When we see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.
~Aldo Leopold
CURRENT PROJECTS
In 2016, the Colchester Land Trust undertook two large projects totaling $850,000! With your help we achieved our goals. Almost. We are currently pursuing a Challenge Grant to raise the remaining 10% needed to close out this very successful effort. If you appreciate nature, and our efforts to conserve what we can, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
The first project was the acquisition of a 115-acre woodland/wetland on Bulkeley Hill Road, adjacent to 15 acres acquired by the CLT in 2007. With your help and the help of others like you, we were able to repay the $200,00 loan in just under a year and forever preserve critical headwaters of the federally designated 'Wild and Scenic' Eightmile River. We are now working to create public access to this community forest and improve its small trail system for passive recreation.
The second project was the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on the 88-acre Tangletree Farm. This beautiful horse-breeding farm protects a large aquifer and contains a very high percentage of prime farmland soils, making it suitable for future food production. As conserved land, it will be maintained forever in agriculture.
Finally, we embarked on an initiative this past year, in partnership with Colchester's Agricultural Commission, to foster an appreciation of Colchester's farming community and celebrate our town's farming heritage through "Right to Farm Community" signage. We are also actively collaborating with several other groups to produce both an online and printed directory of Colchester's local farms and agri-businesses. Learn more about these projects.
Get the Farms and Farmstands Brochure
We are an all-volunteer community land trust dedicated to maintaining Colchester's rural character and high quality of life for all citizens, now and in the future. Thanks to growing community support, we've been able to influence the preservation of more than 700 acres since forming in 2002. We are working hard to keep Colchester clean, green and beautiful in the spirit of "think globally, act locally"! We are sincerely grateful for the Colchester community's support in this important effort.
