Greenwich Land Trust Conserves 12 Acres

 

The donation marks the largest conservation easement gift since 2001

Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) is proud to accept a conservation easement on 11.75 acres of undeveloped open space in backcountry Greenwich from long-time residents and environmental conservationists Juliet and Holt Thrasher.

Unlike a straight-forward land donation by which the deed of the land is transferred to the Land Trust, a conservation easement allows the property owner to permanently protect their land from development without giving up ownership or access. The legal agreement, however, permits Greenwich Land Trust to place restrictions on the use of the land, in order to protect its conservation value. 

“By setting up this easement arrangement with Greenwich Land Trust, we are guaranteeing the land will continue to remain undeveloped to prioritize the natural health of the local biodiversity, which will now be protected for future generations,” said Thrasher.

The parcel is located amid a significant area of open space and other nearby protected properties. The protection of the land will expand a permanent north-south greenway with several other Greenwich Land Trust protected properties established by neighboring gifts and the Thrashers over the past 20 years with the goal of adding to the establishment of permanent green corridors along Round Hill Road.

The property contains a secondary growth deciduous forest, shrub land, several ephemeral streams, and a clearing that will be restored as a native meadow.   The conserved land is located on the southern flank of the “Round Hill” and offers extensive views of Long Island Sound and surrounding landscape.

“The Land Trust is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to conserve, protect, and care for this beautiful property in perpetuity, making our community a better place to live and enjoy. This is an important acquisition for the Land Trust as it forever protects a large developable parcel providing critical habitat for wildlife,” notes Greenwich Land Trust Executive Director, Will Kies. In terms of acreage, this easement donation is the largest since 2001. The Land Trust now protects a total of 776 acres of open space. 

About Greenwich Land Trust

Conserving the Land. Connecting the Community.

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 775 acres of woodlands, marshlands, orchards, and meadows throughout Greenwich, preserving the ecological integrity, historic character, and scenic beauty of our community.

For more information, please visit our website at gltrust.org.