July Newsletter

Summer is in full swing here at NCLC, and our land protection and stewardship teams have been busy in the office and out in the field this month.

With $1.6 million in new grant funding, our land protection team is moving forward with three exciting conservation projects that will bring lasting benefits for people and nature. The grants will enable NCLC to protect habitats for rare and endangered species; safeguard clean water for drinking, fishing, and swimming; preserve essential wildlife corridors; and create new opportunities for public access to nature. You can read more about these special conservation projects below.

And, NCLC's stewardship team, including our two summer stewards, are on the the verge of opening our 23rd public nature preserve (check back next month for the official announcement!). But, they have balanced the hard work of trail building with other joyful activities, like assisting with American kestrel banding, which helps scientists track migration patterns, monitor survival rates, and understand population trends.

Lastly, we look forward to celebrating our 60th Anniversary at our annual Midsummer Party for Conservation on August 16 and growing our community through our new member drive. There has never been a better time to get involved at NCLC.

With gratitude,

Catherine M. Rawson

Executive Director

NCLC has been awarded $1.6 million in grants to protect over 5,400 acres of critical land for conservation and public use. Key projects include the new 108-acre Surdan Mountain Preserve in Sharon, a 5,200-acre conservation easement around Colebrook Reservoir, and a 117-acre expansion of the Strauss Morrissey Preserve in Sherman. These efforts will safeguard clean water, protect wildlife habitats, and expand public access to nature across the region.

Thank you to the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Land Easement and Acquisition Program (LEAP) enough for this critical funding to protect these high-priority lands.

Read more

NCLC is honored to share an extraordinary gift that will forever benefit our community and region. New Milford resident Barbara Cantacuzino generously bequeathed a 54-acre forested parcel to NCLC to be permanently protected for wildlife habitat. Located just east of the Routes 202 and 109 intersection, near Sullivan Farm, the land features a tributary of Great Brook winding through its lower elevations. With its steep terrain and limited access, the property will remain undisturbed, serving as interior forest habitat under NCLC’s careful stewardship.

As with many estate gifts, Mrs. Cantacuzino's donation of land came as a surprise to NCLC; however, her friends said she had been contemplating it for many years. We are profoundly grateful to Barbara for this act of generosity, which will preserve habitat for wildlife forever. If you are planning an estate gift of land, or would like more information on including NCLC in your will, please contact Katy Kinsolving. 

Partner Spotlight

Impact Grounded in Community

At NCLC, our work is driven by collaboration and a shared commitment to building stronger communities. This month, we are proud to highlight the inspiring efforts of a Building Resiliency program participant Steven Thompson, whose dedication to service continues well beyond his time in the Marine Corps.

A military veteran, Steven's current mission is to feed friends, families, and people in need. He and his wife, Christina, own and operate Thy Neighbors Farm in Torrington. In addition to vegetables and fruits, they raise grass-fed Katahdin sheep. A significant part of their farming operation is fighting food insecurity by providing much-needed nutritious food to at-risk, food-insecure families and those affected by homelessness in their community.

With the help of an NCLC Building Resiliency grant, Steven's flock is thriving and growing with his new rotational grazing system, which includes portable fencing, a stock tank, a shelter, and a mobile weigh station. Steven can now more effectively manage his sheep while also adopting grazing practices that improve pasture soil health and the productivity of the land.

As a member of NCLC, your support helps to safeguard natural and working lands for future generations. Join us in shaping the future! Every gift matters. Every member makes a difference.

Upcoming Events

Summer Story Walk

at Mallory Preserve

Now through August 15

Volunteer Trail Crew Day

Friday, Sept. 26

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

NCLC is growing, and we are seeking to fill three positions: a full-time Community Engagement Coordinator, a full-time Public Lands Manager, and a part-time Staff Accountant. All are invited to explore these exciting and fulfilling opportunities to advance land conservation in our region. Are you interested? Learn more here.

Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is a nonprofit regional land trust.

As a guardian of natural and working lands, public recreation areas, and drinking water resources,

NCLC permanently protects 13,400 acres (and growing) of vast, connected natural areas in

Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties.