October Newsletter

 

Dear Friend,

Sweetcake Mountain bluegrass band

On October 3, more than 200 friends and neighbors joined us at Milde Farm in Litchfield for NCLC’s Annual Picnic. It was a wonderful afternoon, with bluegrass music from Sweetcake Mountain (pictured), fresh pizza, children enjoying face painting, and kites flying over the freshly hayed fields. It was especially joyful to see so many people enjoying Milde Farm as we work toward opening this beautiful property to the public. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible.


The picnic offered a glimpse of what we hope Milde Farm will become: a place where people can enjoy the outdoors and spend time together. Creating these opportunities is an important part of our conservation work, and one that depends on the support and involvement of our community.


In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find several ways to connect with and support our work, including three opportunities to join the NCLC team, a suggested fall hike in New Fairfield, and a supporter’s perspective on the importance of monthly giving.


I also hope you will join us for our Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 14, at the Litchfield Community Center. We will reflect on what we have accomplished together this year and share some of the exciting work ahead. I would be delighted to see you there and thank you in person for your support in protecting Northwest Connecticut.


I look forward to seeing you soon.


With gratitude,

Catherine M. Rawson

Executive Director

Catherine Rawson
 

NCLC UPDATES

 
View at Sweetcake Mountain Preserve.

Trail Spotlight: Sweetcake Mountain Preserve

Days are shorter, but there’s still plenty of fall to enjoy! At this NCLC public nature preserve in New Fairfield, you can explore about 2 miles of trail winding through forest, mountain laurel, hemlocks, and rock outcroppings like the “Comber” to a summit with sweeping views of Candlewood Lake. Learn more here to plan your next adventure.

 
We are hiring.

Join Our Team!

NCLC is growing, and we are seeking to fill three full-time positions: Land Protection Coordinator, Partnership Program Manager, and Philanthropy Specialist. All are invited to explore these exciting and fulfilling opportunities to advance land conservation in our region. Are you interested? Learn more here.

 
Keith Landa

Some Things Are Worth

Caring for Every Day

“As a biologist, I’ve always believed land is worth protecting for its own sake, not just for what it gives us. Healthy land supports everything that lives on it: the forests, the streams, the wildlife, and us. Giving regularly is my way of making sure that care never takes a season off, even when my life gets busy.” —Keith Landa, New Fairfield


Your monthly gift helps protect the land and waters that make Northwest Connecticut so special, today and for generations to come.


Become a monthly donor.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Catch the 2026 Invasive Plant Symposium on Demand

In-person registration has closed for the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) symposium on October 28. However, you can still get the full program by purchasing the recording for $80.


This year’s theme is “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Our Response to Invasive Plants.” Sessions include a keynote by Tom Zetterstrom of Sharon Land Trust on land trust decision-making in areas of severe forest collapse, a panel on the myths of invasive plant management, and breakouts on invasive vines, aquatic invaders, native plants for restoration, and herbicide law. NCLC is proud to be a partner of this year’s symposium.


Learn more and purchase the recording here.

 
Glen Brook forest and farmland

Environmental Research Symposium

Thursday, November 5

Watertown

7 - 9:30 p.m.

NCLC trail crew volunteers

Volunteer Trail Crew Day at

West Briggs Hill

Friday, November 6

Sherman

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

 
People gathering at NCLC Annual Meeting

NCLC Annual Meeting at

Litchfield Community Center

Saturday, November 14

Litchfield

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bring in the Light:

Friday Arts' Winter Salon Exhibit

Saturdays, Nov. 28 - Jan. 2

Bantam

12 - 4 p.m.

 

Meet Your Greens at

Litchfield Distillery

Thursday, December 10

Litchfield

5 - 7 p.m.

Meet Your Greens at Litchfield Distillery

Bookmark NCLC's Event Calendar

 
 

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 14,400 acres (and growing) of vast, connected natural areas in Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties.