September Newsletter

The fall season of change is upon us, and I am thrilled to share some transformative news—the release of NCLC's 2024-2030 Strategic Plan!

This bold plan sets forth our priorities and reaffirms our dedication to preserving the region's invaluable natural resources and stunning landscapes.

In response to growing environmental pressures, our strategies are focused on accelerating conservation efforts through enhanced pace, scale, and quality. This approach emphasizes collaboration and partnership, ensuring our initiatives are impactful and sustainable.

If you did not receive a copy of the Strategic Plan in the mail, I invite you to take a moment to read the NCLC Strategic Plan online and be a part of this transformative journey. Your continued commitment and support are vital as we work together to make Northwest Connecticut a place where nature thrives and communities prosper.

Additionally, I hope to celebrate this new chapter with you this weekend at our Annual Picnic on Saturday, September 21, from 12 to 2 PM. It is a day of fun in a spectacular setting. I hope you can attend and enjoy a free lunch on the Hadlow Preserve hilltop. See details below.

Thank you for being an essential part of our mission.

Warm regards,

New Publication! Discover Local Farms

Want to learn about and purchase directly from local farms? Check out NCLC's Partner Farms brochure—a guide to working lands in Northwest Connecticut.

Since 1965, NCLC has been dedicated to conserving working agricultural lands and has protected 49 working farms to date. This publication includes farms with connections to NCLC and that sell directly to the public from farmstands, at markets, or by appointment.

Click here to view other informative NCLC publications.

NCLC is excited to announce that we have selected the climate-smart agricultural grant awardees for the first round of the Building Resiliency on Northwest Connecticut Farmland (“Building Resiliency”) Implementation Grant program. Funding will go to local farm projects that support diverse practices aimed at sequestering carbon and reducing emissions, which generate environmental and operational benefits for these farms and our region.

To celebrate the Building Resiliency awardees, partners, and this important work, NCLC is hosting the Climate-Smart Celebration on October 1. All are invited to join us.

Click here to learn more about the grant awardees.

Annual Picnic at the Hadlow Preserve

Saturday, September 21

12-2 PM

Join us for an afternoon filled with fall colors, exciting games, kite flying, and a leisurely hike. Enjoy free lunch with your family, friends, and neighbors. Connect with nature while taking in one of the region’s most stunning scenic vistas.

This family-friendly event is FREE and open to the public. RSVPs are appreciated at events@ctland.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!



Hadlow Preserve - 9 Cozier Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784

Rain Date: September 22

Climate-Smart Celebration

Tuesday, October 1

4 PM

Two-Eyed Seeing Presented by Institute for American Indian Studies

Saturday, October 5

10 to 11:30 AM

Breakfast Bird Walk

Friday, October 18

7:30 to 8:30 AM

Meet Your Greens

Thursday, October 24

5 to 7 PM

Volunteer Work Day at

Cobble Brook Vista

Volunteers make great conservation possible. This fall we are holding a volunteer work party at Cobble Brook Vista. NCLC's Cobble Brook Vista preserve is a large preserve with streams, wetlands, meadows, forest, and shrubland, providing excellent hiking and wildlife habitat.

Special projects at this preserve have a big impact on trail conditions and wildlife habitat. This fall volunteer day will focus on improving the parking lot, removing invasive species from the specifically managed prairie warbler habitat, and preparing bird nesting boxes for next year—followed by a pizza lunch. Short on time? Stop by to say hello or for just a short time in the field.

Date: Friday, October 4

Time: 9 AM to 1 PM

Address: Cobble Brook Vista, 26 Studio Hill Circle, Kent

Note: Pizza lunch at 12:30 PM

Register: Email volunteer@ctland.org

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.