Enjoy Free Winter Events
Presented by Simsbury Land Trust
SIMSBURY, CONN., January 25, 2008 – A community presentation about a 10-town study to designate the Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook as a “Wild & Scenic River” will be hosted by the Simsbury Land Trust. The free event for Simsbury residents will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at 7 p.m. at the Simsbury Farms Apple Barn on Old Farms Road.
At the February 13 presentation, Simsbury residents will find out what is involved to have a river become designated as “Wild & Scenic”. They will learn about the requirements for this designation and discover the benefits the honor brings to a river and to river communities. In addition, photographs of the Farmington River and its beauty will be on display. The 10 towns involved in this study are Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor.
Refreshments will be served at this free event. Advance registration is requested by February 11 by going to www.simsburylandtrust.org or calling the Simsbury Land Trust at (860) 651-8773.
For more information about the “Wild & Scenic River” Study itself, visit www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org or www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Their goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has permanently protected 27 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 750 acres, more than half of which have been donated to the Simsbury Land Trust. Most recently, the organization completed an agreement with The Master’s School in Simsbury to protect forever 75 of its 148 total acres, including key parcels that are adjacent to Town and other Simsbury Land Trust properties. Family memberships in the Simsbury Land Trust begin at donations of $50 and include a copy of THE WALKBOOK. For membership information,
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Simsbury Land Trust “Afternoon Family Hikes” on March 1
Advance Registration is required
SIMSBURY, CONN., January xx, 2008 – Simsbury residents are invited to enjoy the beauty of the town’s landscapes in the late afternoon. The Simsbury Land Trust will host "Afternoon Family Hikes" on Saturday, March 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Snowdate is March 2.
The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Flamig Farm’s Event Room on 7 Shingle Mill Rd. in West Simsbury, Conn. and is open for anyone age 10 or older. Participants will cross the street and head through the woods to Tulmeadow Farm. When the groups return to Flamig Farm, they will enjoy a light meal of soup, sandwiches, hot chocolate, coffee and dessert will be provided indoors to end at 6:30 p.m.
People may choose to take one of two hikes: a Beginners Hike or an Advanced Hike. The Beginners Hike will be shorter and will go at a slower pace. The Advanced Hike will have a slightly longer route and a faster pace. For those who do want to walk, a hayride will leave at 4:30 p.m. – space on the hayride is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The event is free for Simsbury Land Trust members. Non-members will pay $10 per person or $25 per family. Space is limited and advance reservation (including payment for non-members) is required by February 28. To reserve your space, call the Simsbury Land Trust at (860) 651-8773!
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Their goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has permanently protected 27 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 750 acres, more than half of which have been donated to the Simsbury Land Trust. Most recently, the organization completed an agreement with The Master’s School in Simsbury to protect forever 75 of its 148 total acres, including key parcels that are adjacent to Town and other Simsbury Land Trust properties.
To register for the Saturday, March 1 Simsbury Land Trust “Afternoon Family Hikes”, call (860) 651-8773, or visit its newly redesigned website, www.simsburylandtrust.org by February 28. Family memberships in the Simsbury Land Trust begin at donations of $50 and include a copy of THE WALKBOOK
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Simsbury Land Trust Invites Public to this Sunday, November 4’s “Walk, Talk, and Supper” About Archaelogy in Simsbury
Advance Registration is Required
SIMSBURY, CONN., October 29, 2007 – The Simsbury Land Trust will celebrate their purchase of 75 acres of west ridge property from The Master's School with a special “Walk, Talk and Supper” this Sunday, Nov. 4. The featured speaker will be Ken Feder, an archaeologist at Central Connecticut State University, who is Founder and Director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project.
The free event will begin at 3 p.m. in the parking lot of The Master's School on Westledge Road in Simsbury, Conn. At that time, people may choose to take one of two hikes: a one-hour moderately difficult hike along the West Ridge; or a shorter one-mile loop trail.
After their walk, participants will go inside the school’s cafeteria for a Soup & Sandwich Supper and the Talk. Feder will discuss his archaeological work in West Simsbury and present slides of several sites that depict his research. He will explain that preservation of the natural landscape by the Simsbury Land Trust preserves the historical environment, including archaeological sites that are thousands of years old.
Through Feder’s Farmington River Archaeological Project, more than 200 archaeological sites have been discovered in the Farmington Valley. He is the author of several books, including A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Village and Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. He lives in West Simsbury with his wife and two children.
Advance registration is required for this free event – call the Simsbury Land Trust at (860) 651-8773. In the event of rain, there will be no Walk, but the Supper and Talk will begin at 4 p.m. in the cafeteria.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Their goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has permanently protected 27 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 750 acres, more than half of which have been donated to the Simsbury Land Trust.
Most recently, the organization completed an agreement with The Master’s School in Simsbury to protect forever 75 of its 148 total acres, including key parcels that are adjacent to Town and other Simsbury Land Trust properties.
To register for the Sunday, November 4 Simsbury Land Trust “Walk, Talk and Supper” at The Master’s School, call (860) 651-8773, or visit its newly redesigned website, www.simsburylandtrust.org. Family memberships in the Simsbury Land Trust begin at donations of $50 and include a copy of THE WALKBOOK.
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Simsbury Land Trust Working to Protect 20 More Acres of Tulmeadow Farm—
Community Invited to Help Preserve Hayfields and Pastures Forever
August 28 , 2007
SIMSBURY, CONN., August 28, 2007 – The center of West Simsbury has the feel of a small farming town of years gone by, with its pastoral vistas and historic buildings. An integral part of this picture-postcard scene is the 260-acre Tulmeadow Farm.
Preserving the natural beauty of the farm and this community is a goal of the Simsbury Land Trust. In 2005, the non-profit organization acquired the development rights from the Tuller family to permanently protect167 acres of their property. Now, the Land Trust seeks to preserve an additional 20 acres on the west side of the farm. This parcel includes hayfields, pastures, and the triangle of land surrounded by Westledge Road, West Mountain Road, and Sugarloaf Cut.
“The Simsbury Land Trust has kicked off a community drive to raise funds to protect these 20-acres of Tulmeadow Farm from future residential development, so it can maintain its natural, historic and scenic value,” explains Dick Davis, president of the Simsbury Land Trust. “Not only are these valuable farming fields, but they serve as a visual transition from the modern, fast-growing suburbs to the nearby historic town center setting. And, this land offers a spectacular view of Sugarloaf Mountain and Hedgehog Mountain to the west.” Davis notes that, as part of the agreement, the Tuller family will continue to own and operate their farm, as well as their popular produce store and ice cream stand.
The Simsbury Land Trust must raise $450,000 during the next several months to reach its goal of preserving this land, says Davis. The total cost of the development rights, including the purchase of a conservation easement, is $1,270,000, but the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program has already committed 50 percent of that amount, and individuals in the community have donated or pledged $200,000 more.
Simsbury Land Trust Trustees are eager to meet with any residents interested in donating to help protect the new parcel at Tulmeadow Farm. They also are planning a town-wide Membership Celebration at Tulmeadow Farm on Saturday, October 20from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a variety of entertainment and activities.
This is the latest in a series of Simsbury Land Trust acquisitions to protect the development rights of land in Simsbury. The organization works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Their goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has permanently protected 26 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 750 acres, more than half of which have been donated to the Simsbury Land Trust.
The Simsbury Land Trust recently completed an agreement with The Master’s School in Simsbury to protect forever 75 of its 148 total acres, including key parcels that are adjacent to Town and other Simsbury Land Trust properties.
In 2005, the organization secured the initial 167-acre Tulmeadow Farm parcel for $2,350,000, with funding from the Ensign-Bickford Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the Town of Simsbury, foundations and individual Simsbury residents.
That same year, the Canton Land Conservation Trust and the Simsbury Land Trust combined efforts to protect 68 acres of ridge along the Canton/Simsbury line.
In 2004, the Simsbury Land Trust purchased the development rights to Rosedale Farms, a 109-acre working farm and homestead at 25 East Weatogue St. on the Farmington River, ensuring that it will continue to agriculturally thrive and the land will remain open space forever.
Family memberships in the Simsbury Land Trust begin at donations of $50 and include a copy of THE WALKBOOK. For more information about the Simsbury Land Trust and its programs, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org.
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Multimedia Presentation on Beauty of Connecticut Landscape Set for February 2 in Simsbury
January 17 , 2006
SIMSBURY, CONN., January 17, 2006 – The Simsbury Land Trust will host a multimedia show that conveys an appreciation of the beauty of the Connecticut landscape. On Thursday, Feb. 2 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., professional photographer Duffy Schade will present "Of Sassafras and Shadblow: A Celebration of Our Native Trees and Shrubs" in the Program Room of the Simsbury Public Library on 725 Hopmeadow Street. The show will feature slides, music, poetry and Ms. Schade’s own narration.
The event is free and refreshments will be served. To reserve space, contact the Simsbury Land Trust at (860) 651-8773 or e-mail info@simsburylandtrust.org.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Its goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has purchased or acquired the development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 650 acres, almost all of which has been donated to the land trust. A Family Membership is a donation of $50 and includes a subscription to the organization’s Landlines newsletter, a copy of THE WALKBOOK, admission to several members-only recreational activities, and a window decal.
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New Officers and Trustee Elected to Simsbury Land Trust
July 18, 2006
SIMSBURY, CONN., July 18, 2006 – The Simsbury Land Trust announces its 2006-2007 Officers. They are:
- President: Dick Davis;
- Vice President: Chuck Howard;
- Secretary: Ted Almy; and
- Treasurer: Bob Ellis
The non-profit organization also announces the election of Anupam Tantri to its Board of Trustees.
Chuck Howard is a partner and former chair of the Litigation Department at Shipman & Goodwin LLP in Hartford, Conn. He has been recognized as both a “Connecticut Super Lawyer”@ by the publishers of Connecticut Magazine and is listed in the 2007 edition of Best Lawyers in America. At the State level, he has been a Commissioner on the Connecticut Judicial Selection and on the Criminal Justice Commissions. In Simsbury, he is the former President of the First Church of Christ and recently served as Chair of the Simsbury Charter Revision Commission. He represented the Town of Simsbury during the 1980s in several litigation matters. He also is a former member of the Library Board of Directors. Howard has resided in Simsbury since 1977 with his wife, Joan. They have two children, Brian and Katherine. He has been a Trustee of the Simsbury Land Trust since 2005. As a hiker who has led groups from his office hiking in the White Mountains for over 20 years, Howard decided to become active in the Simsbury Land Trust to help preserve the wonderful resources that are much closer to home. He believes that,” we have a window of opportunity over the next few years to preserve open space and working farms that will greatly benefit the town and its people long into the future.”
Ted Almy is Account Vice President/Investment Advisor at UBS Financial Services Inc. in Hartford, in the firm's private wealth management group. He has held global sales, marketing and general management positions with Procter & Gamble, Timberland Company, Stride Rite, and Spalding Sports Worldwide. A graduate of Trinity College, he moved to Simsbury in 1999 with his wife, Maura, and three children, Gillian, Jonathan and Caroline. He has been a Trustee of the Simsbury Land Trust since 2003. Almy was instilled with an appreciation for the preservation of farmland and scenic vistas from an early age. His grandparent's generation donated significant tracts of Massachusetts tidal wetland and farmland property along Narragansett Bay to the Audubon Society during the 1960's and 1970's. "The donation of property that had been continuously inhabited by the Almy family from the late 1600's had a profound impact me…and instilled the passion I have today for the Simsbury Land Trust's current mission."
Anupam Tantriis Director of Business Controls at United Technologies Corporation (UTC). He joined Pratt & Whitney, a division of UTC, in October 1994, and since then has held different positions in Finance at both Pratt & Whitney and the corporate office of UTC. In his present position, Tantri works very closely with the UTC divisions and UTC's external auditors to ensure that the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, especially those dealing with section 404, are properly implemented. He earned a Bachelor's degree in accounting and auditing from the University of Bombay, India, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut. Tantri was born in India and has lived in Simsbury since 1993 with his wife Varsha and two children, Amit and Uma. Having seen what urban development has done to society, Anupam became interested in the Simsbury Land Trust in early 2004 as he feels that the preservation and conservation of natural resources of the Town of Simsbury is very critical to this generation and ensuing generations.
Tantri joins the following Simsbury residents on the Board of Trustees of the Simsbury Land Trust: Chad Alfeld; Joan Allen; Ted Almy; Bob Bingham; Karen Brand; Dick Davis; T.J. Donohue; Arch Edgar; Bob Ellis; Fred Feibel; Candace Fitzpatrick; Herman Fonteyne; Katie French; Chuck Howard; Mike Long; Hunter Neal; Sally Rieger; Elliot Schulman; Keith Stover; Jim Veltrop; and Ex Officio member Margery Winters.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Its goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has purchased or acquired the development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 650 acres, almost all of which has been donated to the land trust. A Family Membership is a donation of $50, which includes a copy of THE SIMSBURY WALKBOOK.Amy Zeiner is the organization’s Executive Director and Patricia Hazelwood is the Director of Finance and Membership. For more information on the organization and its activities, visit www.simsburylandtrust.org or call (860) 651-8773.
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Simsbury Land Trust Exploring Conservation & Management Plan About Western Trap Rock Ridge—Wants to Hear from Residents at Monday, January 30 Discussion
January 20, 2006
SIMSBURY, CONN., January 20, 2006 – The Simsbury Land Trust, which protects more than 650 acres in town, is exploring the possibility of a conservation and management plan for a wildlife corridor along a trap rock ridge on the northwest side of Simsbury. The Land Trust invites the public to an initial meeting to present preliminary ideas about the project and to generate input from members of the community. This discussion will be held on Monday, January 30 at 7 p.m. at the Apple Barn on 60 Old Farm Rd. in West Simsbury, Conn.
“The development of a conservation and management plan for this ridge corridor is an important project that the Land Trust has envisioned for some time,” explains Dick Davis, President of the Simsbury Land Trust. “This ridge is a truly unique natural asset that needs to be considered as a whole, not as simply a collection of individual properties. Simsbury Land Trust currently owns several parcels totaling 175 acres along the several hundred acre ridge. A conservation and management plan could help all of us increase our understanding of the land’s key features, the rare and endangered species that live there, and the interrelationships within the ridge’s ecology. It could assist us as we develop educational programs and self-guided walks along the ridge, and in the development of a carefully sited trail that would be interesting, informative and accessible to people of all ages.”
As a first step in its exploratory process, the Simsbury Land Trust has arranged for the Conway School of Landscape Design in Conway, Mass. to examine the trap rock ridge and its wetland corridor. Their study as well as ongoing work by other experts, will result in recommendations on what a conservation and management plan for this site might look like and how to assemble it. Working with their professors, a team of graduate students will assess current and potential conservation, recreation and educational uses of the Land Trust’s ridge properties, within the context of adjoining land uses and similar programs by others. At this January 30 meeting, the Conway School team will conduct an introductory discussion involving representatives from adjacent landowners and other Simsbury groups and residents about this project. They will also conduct additional interviews with individuals during the next few months for input into the study. Their work will take place from mid-January through mid-March.
No reservations are needed to attend the Monday, January 30 discussion and participate in the discussion. For more information, contact the Simsbury Land Trust at (860) 651-8773 or info@simsburylandtrust.org.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Its goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has purchased or acquired the development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 650 acres, almost all of which has been donated to the land trust. A Family Membership is a donation of $50 and includes a subscription to the organization’s Landlines newsletter, a copy of THE WALKBOOK, admission to several members-only recreational activities, and a window decal. For general Simsbury Land Trust information, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org.
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Simsbury Land Trust Publishes Fourth Edition of “The Walkbook”
—New and Renewing Members Get Free Copies
November 14, 2005
SIMSBURY, CONN., November 14, 2005 – The Simsbury Land Trust has published a fourth edition of THE WALKBOOK. This most recent edition, in a fresh new format, features over two dozen walks right here in Simsbury. The book is being made available free of charge with every new or renewed membership to the Simsbury Land Trust. Over 7,000 copies of previous editions have been distributed in recent years.
“The purpose of THE WALKBOOK is to interest more people in getting out of doors by making them aware of the variety of walks available here in town, showing them how to get there and pointing out some of the key features that make these walks our particular favorites,” explains Fred Feibel, a Trustee of the organization and one of the authors of the book.
“These trails include walks along the ridgelines with spectacular views on both sides of town,” adds Dick Davis, President of the Simsbury Land Trust. “They include leisurely walks along the river, through sand hill forests, hayfields or natural meadows. Come see outstanding examples of geological features such as a glacial esker, trap rock talus slopes and kettle ponds. Spend time on an elevated walkway through an active bog. Learn the differences between the variety and value of wetlands throughout the town. See the historical remains of an early brownstone quarry, the 17th century militia field and 200-year-old farms. All of this is right here in Simsbury and, in many cases, just a short walk from your home.”
To renew your membership in the Simsbury Land Trust or become a new member and receive your copy of THE WALKBOOK, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org. A Family Membership is a donation of $50 and includes a subscription to the organization’s Landlines newsletter, THE WALKBOOK, admission to members-only recreational activities, and a window decal. If you wish to purchase a membership in the Simsbury Land Trust as a holiday gift, then the organization will mail you a special card and copy of the book that you may give to a friend or relative.
While only Simsbury Land Trust members can receive a bound copy of the new book, it can be previewed on-line by visiting www.simsburylandtrust.org, Davis says.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Its goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has purchased or acquired the development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 650 acres, almost all of which has been donated to the land trust.
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Simsbury Land Trust is Winner of 2005 Farmland Preservation Pathfinders Award
October 28, 2005
SIMSBURY, CONN., October 28, 2005 – The Simsbury Land Trust is the winner of 2005 Farmland Preservation Pathfinder Awards’“Outstanding Group Award.” The announcement was made by the Connecticut Board of Trustees for the Eastern States' Exposition. The 23-member Board is chaired by Nancy Bull, Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension System, University of Connecticut.
The Farmland Preservation Pathfinder Awards are designed to recognize individuals and organizations that have supported farmland preservation in innovative ways that might include but are not limited to: public education campaigns; building partnerships to preserve farmland; developing creative financing schemes to fund farmland preservation; advocacy on behalf of farmland preservation; and strategic planning for local conservation and development.
“In presenting the 2005 Outstanding Group Award, the Board said the following about the Simsbury Land Trust: Established in 1976, Simsbury Land Trust has over 750 contributing families and owns easements or land in fee for 25 properties in the Town of Simsbury. Over the past seven years, the Simsbury Land Trust has worked deliberately to build public support for active farming in Simsbury. This effort has included countless meetings, town-wide mailings, promotional events, and presentations about Simsbury’s farms. In 2003, the Simsbury Land Trust embarked upon an ambitious first phase of The Campaign for Simsbury with a five-year goal to protect an additional 500 acres. In just two years, Simsbury Land Trust has jump-started that campaign with the protection of 109-acres of Rosedale Farms and 177 acres of Tulmeadow Farm. Simsbury Land Trust raised over $4 million from multiple sources to protect these two farms. All of the preparation of legal and business documents required for these two complex transactions was donated by volunteers. In addition to this significant record of recent achievement, Simsbury Land Trust continues to advocate for a strong open space acquisition program for the Town of Simsbury, leading most recently to the protection of two farms as part of this town program.”
There were two other categories in the 2005 Farmland Preservation Pathfinder Awards: the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service received the Education Leader Award; and John Turenne of Sustainable Food Systems won the Outstanding Individual Award.
For information about the Simsbury Land Trust, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org. A Family Membership is a donation of $50 and includes a subscription to the organization’s Landlines newsletter, the newly-issued Simsbury Land Trust Walk Book, admission to members-only recreational activities, and a Land Trust window decal.
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New Trail At Rosedale Farms To Open As Part Of
September 17th “Simsbury Land Trust Member Appreciation Day”
September 2, 2005
SIMSBURY, CONN., September 2, 2005 – All Simsbury residents are invited to celebrate the opening of a new walking trail at Rosedale Farms as part of the “Simsbury Land Trust’s Membership Appreciation Day”. The free event will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 109-acre working farm at 25 East Weatogue St. in Simsbury, Conn. Raindate is Sunday, September 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Featured will be 2-mile guided tours of the new trail, led by members of the Simsbury Land Trust. Music will be provided by the Dozing Dogs Jazz Duo, featuring Joe and Dan Campolieta. A free ice cream cone will be presented to all members of the Simsbury Land Trust, in appreciation of their support. People who sign up to become members at this event also will receive a free cone. The ice cream is being donated by October Farm.
Information about the Simsbury Land Trust, including maps of the land that it protects will be on display and members will be available to answer questions.
The Simsbury Land Trust works to protect scenic vistas, geological features and farmland that visually define Simsbury’s character and provide healthy habitats for local wildlife and plants. Its goal is to develop, support and implement creative land conservation solutions for the benefit of present and future generations. Since its establishment in 1976, the not-for-profit organization has purchased or acquired the development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in the town, totaling more than 650 acres, almost all of which has been donated to the land trust. In June 2004, the Simsbury Land Trust purchased the development rights to Rosedale Farms from the Epstein family to preserve its agricultural usage and maintain its natural watershed, wildlife and plant habitat, and its historic, scenic and recreational value. One year later, in June 2005, it signed a similar agreement with the Tuller family to protect forever 165 acres of their working farm.
For more information about the September 17 “Simsbury Land Trust Membership Appreciation Day” at Rosedale Farms or other upcoming activities, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org. A Family Membership in the Simsbury Land Trust is a donation of $50 and includes a subscription to the organization’s Landlines newsletter, admission to members-only recreational activities, and a Land Trust window decal.
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Two Local Land Trusts Unite to Protect 68 Acres Along Canton/Simsbury Line
September 1, 2005
SIMSBURY, CONN., September 1, 2005 – The Canton Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) and the Simsbury Land Trust (SLT) have combined efforts to protect 68 acres of ridge along the Canton/Simsbury line.
Dr. Herbert Arnold permanently protected the site in its natural state by selling the land to the Canton Land Conservation Trust for $120,000 in June. As part of the transaction, the Canton Land Conservation Trust sold a conservation easement to the Simsbury Land Trust for $25,000 and with that organization’s support, obtained a grant from the State of Connecticut Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program for $60,000.
The land is important open space for both Canton and Simsbury. It extends the existing Onion Mountain preserve, made up of adjacent parcels already owned by the Canton Land Conservation Trust, the State of Connecticut and the Town of Simsbury. It connects these Onion Mountain properties to additional land owned by the CLCT to the southwest and by the Town of Simsbury to the east. It is a sizable portion of the remaining Onion Mountain complex that protects over 200 acres of diverse wildlife habitat. The ridges of Onion Mountain that form the boundary between Canton and Simsbury are significant in terms of geology and unique vegetation, several species of which are rare or endangered.
This land deal represents a sound partnership between two not-for-profit organizations. The SLT initially negotiated an option to purchase the land from Dr. Arnold. The land itself was on the Canton side of the boundary and adjacent to property the CLCT already owned. The CLCT agreed to take assignment of the option and to sell a conservation easement to the SLT. This enabled both land trusts to share the costs. The state had been active in the initial preservation efforts of Onion Mountain and was interested in expanding the protected area. With SLT support, the CLCT successfully applied for a state grant.
“We are most appreciative of the financial support represented by the conservation easement purchased by the Simsbury Land Trust,” says Elizabeth Stanley, president of the Canton Land Conservation Trust. “Cooperation between the two land trusts is of significant importance. By sharing common goals and working together when opportunities present themselves, we can become greater than the sum of our parts and take on more conservation projects.”
“From the start, we saw this as a great opportunity to increase the permanent protection of the area surrounding Onion Mountain,” explains Dick Davis, president of the Simsbury Land Trust. “We started with an interested seller, to whom we are deeply grateful. Dr. Arnold wanted to see his land protected and was willing to offer it to a conservation organization at a favorable price. This cooperative project could not have gone more smoothly. I think that it strengthens both of our organizations and we are hopeful that it will lead to additional joint activities where we share common interests.”
In addition to the Onion Mountain properties, both of the land trusts have acquired several sites to the north on West Mountain, and on the related trap rock ridge along its eastern slope. Both land trusts are not-for-profit organizations that are supported almost entirely by annual membership contributions.
Since its establishment in 1976, the Simsbury Land Trust has accepted land donations and acquired development rights to permanently protect 25 parcels of property in Simsbury, totaling 670 acres, including Rosedale Farms and, most recently, 168 acres of Tulmeadow Farm. The organization is supported by 770 member families. For more information, call (860) 651-8773 or visit www.simsburylandtrust.org.
The Canton Land Conservation Trust was created in 1972. It has accepted land donations and acquired the development rights to protect 37 properties in Canton, totaling 1,400 acres, including the 232-acre Breezy Hill Resort and the 107-acre Mary Conklin Preserve. The organization currently is supported by more than 400 member families. For more information, visit www.cantonlandtrust.org.
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