Karen Gates' family has been a part of the North Haven/Vinalhaven community for three generations. She is a veterinarian and avid rider. She practices veterinary medicine in Yardley, PA and in recent years has reduced her practice to nine months so she can spend the summers on Vinalhaven. She is also very active in the Island Sail program, having run it for quite a few summers. In Karen's words, "I am thrilled to join VLT in its efforts to preserve the land on and around Vinalhaven Island. Having watched suburbia engulf my once rural winter home, I feel privileged to help avoid the same demise on this unique piece of the planet. I feel that Vinalhaven Land Trust and the community of Vinalhaven are shining examples of how to move forward in modern times while still maintaining the aspects of our world that we consider so precious."