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October 24, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE...
Register for CLCC Regional Programs

GPS Smartphone Training

Regional Summit

GPS Smartphone Training

Ask an Expert Office Hours

Exploring Collaborations

Ask an Expert Office Hours

Regional Summit

Download our 2016 schedule with program details  HERE
 
Save the Date! March 18
Celebrating Community Conservation at Lisa Lane Farm
Connect With Us
Executive Director's Message
Celebrating Lisa Lane Farm
 
I first learned about the Lisa Lane Farm in 2014 when I was researching Community Investment Act* success stories. A 10-acre farm located in the most densely populated part of Bloomfield, the Lisa Lane Farm was conserved by the Wintonbury Land Trust in collaboration with the town of Bloomfield, DEEP, and the USDA-NRCS. 

Still in private ownership and protected by conservation easements, the land is leased to Desmond Samuda, who grows, among other things, specialty produce for the area's West Indian community. The farm serves as an experiential classroom for kids of all ages to learn about conservation and agriculture, and provides a place for neighbors to gather, plant and harvest food for themselves and their community. 

The land is also valuable for conservation: It is surrounded by a wooded buffer, offers neighborhood access to walking trails, and provides quality wildlife habitat adjacent to the town of Windsor's Meadow Brook Wildlife Corridor. 

Last month I had a chance to tour the farm at the land trust's Harvest Day; with games, demonstrations, guided walks and an opportunity to see the community gardens and new greenhouse*, the place was packed. 

Farmer Desmond Samuda introduces a very proud community gardener.

Everyone was happy. Everyone was proud. The sense of community was palpable.

Events like this are happening across the state, thanks to your hard work in conserving the special places that bring communities together. 
 
Enjoy them, and feel proud.

With appreciation for all you do -
Amy

*The protection of the Lisa Lane Farm was made possible in part by the Community Investment Act, which provides critical funding for DEEP's Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Program. The greenhouse was funded by a Dept. of Agriculture Ag Viability Grant another CIA program. 
Protecting the level and integrity of the CIA is an annual priority for CLCC.

 
Connecticut Land Trusts in the News
Prepare to be impressed!
Spotlight on Middlebury Land Trust's "Guess the Location"

September's MLT Mystery Property 
Photo Credit:  Curtiss Clark
The Middlebury Land Trust has found a fun and creative way to promote their properties, raise the land trust's visibility, and engage with the public, by writing a monthly article for their local paper about one of their preserves. The catch? With a photo included as a clue, they challenge readers to guess the location of the "mystery property". Winners are announced as part of the following month's article. What a neat idea!
 
Click HERE to read September's article. 
Photo Credit: Matt Woodward
Celebrating 50 Years of Joshua's Trust -- with 65 hikes!

What better way to celebrate 50 years than to hike all of the properties and make a short movie about the locations in each town! Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust super fan Matt Woodward is making his way through all of the trust's 65 properties. 

Click HERE to view the series and follow Matt along on his journey!  
IBA Partners celebrate!  
Photo Credit: Jen Benner, Audubon CT
Another IBA!  Shepaug Forest Block Recognized 

Audubon CT has recognized a forested landscape along the Shepaug River as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Spanning over 15 miles of the Shepaug River and nearly 14,000 acres in size, this area covers over many preserves and easements held by the Steep Rock Association, Roxbury Land Trust and Weantinoge Heritage Land TrustRead the full press release HERE .
Salem and Bolton Land Trusts Featured in Saving Land Magazine

Connecticut land trusts continue to make national news. In the Fall 2016 edition of the Land Trust Alliance's Saving Land Magazine, Salem Land Trust is featured in "They Did It Their Way" (page 22), "three stories of all-volunteer land trusts that took unique paths to accreditation, using their distinctive talents to get there" (with some nice quotes from Alliance CT Accreditation Circuit Rider and CLCC Steering Committee member, Connie Manes). In "How Are We Doing?", consultant David Allen highlights Bolton Land Trust's member recruitment and retention strategy (page 32). Last, but certainly not least,  you can also read about the Alliance's Northeast Conservation program manager, Becca Washburn - a familiar and helpful partner in CT (page 12). Way to go, Connecticut!
Avalonia Accepts Three Land Donations 

Avalonia Land Conservancy recently announced news that it had received donations of three preserves in North Stonington and Ledyard, respectively, adding 179 acres to their regional conservation holdings. "[I]t is generous donations like these through the years that have enabled Avalonia to become the largest land trust on the Connecticut shoreline" said the organization in their press release. Read more details about these beautiful properties in the full release HERE.

Cerulean Warbler courtesy of ALC, credit to Niall Doherty.
Celebrating the Closing on the Biehn Property Preserve in Redding

CLCC was delighted to join the Redding Land Trust and the town of Redding at their closing on the Biehn Property Preserve. This important property, lying in the center of lower Redding, east of the Saugatuck River, will allow eastern and western Town trails to connect. The transaction reflects a true public-private partnership, with the land trust, town, DEEP (through the CIA-funded OSWA grant program) and Aquarion Water Company contributing funds for the project. Read more  HERE .

Pictured L. to R. Redding Land Trust Board members Gordon Loery, Jane Ross and Laurie Heiss
CLCC News & Programs
CLCC Requests Proposals for 2017 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference 

CLCC invites you to submit a proposal for its 2017 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference scheduled for March 18 in Middletown. The state's largest annual full-day land conservation gathering, with close to 500 attending in 2016, the Conference will offer at least twenty-four 90-minute workshops organized under subject tracks, a limited number of three hour afternoon seminars for more in-depth topical discussions, and a track of 45-minute "mini-workshops" centered around the humanities. 
Submission deadline is November 22. More information and a link to the online proposal application is HERE.
State News
Share Your Input on the Connecticut State Water Plan
Shared by The Nature Conservancy

Four Connecticut agencies are developing a State Water Plan to guide the management of the state's water resources. Come hear about the planning process and share your thoughts and concerns at one of the upcoming public meetings. Find more info HERE.

October 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Norwich, Southeastern Council of Governments
October 26, 1:00pm - 3:00pm: New Britain, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
October 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Southbury, Town Hall
Hop River State Park Trail
Hop River State Park, Photo Credit: CT DEEP
The "CT Rail Trail Explorer"
Highlights State Park Rail Trails
From CT DEEP

CT DEEP has developed the online CT Rail Trail Explorer, an interactive guide to plan your visit to State Park Rail Trails. Features include seeing how many miles users travel from a parking lot to a destination, using a profile map of trail elevations along a chosen route, and viewing photographs of sites along the trails and parking areas. Find the full press release HERE.
Funding Opportunities
Apply Now for DEEP Open Space Grant Program (OSWA)
From CT DEEP

CT DEEP has announced the next round of competitive grant funding to assist with the purchase and preservation of open space lands, urban green space and community gardens through the state of Connecticut's Open Space Watershed Land Acquisition Program (OSWA). Click HERE for details and grant application. For more information contact Dave Stygar at 860-424-3081 or Allyson Clarke at 860-424-3774.  Application deadline is February 2, 2017.
DEEP Requests Proposals for Recreational Trail Grants
From CT DEEP

CT DEEP is now accepting proposals for Connecticut's Recreational Trails Program Grants. Pending availability of funds during 2017-2018, grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Further details and applications may be found HERE or contact Laurie Giannotti at 860-424-3578. Application deadline is December 15, 2016.
Bird
Photo Credit: Audubon Connecticut
Apply Today for IBA Small Matching Grants
From Audubon Connecticut

Audubon CT is currently accepting applications for the next round of Important Bird Area (IBA) Small Matching Grants. Individual projects are eligible for up to $2,500 each. A minimum of 1:1 match of funds, goods or services is required. Special focus is given to proposals under $1,000. Click HERE for more info.  Application deadline is Nov. 11, 2016.
Guidelines Now Available for 2016 Farm Viability Grant
From CT Department of Agriculture

The CT Department of Agriculture has released guidelines for the 2016 Farm Viability Grant. Find more grant information HERE. Grant applications will be accepted from November 7-14, 2016, via email only.
DEEP Offering Grants for Fishing Education in Hispanic Community
From CT DEEP

CT DEEP will award $15,000 in matching grant funds to support local efforts to build interest in recreational fishing in the Hispanic community. Grants are made possible thanks to the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Click HERE to read the full press release and grant guidelines. Click HERE for more info. Application deadline is October 31, 2016.
Photo Credit: CIRCA
Apply Today for CIRCA Municipal Resilience Grant Program

From CT Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation

The CT Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) is requesting grant proposals from municipal governments and councils of government for initiatives that advance resilience.  More information is  HERE . Application deadline is November 1, 2016.
Land Trust Resources
Webinar: Train Your Board to Ask
From Land Trust Alliance

Learn how to increase your board members' comfort zone with fundraising in this affordable webinar training on November 7, 2016 with the Land Trust Alliance. In this webinar, you'll learn how to build a strong fundraising culture on your board and prepare every board member to help raise money. Click HERE for more info and to register.
Looking for Land Trust Partners
From TravelStoryGPS

TravelStoryGPS, a mission-driven mobile app development company, uses GPS capabilities of mobile phones to produce high-quality audio storytelling tours to match the pace of those traveling by any means: car, foot, bike, bus, rail or boat. With more than 25 active tours in 10 states, they are looking to expand their reach to more potential land trusts. For more information, contact Liz Prax at Liz@TravelStoryGPS.com or 307-734-8167.  
Upcoming Events
Photo Credit: Litchfield Hills
Greenprint Collaborative
2016 NW CT Land Trust Days
From Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative

Throughout the entire month of October, Northwest CT land trusts are hosting numerous events to raise awareness of conservation and recreational opportunities in their corner of CT. There is still time on the calendar to join a hike, workshop and/or nature tour during this beautiful time of year. Click HERE for more information and schedule of events. 
2016 Schoolyard Habitat Leadership Summit: Connecting Communities Through Nature (Tomorrow!)
From Audubon Connecticut

Connect with others interested and engaged in outdoor learning and schoolyard habitat creation for a summit on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at the Audubon Greenwich Center. Find more information HERE or contact Katie at kblake@audubon.org with any questions.
2016 Connecticut Urban Forest Conference/Forest Forum (10/26)
From Connecticut Urban Forest Council

Do you wonder what will happen when challenges such as climate change, invasive pests, and storms confront the trees along your street or your back woods? Plan for a day of learning and networking with people who care about trees, forests, and their future on  October 26 at the 2016 CT Urban Forest Conference/Forest Forum. Click HERE for more info. 
Race Your Way Around the State
Photo Credit: Cheshire Land Trust
Ives Farm Tractor Trot 5K
Run & Walk (10/29)

From Cheshire Land Trust

When: October 29
Where: Historic Ives Farm, Cheshire

Have fun with a beautiful and challenging course through autumnal woodlands, planting fields and the Quinnipiac River. All proceeds benefit Cheshire Land Trust. Celebrate at the post-race party. Sign up HERE.
Agricultural Easements Workshop (11/12)
From Connecticut Farmland Trust

Connecticut Farmland Trust will be host a workshop on November 12 at the Southbury Public Library to introduce the model agricultural easement developed in partnership with the American Farmland Trust and CLCC. Click  HERE  f or more info and registration details.
Register Today for the 2016 RCP Network Gathering (11/16)
From Highstead Foundation

Registration is now open for the 2016 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering on November 16 in Nashua, New Hampshire. View the agenda HERE. Register HERE. For more info about the RCP, visit the Wildlands and Woodlands website. Register by October 27 to receive the discounted hotel rate.
Your Input Needed
Projects Needed for Policy Agenda
From Highstead Foundation

The Highstead Foundation is leading an effort to craft a summary policy agenda on behalf of the New England Forest Policy Group. This agenda will include a map of proposed projects for Forest Legacy, Community Forests (and Open Space Conservation) and Land and Water Conservation Fund in FY17. Please submit a list of projects your organization is involved with to Kimberly Meneo at kmeneo@highstead.net .
Job Opportunities
General Manager - The Trustees of Reservations

The Trustees of Reservations is looking to fill two full-time General Manager positions, one with Appleton Farms Portfolio (located in Ipswich, MA) (click  HEREand the other with the Fruitlands Museum, the Old Manse, and Farandnear Portfolio (located in Harvard, MA)(click  HERE  ).
Executive Director - Roxbury Land Trust

The Roxbury Land Trust is accepting resumes for the position of Executive Director. This is a full-time salaried position with flexible hours. Click HERE for more info. Resumes and inquiries should be sent to execdirector@roxburylandtrust.org.

Our 2016-17 Annual Membership Appeal is underway!
We Count on Your Support!
Connecticut Land Conservation Council
Catherine Rawson, Chair (Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust);  Chuck Toal, Vice-Chair ( Colchester Land Trust);  David Bingham (Salem Land Trust);  Sandy Breslin (Bethany Inland Wetlands Commission) David Brown ( Middlesex Land Trust ); Margot Burns ( Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments ); Kevin Case ( Land Trust Alliance ); Eric Hammerling ( CT Forest & Park Association ); Stewart Hudson (Audubon CT); Michael Hveem ( Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust ) ; Drew Iacovazzi (West Hartford); Connie Manes ( Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative ); Elisabeth Moore ( CT Farmland Trust ); Shirley Nichols ( Darien Land Trust ); David Sutherland ( The Nature Conservancy );  Humphrey Tyler (CT River Watershed Council

Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director
Cristina Gastador Hayden, Communications Coordinator 
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council advocates for land conservation, stewardship and funding, and works to ensure the long term strength and viability of the land conservation community.
Connecticut Land Conservation Council | 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT  06481 | 860-685-0785
© 2015 Connecticut Land Conservation Council. All rights reserved.