Mission

The Essex Land Trust acquires, preserves, and manages its open space to protect the environment and small-town character of the villages of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton for current and future generations. We provide our community with recreational and educational opportunities through strategic acquisitions and responsible stewardship of properties with significant environmental value.

Vision

A network of permanently protected preserves that gives people of all ages ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature while safeguarding our waterways, wetlands, and supporting healthy wildlife habitats.

Values

The Essex Land Trust pursues its mission with an emphasis on:

• The connection between our community and the environment.
• The diversity of its citizens and the variety of their conservation and recreational interests.
• The commitment of our volunteers, the historic heritage of our properties and partnerships with community organizations and landowners.
• Acting ethically, with transparency, integrity, and respect, based on the highest professional standards and in a fiscally responsible way.

Strategic Plan

The Essex Land Trust updates its strategic plan on a periodic basis. To see the latest version approved by the Board in 2023, please CLICK HERE.

Accreditation

The Essex Land Trust is accredited by the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA) whose seal is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest standards for excellence and conservation permanence. The Land Trust Alliance is the voice of the land trust community. As the national leader in policy, standards, education, and training, the LTA works passionately to support land trusts so they can save and secure more lands now and for future generations. CLICK HERE for more Information on the Land Trust Alliance.