Over 2021, The Milford Land Conservation Trust (MLCT) saw major success in their cooperative effort to provide a nesting platform to an Osprey family. Across from a railroad catenary structure at Gulf Pond, MLCT members and volunteers gathered to erect a 20-foot tall Osprey nest. Ospreys had nested on the catenary for 3 years prior and failed to propagate. In just under 7 months, an Osprey pair transitioned to the new nest and successfully raised a family! On September 9, 2021, the Osprey family migrated and the nest was vacant. MLCT expects the pair to return in late March/early April 2022 to continue to grow their family...

The Groton Open Space Association recently announced the acquisition of 5.7 acres in the heart of downtown Groton named Walt's Walls and Woods. Located in an urbanized area typically underserved for open space, this parcel provides a neighborhood green space with colorful weeping cherry trees, creeping phlox, rhododendron, and azaleas surrounded by stone walls constructed by Walter Watrous. This property provides diverse habitat and serves to protect wetlands and Baker Cove, an impaired waterway downstream, from stormwater runoff and new development impacts…

Acquiring and preserving land is no easy feat but in the end it’s always worth it! Colchester Land Trust (CLT) knows this all too well with its acquisition of the 130-acre Bulkeley Hill Preserve. Since purchasing the property in 2016, CLT has worked to make the property accessible to the public including planning, surveying, obtaining a permit for the parking lot, installing a bog bridge, trailblazing, site development, and kiosk building by an Eagle Scout! Bulkeley Hill Preserve was opened to the public on CT Trails Day 2021, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, curated hikes, and aerial photography marking the occasion...

Stamford Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) has been hard at work to create 245 acres of contiguous open space. The land trust is focusing on the acquisition of the last missing piece: 64-acres on Den and Riverbank Roads in Stamford. This parcel has been designated as an exceedingly important tract of land for the protection of the Mianus River Watershed, vital to the long term health of Stamford and its adjoining towns. The successful acquisition of this land would be one of the most significant transactions for SLCT and mark the celebration of their Golden Anniversary this year… 

In 2021, The Canton Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) collaborated with Sperry Geospatial to undertake a major project to upgrade the maps for their extensive network of hiking trails on over 80 distinct properties. Using ArcGIS software, CLCT developed a consistent set of improved maps that can be printed offline, in large formats, georeferenced, interactive, and easily updatable with new trails and properties acquired. These high quality maps of properties and trails are a critical resource for an enjoyable and accessible experience in open space…

When I read these stories (and watched the MLCT video) I was struck by how many options there are for getting involved with your local land trust.

Doing deals. Raising money. Blazing trails. Creating maps. Writing stories.

Constructing...everything from bridges to nesting platforms to kiosks to parking areas.  And so much more.

It takes a diversity of skills and interests – and a large dose of energy and passion – to overcome challenges and get projects done.

#LoveYourCTLandTrust — for giving people of all ages opportunities to make a difference.