The Norwalk Land Trust has acquired a seven-acre parcel of land in the northeast corner of the community on the Westport border, it was announced by Acting President Seeley Hubbard. The acquisition is part of a 20-acre tract divided into two with the additional acreage going to the Aspetuck Land Trust of Westport.
The parcel was owned by Nat Greenberg, a real estate investor, and Leo Nevas, an attorney and philanthropist, who made many gifts toward the betterment of the lives of the residents of Westport. These included donations of land to the Aspetuck Land Trust, Westport YMCA and the Block Island Conservancy. In donating this parcel to the Norwalk Land Trust, their children are following this tradition.
Hubbard notes the acquisition provides habitat to many species of birds and small animals. He said large tracts of wetlands and heavily forest areas help to offset the habitat destruction caused by heavy residential development all around Norwalk.
This acreage, currently owned by Fieber Group, is approved for a development of 15 homes. Fieber and his family are helping to kick start the $5 million campaign with a $1 million pledge. The land trust also announced the appointment of two new directors to its board, Lisa Shanahan of Rowayton and Julian Henkin of Cranbury. Shanahan brings years of non-profit volunteer experience to the position and Henkin has been involved in environmental/managerial strategy for many businesses here and abroad. They join the all-volunteer board of directors for a three-year term.
Additional information about the mission and activities of the land trust is available online at www.norwalklandtrust.org