Monthly Review | October 2024 | | |
Greetings!
This past month has been filled with conversations—whether with dedicated conservation advocates, legislators, agency colleagues, or representatives from the Governor’s office—to help us shape CLCC's 2025 legislative priorities.
Our discussions have been deeply informed by events we’re witnessing across Connecticut and worldwide, including dramatic swings in weather, from intense rain and deadly flooding to the drought conditions now contributing to an unprecedented number of brush fires. We feel this in our communities, such as the Lamentation Mountain fire, which tragically took the life of a firefighter and continues to impact our landscape and forests. The stakes for our natural environment, economy, and quality of life are incredibly high.
Against the backdrop of a tense election season, I know many, like me, are feeling the weight of these current events—my conversations with people of all ages in Connecticut have made that clear. It’s easy to feel distracted and disheartened.
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But amidst these stresses, I’m reminded of the necessity of getting outside, spending time on the land we work so hard to protect, and finding respite in Connecticut’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Whether it’s a familiar trail or park, a quiet field, or a favorite view, something about being in nature re-centers us, brings perspective, and renews our commitment to the future of this land and our environment.
As we turn the page on another month, I keep telling myself to stay calm (I'm working on it!), vote (I already did!), and remember why we protect the places we love (that's easy!).
Thank you for your dedication, for advocating for the future of Connecticut’s land, and for continuing to #LoveYourCTLandTrust.
Sincerely,
Amy Blaymore Paterson
Executive Director
abpaterson@ctconservation.org
P.S. Today, you have an extraordinary opportunity to amplify your conservation impact - a generous donor has pledged to match all donations up to $50,000 by December 31. This means every dollar you contribute will be doubled!
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Notes from the Field
A Visit to Lyme Land Conservation Trust
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This month, the CCLCC team visited the Lyme Land Conservation Trust, where we toured their new facilities and hiked Banningwood Preserve. Along the way, we learned about exciting projects, including a wildflower meadow and a rain garden designed to inspire community engagement.
Some of our discussions focused on enhancing volunteer education and ensuring continuity in conservation efforts. These conversations underscored the vital role of community involvement in protecting our natural spaces.
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Enhancing Climate Resilience and Environmental Justice
A Collaborative Program in South Central Connecticut
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CLCC, in collaboration with the South Central Regional Land Conservation Alliance (SCRLCA), launched an engaging education program aimed at strengthening land conservation efforts in Connecticut's South Central region. Over two days, participants embarked on guided tours across four sites, exploring various forested areas—urban, suburban, and exurban.
The program facilitated vital discussions around climate stressors, equitable benefits from protected lands, and the importance of water quality. By fostering collaboration among SCRLCA members, our goal was to explore new opportunities for resource sharing and regional conservation efforts.
Additionally, this initiative opened doors for important conversations about equity and environmental justice, highlighting how coordinated stewardship can positively impact the entire region.
Want to dive deeper into the program's results and insights?
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Celebrating Collaboration
Merger Creates New Land Trust in Connecticut's North Woods
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Mergers are an exciting and transformative process, where land trusts come together to consider not just what they’ve built individually, but what they can achieve collectively. It’s inspiring to witness the thoughtful deliberations and the focus on creating something stronger, more resilient, and poised for the future.
A perfect example of this collaborative spirit is the recent merger between Hartland Land Trust and Barkhamsted Land Trust, which have joined forces to create the North Woods Land Conservancy, a new organization with a mission of protecting the region’s diverse natural resources through the conservation and stewardship of significant lands.
By merging, the two organizations aim to pool their strengths and expand their impact on conservation in both communities.
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Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
Save the Date! March 22, 2025
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We invite you to become a sponsor of Connecticut's largest land conservation gathering!
Sponsoring the Connecticut Land Conservation Conference is your chance to shine! Connect with a passionate crowd of conservationists, land trusts, board members, volunteers, and professionals eager to learn about your business or organization. Your support will ensure the Conference remains accessible and affordable for everyone.
With CLCC, choose from an array of sponsorship levels, each packed with perks like advertising spots in our Conference program. We’re excited to chat about how you can sponsor the 2025 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference and make a meaningful contribution to land conservation.
| | Don't Forget to Keep An Eye On... | | |
Connecticut Land Conservation Council
deKoven House
27 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
860-852-5512
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The mission of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council is to elevate and strengthen land conservation in Connecticut. We envision is a future where every Connecticut community is supported and sustained by a diverse mix of conserved land, and land conservation is embraced as an essential community value.
ctconservation.org
©2024 Connecticut Land Conservation Council. All rights reserved.
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