The Great Island Advisory Committee (GIAC) invites you to our next Community Engagement Session at Town Hall. We hope to see you and your family there.
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Location: Darien Town Hall
Welcome Refreshments: 2:00–2:15 PM
Reed Hilderbrand Presentation: 2:15–3:00 PM
Engagement Activities (Town Hall Gym): 3:15–4:15 PM
Let’s shape the future of Great Island together! Kick things off with coffee and treats, then dive into an inspiring presentation from Reed Hilderbrand on the evolving vision for this cherished landscape. Afterward, get hands-on with interactive activities in the Town Hall Gym—explore the Futures of Great Island workshop boards, embark on a youth scavenger hunt, or let creativity flow at the kids' coloring station and story time hosted by the Darien Library.
All ages welcome to both or either session—come dream, discuss, and design the future of Great Island!
At 4:15 PM, we’ll launch the digital survey associated with this third community engagement session. The survey will remain open until Sunday, March 22, at midnight. If you can’t attend in person, you can still make your voice heard by completing the survey or submitting written feedback on March 1st. Every comment and idea shared—whether in person, through the comment box, or in the survey—helps shape the final plan.
This is the third of four planned engagement sessions, meaning we are getting closer to finalizing the Vision and Master Plan. While there will still be opportunities to provide input, these sessions are the best way to be directly involved in shaping the future of Great Island.
Reminder: Bridle Trail Seasonal Adjustments
Sections of the Bridle Trail remain temporarily closed through July 15 to protect a pair of nesting bald eagles that have made Great Island their home for the past six years. These closures follow recommendations from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and our environmental consultants.
We’ve noticed that some visitors are ignoring the posted signs marking the closed sections. Please respect these guidelines and do not proceed beyond the designated areas. This is a critical time for the eagles, and maintaining a quiet, undisturbed environment is essential to their successful nesting. Nesting eagles are protected by Federal and State laws.
Visitors may still access the Bridle Trail entrance near the Beach Cottage area but must turn around at the posted signs. The other entrance remains fully closed. Dogs are not permitted on the Bridle Trail at any time.
Thank you for doing your part to protect the wildlife that makes Great Island so special.
We look forward to seeing you and your family on March 1.
Learn more: https://greatisland.darienct.gov/events