Greetings!
Have you seen Conserving Northwest Connecticut: Adaptive Strategies for Accelerating the Pace of Conservation? It's a new report prepared for the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy and Save the Sound by students from The Conway School. CLCC was honored to provide input into the project alongside the Housatonic Valley Association/Follow the Forest and The Nature Conservancy-CT.
The report spotlights the imperative role of land conservation in Northwest Connecticut, but its findings transcend the region. They serve as a blueprint, underscoring the many benefits of conservation, and are applicable statewide.
The report resonated with me this past long weekend when I was out enjoying time on conserved properties: An invigorating hike at Manchester Land Conservation Trust's Risley Preserve, a trail run at DEEP's Belding Wildlife Management Area, and a group outing led by Joshua's Trust at its Utley Hill Preserve in Columbia. The air was fresh. The water ran fast and clean.
It's these moments that truly embody the essence of our conservation efforts.
Reflecting on the weekend spent amidst these preserved lands, I am reminded that nature sustains us in ways beyond measure. Its intrinsic values are irreplaceable, and its myriad benefits are essential for our well-being.
If you haven't already, I suggest you look at the report. Consider its insights as tools for informing policies, guiding strategic conservation planning, and advocating for nature-based solutions in your communities. Once you've absorbed its findings and recommendations, step outside, hit the trails, and enjoy the land you've been instrumental in protecting.
