Nelms and Arizona Avenues, resulting in a “green space” for community use and enhancement. Members of our neighborhood are encouraged and welcomed to enjoy the Land Trust gardens and play areas regardless of membership in the LCCLT. Membership is available to those willing and able to contribute.

Land Trust Capital Campaign Needs Your Help to Buy Land

The Lake Claire Community Land Trust is working to acquire the tree climbing lot on Arizona Ave. Due to the condition of the two White Oak trees —affectionately named Nimrod and Diana by Peter and Patty Jenkins, owners of Tree Climbers International (TCI)— TCI must find a new place to climb. Nimrod was taken down in February and Diana will probably follow some time this year or the next.

While we are sad to lose our fine human neighbors and our gorgeous tree neighbors, this passage nonetheless offers a wonderful opportunity for the Land Trust (LT) to expand its holdings and preserve greenspace. The nearly 1/4 acre TCI lot extends almost all the way back to the shower area —a significant piece of land!

We need your help to purchase the land. The Land Trust is kicking off a capital campaign to fund the purchase of the TCI lot as well as to fund other land acquisitions such as purchasing adjoining back yards. Our goal is to raise $275,000.

The LT was founded by a visionary group of neighbors who bought the land from MARTA and turned it into the wonderful haven that it is today. People come from all over to walk their dogs, play with their kids in the sand pile, garden, enjoy the greenspace, the sunsets and the shade of the magnificent trees; and to celebrate community through festivals, craft fairs, drum circles, taking saunas and sharing food.

Your contribution will protect the Tree Climbing lot from development and ensure preservation of vital bird habitat and greenspace.

Contributions can be made payable to the Frank Foundation which is run by Erica Frank, formerly of Lake Claire Co-housing Community. The Frank Foundation has generously offered to act as the fiduciary agent of the Land Trust until the LT receives its own 501c3 status. All donations are tax deductible. Please download the flyer for a contribution form. Please, give generously!

Land Trust Mailing List

The Land Trust has a mailing list for sharing information that lets neighbors and members communicate with each other. All messages sent to the group go to everyone in the group.

If you would like to subscribe to this group, send a blank email to LCCLandTrust-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Please tell us who you are and a little about your relationship with the land trust. 

If you are interested primarily in the drum circle, please join that group here.

To post message, send it to LCCLandTrust@yahoogroups.com. You do not need to be a member of Yahoo Groups to subscribe, but you must subscribe to post a message.

How It Works

Many different events are held at the Land Trust all year. Many of them such as the music fests, the Easter potluck and the Halloween pumpkin carving, are sponsored by the LT. Others, such as children’s birthday parties, scouting and school events are sponsored and supervised by individuals from the neighborhood. For private events, you are welcome to make a donation if you choose. Due to the impact that cars and crowds have on the neighborhood, trustees want to approve any large event or fundraisers of any size and make sure the sponsoring individuals are clear on LT guidelines. If yours is a money making event, we ask that you tithe 15% of proceeds to the LT.

To inquire about holding an event at the land trust, please send an email to reubenapple@comcast.net.

Events

Monthly Potlucks
There is a monthly potluck on the 13th of each month, 6:30 PM at the Gazebo when the weather is nice. Bring a dish to share with your neighbors and enjoy a great meal.

Don't forget to bring your own plates and utensils.

Drum Circles
Twice a month on the first and third Saturdays, the Land Trust hosts a drum circle. The drumming usually begins around dark-thirty and ends at promptly at midnight.

Admission to the drum circle is free for walking neighbors. Drummers and performers are asked for a $1 donation as an impact fee. All others are $5 admission. The proceeds from the gate are used to maintain the land trust.

Please be considerate of neighbors if you drive to the drum circle. Drive slowly and be careful not to block drives when parking.

No drugs or alcohol are allowed at the drum circle.

Dinner at CoHousing
The Lake Claire CoHousing hosts community vegetarian dinners in their common house, Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Dinner is usually $3.