Stewardship is one of the primary services that the York Land Trust offers to landowners. Whenever the Trust accepts a conservation easement it assume the legal responsibility to carry out the donor's intentions by upholding the terms of the agreement. This responsibility of the Trust lasts forever.

The protection of the land has only just begun once a conservation easement agreement is signed. The condition and natural resources of the land are documented in the compiling of baseline data (maps, photographs, species lists). Trained volunteers visit the land for monitoring walks at least once each year. The visits help assure that the use of the land is consistent with the restrictions placed on it by the landowner. A report is prepared after each site visit and sent to the landowner and a copy is kept by the Trust.

Although violations of easements are rare, if a violation is found, the Trust contacts the landowner to discuss the situation and works to find a solution. If necessary, the Trust can take legal action to uphold the terms of the easement. The York Land Trust's Stewardship Fund acts as an insurance policy providing the financial capital for legal defense of our easements should that be necessary.

The York Land Trust is now steward of 36 properties representing 1,500 acres.