You Make Great Conservation Possible
You are a conservation hero! As we count down the final days of 2018, we would like to share a few of the conservation success stories you have made possible.
Please take a moment to read below about four strategic acquisitions that reveal how land conservation benefits people and wildlife.
And, if you see the benefit of our work, we really hope you will help keep it going with a
year-end contribution
. Without you, none of this is possible. Thank you!
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Bear Hill: Protected Forever!
This bobcat living on Bear Hill owes much to New Milford resident, Jack Garraty. In addition to 36 acres donated by Jack and his wife, Elise Frick, in the early 2000s, Jack is donating another
50-acre conservation easement to Weantinoge this December.
The
easement, which is highlighted in
yellow
in the map below, completes the protection of the entire north and east sides of Bear Hill, the highest and most prominent landmark in New Milford.
The easement, in addition to protecting natural habitat, will also permit a hiking trail to ensure public access to Bear Hill's 1,270 foot summit.
The trail head can be accessed from Weantinoge's
Kahn Preserve
on Cherniske Road.
Jack's generous donation safeguards a New Milford landmark and creates a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
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Protecting Land Safeguarding Water
Protecting forests and other natural lands around rivers, lakes, and streams, not only maintains a scenic landscape, but also safeguards clean water.
Thanks to you, Weantinoge currently protects an extraordinary 42 miles of rivers and streams in Northwest Connecticut!
This year Weantinoge continued its water quality conservation work in the Lake Waramaug watershed by protecting a lakefront property,
with a forested slope abutting conservation land held by the State of Connecticut.
Protecting the lake's hillsides helps reduce soil erosion, runoff, and safeguards the lake's water quality and clarity. The conservation of this property helps to maintain wildlife habitat by expanding upon land conserved by the state. And, of course, protecting the forested hillside helps to maintain the natural and beautiful appearance of the lake for residents and visitors alike.
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A Farmland Protection Success Story
In Bridgewater, the 34 acre Comanche Hill Farm was protected through a State Department of Agriculture Farmland Preservation Program grant.
Farm owner, Bud Wright, was assisted throughout the process by Weantinoge
.
Protecting farmland is essential and good farmland soils are especially rare. The best soil for farming forms very slowly, at a rate of 1 cm per 200-400 years.
Only 10.6% of the soil on Earth is capable of supporting the food we eat.
And, farmland is often the first land to be developed because it is flat and frequently cleared of trees. Once developed, farmland is gone forever.
Enrolling Comanche Hill Farm into the State Department of Agriculture and Farmland Preservation Program permanently protects 34 acres of high-quality farmland soil forever.
For more information on this conservation property, please
click here.
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Hilltop Forest Protected: Hallock Hills
Hallock Hills Preserve and other vast natural forests are essential for wildlife, clean water, and public recreation.
Plans for trails are in the works and we are excited to add another public preserve for recreation, reflection, and fun.
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You Make a Difference!
When you support Weantinoge, you become a conservation leader helping to safeguard natural lands, fish and wildlife, and working farmland.
Now is a terrific time to support conservation in Connecticut.
All gifts received by December 31st will be
matched
dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000! Gifts of any size are appreciated and make a difference.
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We hope you can join us at one of our upcoming events.
All events are free and open to the public.
If you have any questions and to register, please contact:
[email protected].
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Green Drinks
Date:
Thursday, December 20
Time:
5 to 7 PM
Address:
569 Bantam Road, Litchfield, CT, 06759
Details:
Food and light refreshments will be served.
Weantinoge's Green Drinks is Litchfield County's monthly happy-hour providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about conservation initiatives, local farming, land use, and more. This special holiday Green Drinks is always our best attended and especially fun. We hope to see you there! All are welcome, no reservations or RSVP necessary.
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