Greenwich Land Trust is excited to unveil its latest project to enhance public access to its Converse Brook Preserve. Located off Cherry Valley Road in Greenwich, the new parking area provides safe and convenient access to the 80-acre preserve.
“Our new parking area provides a jumping off point for visitors to explore Converse Brook Preserve. It allows people the opportunity to orient themselves to the miles of trails which were named in honor of conservationist, and former Greenwich Land Trust President, David Ogilvy. The trails throughout the preserve were sited and constructed by Greenwich Land Trust stewardship staff,” said Land Trust Executive Director, Will Kies.
At 80 acres, Converse Brook Preserve is now GLT’s largest preserve. In 2020, GLT, thanks to a successful and fast-paced capital campaign, and in partnership with the Town of Greenwich, purchased the existing 72-acre Converse Brook Preserve from Aquarion Water Company. Then in late 2021, GLT had the opportunity to acquire an additional 8 acres off Cherry Valley Road, adjacent to Converse Brook Preserve, expanding the acreage, and allowing for road access and parking for the preserve.
Kies added that, “GLT’s Cherry Valley project is just one example of community conservation and our ability to continue to protect vital open space throughout Greenwich. Converse Brook enhances existing greenways and preserves critical habitat for wildlife, while providing the residents of Greenwich and the surrounding areas with the ability to spend time outdoors enjoying and appreciating the natural world.”
Since 2016, Greenwich Land Trust has conserved over 106 acres.
“We take a very methodical and thoughtful approach to land acquisition. We are continuously looking at opportunities to increase open space throughout our community,” Greenwich Land Trust Board President Camille Broderick added.
Converse Brook Preserve will be open year-round from sunrise to sunset. In addition to the parking area, which can accommodate up to ten cars, new plantings including oak, birch and Black gum trees were added and a large 1-acre native meadow has been installed. The new Ross meadow, which is part of a larger wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration project, was generously funded by friends of Bill and Nancy Ross in their memory. The establishment of the native meadow will take upwards of three years to complete.
Greenwich Land Trust conserves open space, connects our community with the natural world, and inspires the next generation of conservationists. The Land Trust permanently protects and cares for more than 850 acres of woodlands, marshlands, orchards, and meadows throughout Greenwich, preserving the ecological integrity, historic character, and scenic beauty of our community.