Greenwich Land Trust Acquires 8 Acres of Vital Open Space

Greenwich Land Trust has announced the acquisition of 8 acres off Cherry Valley Road from Aquarion Water Company. Bordered by previously protected land, the 8-acre parcel will create a significant, continuous greenway, wildlife corridor and enhanced public access.

This newly acquired woodland is adjacent to Greenwich Land Trust’s existing Converse Brook Preserve which was acquired in 2020 in partnership with the Town of Greenwich from Aquarion Water Company. The new acquisition will expand Converse Brook Preserve to 80 acres in total, making it Greenwich Land Trust’s largest preserve.

The varied topography includes a steep slope which is composed of second-growth deciduous forest, shrubland, several ephemeral streams, and a clearing that will be restored as a native meadow.

Crisscrossed by historic stone walls, the new property will serve as a gateway, enabling safe public access to Converse Brook Preserve. GLT stewardship staff will integrate the new property into the trail system being developed on the Preserve.

“Greenwich Land Trust is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to conserve, protect and care for this beautiful property in perpetuity. This addition to our Converse Brook Preserve will provide safe public access to the Preserve while conserving important upland habitats,” notes Greenwich Land Trust Executive Director Will Kies.

The acquisition brings the total number of acres of conserved open space by Greenwich Land Trust to 857.

The protection of this land enhances an existing greenway totaling over 800 acres of open space. This greenway strategically links important landscapes which connect critical habitat and increase ecological diversity. The conservation of larger blocks of undeveloped forest land is essential for the protection of wildlife, water quality, and the ecological health of our community.

Greenwich Land Trust Board President Camille Broderick said, “Our new acquisition follows on from the successful 2020 public-private partnership between GLT and the Town. We at Greenwich LandTrust value our place in the Greenwich community. Through conservation we seek to welcome the public to explore Nature’s treasures.”