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As the leaves turn and we embrace the beauty of autumn, I am excited to reach out to you with some thrilling updates and invitations. First and foremost, mark your calendars for NCLC’s Annual Meeting on November 9! This gathering is not only a chance to reflect on our collective achievements, but also an opportunity to connect with our community and celebrate our passion for conservation.
I am also delighted to share that we closed on the acquisition of The Ledges—the future site of a stunning 45-acre public preserve in Brookfield (read more below). This new addition is a testament to our commitment to protecting vital habitats in every community and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of our region. We are thrilled to add this property to our portfolio of protected lands and see it enhance Northwest Connecticut’s recreational opportunities and conservation efforts.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we invite you to donate to our Annual Appeal, which is essential for accelerating our bold conservation initiatives. Your contributions make a tangible difference, allowing us to expand our reach and impact. Together, we can continue to protect Northwest Connecticut lands and preserve our natural heritage.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Meeting!
Warm regards,
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Catherine M. Rawson
Executive Director
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NCLC Permanently Protects
New Public Nature Preserve in Brookfield
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We are accelerating the pace of conservation! NCLC has successfully acquired a 45-acre property in Brookfield, which we have named The Ledges. This highly anticipated conservation acquisition adjoins Burr Farm, a beloved 116-acre town-owned preserve and working farm that offers public recreation opportunities, including hiking, walking, horseback riding, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and more.
Thanks to our generous members and grants from the State of Connecticut’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA), the Highlands Conservation Act, and the Town of Brookfield, NCLC was able to purchase The Ledges preserve. Public recreational opportunities will be greatly enhanced through the addition of two miles of new trails, while the conservation of this parcel will boost the protection of an active wildlife conservation corridor.
NCLC currently has 40 new conservation projects in progress. If you would like to support this important work, please click here.
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Partnership is at the heart of our conservation work. NCLC is pleased to announce the launch of our Acquisition Grant Program for Partners. Over the past several years, NCLC has received several requests for direct funding for acquisitions from partnering land trusts. In the past year, NCLC’s board approved two requests for donations of $10,000, with the funds coming from NCLC’s partnership program.
We are thrilled to formalize this program, which will help ensure partner land trusts can quickly complete acquisition projects and contribute to regional conservation goals.
Click here to learn more.
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Coming Together to Protect
Natural and Working Lands
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On October 1, 2024, NCLC held a Climate-Smart Celebration at Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury. Over 50 community members, including Building Resiliency awardees, partners, town leaders, farmers, and residents, gathered to celebrate the exciting work being accomplished through the NCLC Building Resiliency program.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt took part in the celebration and expressed strong support for the climate-smart agriculture program, emphasizing that partnerships like the one between NCLC and CT DoAg, innovative practices, and community collaboration are essential for addressing the pressing challenges of climate change that the farm community faces.
The final application round for the Building Resiliency implementation grants is now open thru November 30. Click here to learn more and apply today.
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Thank You Volunteers!
On October 4, 2024, NCLC volunteers and staff rolled up their sleeves and tackled several projects at Cobble Brook Vista in Kent. The parking area now looks amazing! Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for working your magic and helping to care for these precious lands!
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Saturday, November 9 | 3-5 PM
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, Washington
Join NCLC for a celebration of 2024 Conservation Hero, Hiram Williams. This special award from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council highlights outstanding achievements in conservation, and we can’t wait to celebrate together.
Enjoy delicious light refreshments and live music. The afternoon will include updates on our strategic plan. Bring your conservation questions and let’s come together to honor our shared commitment to the environment.
Please RSVP to events@ctland.org.
Location: The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens (1 Green Hill Rd., Washington Depot, CT 06794)
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View NCLC Publications Online
Did you see NCLC's Partner Farms brochure in last month's newsletter?
If not, don't miss this informative guide to working lands in Northwest Connecticut and discover farms you can directly purchase from.
Also, you can learn more about NCLC's conservation initiatives by viewing our library of publications online, which includes the following informative materials:
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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 13,300 acres (and growing) of vast, connected natural areas in Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties.
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Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 821, Kent, CT 06757
Phone: 860.927.1927 | Fax: 860.927.1928
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