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Dear Neighbors and Friends of the Land Trust,
This Spring is a perfect time to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the transitions of the seasons, and to reflect on our own continual transitions and growth as a Land Trust. We see the new life emerging in the greening of the grasses, some pops of color here and there from a few brave early season wildflowers, and trees starting to bud as they become more confident that the earlier mornings and longer days harken the beginning of a warmer time of year.
Sharing in that optimism, the Land Trust is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community as we head toward finalizing the acquisition of the Fowler property in the Silvermine neighborhood. As we move forward with that project, we look to carry that enthusiasm on into our work to return that property to a more natural state while also providing the community a chance to access the beautiful Still Pond by way of a small trail that connects to the Land Trust property on Cedar Lane. Keep an eye out this Spring as the work continues in that area.
Much effort over the past few months has been directed toward assessing and creating management plans for each of the Land Trust properties. Identifying areas of potential concern and establishing formal plans to improve our stewardship is a key component of our work to become nationally accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. As the snow melts, we are also encouraged by the prospect of beginning work on the GreenLink project, that will connect a walking path from Elm Street to Irwin Park and up Weed street to the Nature Center via a Land Trust property.
We continue to expand our outreach in the community with the help of volunteers and through educational programming. We look forward to our fourth year of hosting New Canaan high school students as part of our Summer Stewards program. Read more about the program (see the “Volunteer” tab on the website) and read the Land Trust Blog for weekly recaps from 2016. If you know someone who would be a good fit for the program, have them contact Mike Johnson, our Executive Director.
With a year-end gift of two acres from the Amero Family on Turner Hill, we are now stewards of 382 acres. Your membership ensures that we can work to be advance our mission our open space preservation, and we couldn’t do it without you. We thank you for your continued support and ask that you encourage your neighbors to join you in that support, and in doing so broaden the base of advocates for the benefits that open space brings the community, including wildlife and bird habitat, water filtration, clean air, carbon sequestration, and the simple beauty of our forest and fields.
The Board of Directors welcomes you to experience and enjoy your Land Trust is a responsible way, leaving no trace and doing your part to help ensure that we all can continue to enjoy our preserved open space, wild life sanctuaries and the scenic beauty of New Canaan.
Sincerely,
Art Berry, President