Land Conservancy of Ridgefield Receives Grant
The Land Conservancy received a $2000 grant from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation (www.norcrossws.org) in support of our efforts regarding records maintenance and protection practices. Records policy is an important requirement as the Land Conservancy prepares for national accreditation in 2016.
Land Acquisition Update
Over the past year, through the generous donations of several Ridgefielders, the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield has added over 12 acres to our property. With over 500 acres of property owned and over 200 acres in easements, the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield continues to add to our efforts to conserve and preserve the town’s limited undeveloped land.
Northern Fairfield Land Trust Coalition (NFLTC) Update
Doug Martin attended the June 20, 2014 NFLTC member meeting. (Refer to the January news item below for more information on the NFLTC.) A primary topic for this meeting was focused on how best to educate children on the environment. One important consideration discussed was how land trusts could actively participate by making land available for student curriculum.
Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership (FCRCP)
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield is a member of The Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership (FCRCP). The FCRCP is a voluntary association of 28 conservation land trusts, Conservation Commissions and other like-minded organizations in a 23-town area in southwestern CT. Since 2008, the FCRCP has supported its partners through collaborative sharing and learning. The May 29, 2014 FCRCP Meeting was held at Highstead, with Special Guest Speaker Katie Blake with Greenwich Audubon on their Bird-Friendly Communities Program.
Connecticut Land Conservation Annual Conference
On March 15, 2014, The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield participated in this annual conference. Doug Martin presented our experiences in land stewardship. Attending with Doug were James Tobin and Michael Carpenter. James has attended this conference for the past 5 years and commented on its growth in both content and attendees. Approximately 330 attended the conference which was held at Wesleyan University.
Northern Fairfield Land Trust Coalition (NFLTC)
On January 24th, 2014, the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield along with five other Fairfield County land trusts signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a shared service platform to expand their current administrative and operating capacities. We have called our new association, The Northern Fairfield Land Trust Coalition (NFLTC). Refer to the Ridgefield Press article (at “http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/25937/area-land-trusts-form-a-coalition/”) for additional information.
Great Hill Road
An anonymous town resident donated 3 lots (over 6 total acres) along Great Hill Road. These 3 lots were part of an existing subdivision and destined to become home sites. This donation will now protect the view along the road and save this land from future development. We are thankful for this generous gift.
Sarah Bishop Road and Tanton Hill Road
The Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield donated two parcels of property to the Land Conservancy. The donation included a 1.24 acre parcel on Sarah Bishop Road and a 2.25 acre parcel on Tanton Hill Road. (As a reminder, visit our FAQs page for a link to a list of all the Land Conservancy properties.)
Swenson Property
The Land Conservancy received 2.541 acres of land through a generous donation from Ms. Laura Hollister. The parcel was part of late Hope H. Swenson’s property on Main Street.
Recognition of Community Service
The Conservation Commission awarded Land Conservancy of Ridgefield board member James Tobin its Edith Meffley Award for contributions to Ridgefield’s environment. Jim has a long and sustained history of working to preserve and improve the environment in our community. Congratulations to Jim on the recognition for his many contributions.