Photos: Barbara Beatty

As wind and rain threatened the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s Annual Fall Luncheon at the Jesse and Gayle Bontecou Wildlife Conservation Preserve, the skies gusted just enough to provide a mostly sunny, dry day on October 8th. Cochaired  by Deban and Tom Flexner and Robbianne Mackin and Eric Roberts, the lunch raised funds for various DLC programs. Nearly 400 guests were welcomed to the preserve with bluegrass music from the Ruta Beggars and specialty cocktails from the Fizzy Filly. Mugs of hot apple cider were passed around along with hors d’oeuvres, and a robust buffet lunch was served by the Farmer’s Wife. DLC Board Member Liselotte Vince of 80milesnorth designed and provided the autumnal floral table arrangements. A short program of speeches described the vision and campaign for the preserve, and after lunch patrons explored the land with nature walks led by DLC’s Education Director Julie Hart and took in the scenic landscape of Bontecou Lake.