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NCLC has more than tripled its pace of conservation in recent years, and to further advance our work NCLC was recently awarded two significant acquisition grants from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s inaugural Land Capital Grant Program (read more below). These funds will help NCLC permanently protect over 5,300 acres of high-priority habitat in Northwest Connecticut—safeguarding clean water, securing vital wildlife corridors, and expanding access to nature for all.
In addition, thanks to the generosity of our community, our Give Local fundraiser surpassed its goal, raising over $50,000 to support acquisition, stewardship, education, and partnership projects across our region. Thank you to everyone who made a gift this year.
We are channeling this momentum into an exciting calendar of upcoming events, including a CT Trails Day Hike on June 7 and a Climate-Smart Agriculture Celebration on June 18. Please see our event highlights below and visit our website for our latest event listings. I look forward to seeing you out on the land.
With gratitude,
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Catherine M. Rawson
Executive Director
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Advancing Conservation
Two Grants Support Landmark Lands
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NCLC is pleased to announce we have been awarded $345,800 in two land acquisition grants from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s inaugural Land Capital Grant Program. This new program provides direct support to land trusts for the purchase of conservation land.
The first grant award provides $98,500 towards the purchase of a 117-acre property in Sherman that will expand upon NCLC’s adjacent 142-acre Strauss Morrissey Preserve, an existing public recreation area. The new property will provide new and expanded recreational opportunities to Northwest Connecticut.
The second $250,000 grant will support the purchase of a 5,200-acre conservation easement surrounding the Colebrook Reservoir, permanently protecting lands essential for the health of the region's water quality.
As NCLC triples its pace of conservation, we are proud to report that every dollar donated by our members helps NCLC leverage $32 in foundation and government funding for conservation projects. Together, we are saving the lands essential for our region's future.
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Member Spotlight
Nature thrives, with you
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NCLC’s members are the quiet force protecting Northwest Connecticut’s lands and waters. This month, we celebrate volunteer Peter Caruso.
Recently retired from a fast-paced IT career, Peter finds nature a powerful source of stress relief, exercise, and wonder. As an NCLC volunteer, he helps steward Milde Farm, a future 670-acre nature preserve in Litchfield and Torrington.
"My oldest brother introduced me to nature at a young age through the practice of ethical hunting and fishing. I support NCLC because I believe in their mission and the preservation of Connecticut's forests, fields, and wildlife. Without conservation, especially for a state as small as Connecticut, we risk losing a good portion of our natural land and the wildlife that it supports. Continued support of NCLC and like organizations is paramount for future generations' enjoyment."
Joining NCLC as a member online is fast and easy (can be done in 60 seconds). Over 75% of NCLC's operating budget comes directly from individuals like you. Every gift matters. Every member makes a difference.
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Wednesday, June 18 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join us at Canaan View Dairy (East Canaan) to celebrate NCLC’s Building Resiliency program participants and partners. Connect with members of the agricultural community who are leading the way toward a more resilient future. Enjoy a farm tour, light refreshments, and a celebration of climate-smart practices in action. RSVP requested by June 13.
Learn more
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Midsummer Party for Conservation
Saturday, August 16
NCLC is celebrating 60 years of land conservation! Join us for a delightful evening with friends at the Midsummer Party for Conservation, hosted by Leni and Peter May at Maywood in Bridgewater.
This annual fundraiser supports NCLC’s conservation and offers a special opportunity to enjoy delicious food, lively conversation, and great company—all to benefit conservation in our community.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
| | Volunteers Blaze Trails for New Nature Preserve | | |
On April 25, NCLC hosted its first Volunteer Trail Crew Day of 2025 at The Ledges—a future public nature preserve in Brookfield. Fifteen participants attended, including first-time volunteers, preserve neighbors, Brookfield Council members, and long-time volunteers. The volunteer crew cleared and blazed a new trail corridor. The culminating pizza was well earned by all. We can't thank our volunteers enough for helping to bring this new trail at The Ledges closer to a grand opening (later this year). Thank you, thank you!
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Get Involved—Your Actions Make a Difference
NCLC permanently protects 13,400 acres (and growing) in 17 communities in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. We could not do our work without your support.
Your generosity provides essential resources for our acquisition, stewardship, and education programming, helping to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that make Northwest Connecticut special. Whether you donate, volunteer, or explore planned giving, every action strengthens our collective impact.
Join us in conserving the places you love—for today and future generations.
| | NCLC is growing, and we are seeking to fill the position of a part-time Staff Accountant. All are invited to explore this exciting and fulfilling opportunity 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.
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