August Newsletter

Midsummer is always an exciting time of year at NCLC, and 2024 is delivering on that sentiment. I am delighted to share that our organization is growing by leaps and bounds.

This week, NCLC received two monumental grant awards from the Connecticut Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) for a total of $4.5 million towards the acquisition of the Glen Brook Preserve in Sherman and Milde Farm in Litchfield and Torrington. We also closed on the acquisition of The Ledges Preserve property located in Brookfield.

These acquisitions advance NCLC’s new strategic goals of increasing access and opportunities for people and communities to enjoy the region’s natural environment, while also accelerating the pace and scale of conservation to ensure we meet and sustain a goal of protecting 30% of our region’s lands and waters by 2030.

While these conservation projects are incredibly exciting, none of the grants cover NCLC's staff time dedicated to these complex initiatives, our out-of-pocket acquisition expenses, or the costs involved in transforming these areas into public nature preserves, restoring agricultural lands, and maintaining them forever. We rely on donor support to fund this crucial work, and we hope we can count on your support.

With that, I hope you will join us on August 10 at Milde Farm to celebrate these accomplishments at the Midsummer Party for Conservation. If you are unable to attend, please consider supporting this important fundraiser. The Midsummer Party provides the essential resources for future conservation projects, the stewardship of NCLC's 13,000 acres (and growing), and our vital operations.

Finally, the NCLC Annual Picnic date has been set for Saturday, September 21, at the Hadlow Preserve in Sherman. Please save the date and join us for this free, family-friendly picnic celebration. We hope to see you soon!

Warm regards,

As NCLC accelerates the pace and scale of conservation, we must also champion the benefits of land and water conservation and share our compelling stories that will inspire new support. We are delighted to announce Jennifer Benner as our first Communications Manager. Jennifer has a BS in agriculture with an emphasis in horticulture from The Ohio State University. She has extensive communications experience as an editor for Fine Gardening magazine, through her work with Connecticut Forest and Park Association on trails promotion and engagement, and as a communications contractor for the state offices of Audubon Connecticut and New York. We're thrilled to have a dedicated communications person on our team.

Midsummer Party for Conservation

Saturday, August 10

Litchfield

Join us for a delightful evening with friends at the Midsummer Party for Conservation, held at one of our most recent conservation projects,

 Milde Farm!

This annual fundraiser supports NCLC's conservation programs. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food and great company—all to benefit conservation in our community.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Summer Story Walk

July 10 through August 16

10 AM to 12 PM

Meet Your Greens

Thursday, August 22

5 PM to 7 PM

Annual Picnic

Saturday, September 21

10 AM to 12 PM

Two-Eyed Seeing Presented by Institute for American

Indian Studies

Saturday, October 5

10 AM to 12 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. The fall volunteer day will improve the parking lot, remove invasive species from the specifically managed prairie warbler habitat, and help prepare bird nesting boxes for next year—and enjoy 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

We're Hiring!

Join the NCLC Team and

Save the Land You Love

NCLC is growing and we are actively seeking to fill the following full-time position: Senior Land Protection Specialist. NCLC is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to protect the lands and waters of Northwest Connecticut forever. To apply for an open position, please visit our Job Opportunities page.

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.