September Newsletter

One defining principal continues to rise to the forefront of our work at NCLC: growth.

We see growth not only in the acres of land conserved or the miles of river protected, but also in the steady growth of our organizational capacity, the deepening partnerships with our fellow land trusts and communities we serve, and the broader benefits these efforts bring to the places where we live and to our shared quality of life.

This month, I am pleased to share some exciting news that reflects how much we are growing together.

First, NCLC is pleased to share that Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT) will be joining NCLC through a merger. This partnership expands NCLC’s service area to include the communities of Danbury and New Fairfield and entrusts us with the care of CVRLT’s 611 acres of conserved land and eight public nature preserves. We are honored to help carry forward CVRLT’s conservation legacy and to continue its work in partnership with the community. You can learn more about the merger by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.

This is the third merger NCLC has undertaken in recent years, following the joining together with Brookfield Open Space Legacy in 2019 and Naromi Land Trust in 2020—each one an opportunity to strengthen local conservation through collaboration

We are also celebrating the permanent protection of 118 acres in Sherman, opening to the public next year as the Glen Brook Preserve. Bordering NCLC’s 142-acre Strauss Morrissey Preserve, this creates a 260-acre conservation area where forests and meadows provide critical habitat for native wildlife, while giving you new trails to explore and quiet places to enjoy nature.

As our work expands, so does our team. We are hiring. If you—or someone you know—wants to help shape the future of local conservation, we would love to hear from you.

Finally, don’t miss our Annual Picnic on September 27 in Litchfield. Come enjoy an afternoon of good food, great company, and the chance to connect with the community that makes this work possible (that’s you!). This year's gathering is also a special opportunity to see the 670-acre nature preserve and farm that NCLC's is working to conserve and open to the public. We can’t wait to see you there.

This is a time of growth—of expanding partnerships, caring for more of the lands and waters we all depend on, and building a legacy of conservation for generations to come. Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Catherine M. Rawson

Executive Director

NCLC is pleased to announce that effective September 30, Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT) will join forces and merge with NCLC, bringing together two organizations dedicated to caring for the natural lands, clean water, and working farms that make Northwest Connecticut a healthy and vibrant place to live.

Faline Schneiderman, President of CVRLT, emphasized how this merger builds on the power of collaboration in conservation: “As the work of land conservation has grown, many of our local land trusts have been strengthening their impact by joining together. By sharing resources and expertise, merged organizations have been able to better steward their preserves, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success. CVRLT is thrilled to be able to strengthen and grow our conservation legacy as part of the larger, stronger team of land trusts united within Connecticut’s largest land trust.”

With this merger, NCLC will be entrusted with the permanent protection of CVRLT’s 611 acres of natural land, including eight public nature preserves.

Please save the date and join us in welcoming the CVRLT community to the NCLC family at our Annual Meeting on November 15 in New Fairfield. Together, we will shape a more sustainable and resilient future for our region.

Read more about the merger

NCLC is thrilled to share that the Glen Brook property in Sherman was recorded in the land records this month. This acquisition permanently protects 118 acres and establishes a new, future public nature preserve, which will open in 2026.

Glen Brook and the adjoining NCLC 142-acre Strauss Morrissey Preserve form a contiguous 260-acre conservation area. Its climate-resilient forests, open meadows, wetlands, and vernal pools provide critical habitat for a wide variety of native and rare species. In addition to its ecological value, the property’s visibility and extensive frontage along Route 39N create exciting opportunities for new public recreational access.

Notably, NCLC completed this acquisition without requiring individual private fundraising. Generous state and federal partners, foundations, and the Town of Sherman provided the full $1.485 million purchase price. However, individual donor support will be essential to installing the infrastructure necessary to open the preserve to the public, studying the rare species we are so fortunate to care for, and maintaining the preserve for the years to come, including the staff resources associated with this work.

Thank you to our partners, members, and communities for your support!

Want to help protect the lands you love? Click here.

Upcoming Events

Connect and grow with your community. NCLC events are free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of our members—thank you for helping us keep nature accessible to all!

Annual Picnic

Thank you to our generous 2025 Annual Picnic Sponsors!

Cohen and Wolf, Haley Ward, Litchfield Hills Nursery, The Green Spot, and William Raveis Lifestyles Realty

Hike The Ledges

Saturday, Oct. 4

10 to 11 a.m.

Meet Your Greens

Thursday, Oct. 30

5 to 7 p.m.

Do you love the outdoors? Want to make a real impact in your community? Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is hiring—and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our team. The following positions are now open.

• Development Associate (full time)
• Public Lands Manager (full time)
• Staff Accountant (part time)

We believe in building a team as diverse and vibrant as the lands we protect. At NCLC, all voices are valued, and everyone has a seat at the table.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more here.

Have You Renewed Your Membership?

It's been a busy year—new lands protected, trails created and cared for, wildlife given room to thrive. None of it happens without people like you.

If you haven’t renewed your NCLC membership yet, now is the time. Your donation of any amount keeps you a member and keeps conservation going.

Your NCLC membership powers:

• Permanent protection of irreplaceable natural lands and farms
• Habitat stewardship
• Community trails and education
• A more resilient future

Nature doesn’t take a break. Let’s keep showing up for it—together.

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 over 14,000 acres (and growing) of vast, connected natural areas in

Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties.