Notable News
As part of the land trust’s overall mission, we seek to highlight initiatives and notable documents with the purpose of informing and educating our community. We welcome the opportunity to feature other items that support this aspect of our mission. If interested, please send an email to: info@essexlandtrust.org copy.
Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) – 2025 Impact Report
Falls River Park Memorial Garden Project Update
The creation of a memorial garden at Falls River Park is continuing. During the last 2 weeks of October, native trees (dogwoods and redbuds) were planted as were 7 native shrubs (azaleas and mountain laurel). Native grasses will be planted along the path in spring. An opening ceremony will be held at a time to be determined. The following rendering created by landscape architect Anne Penniman illustrates the overall planned design.
State of the Lands Results from the 2023-24 Connecticut Land Trust Census
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) proudly announces the publication of “State of the Lands: Results from the 2023-2024 Connecticut Land Trust Census”. This comprehensive report, the first of its kind in Connecticut, provides invaluable insights into the state’s land conservation efforts, capturing the scale, pace, and priorities of Connecticut’s land trusts.
For over a century, Connecticut’s land trusts have been at the forefront of conserving the natural and working landscapes that define the state. As the only statewide land trust service provider, CLCC conducted this census to better understand and support these vital organizations. The census aimed to quantify land conservation efforts, understand current and future priorities, and identify ways to enhance support for land trusts in achieving their goals.
Amy Blaymore Paterson, CLCC Executive Director, issued this statement: “Our land trusts are the backbone of Connecticut’s conservation efforts. The results of this census provide a clear and detailed picture of their incredible work – we are thrilled to share these findings and use them to further strengthen and elevate land conservation in Connecticut.”
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE REPORT
Drone Video of Essex Land Trust Preserves
Enjoy unique views of the Essex Community taken by Valley Regional High School Senior Jason Swerling as part of his Senior Capstone Project and edited by PJ Brocket. Over 3.5 hours of footage were shot in December 2021 and have been edited down to 12 minutes featuring highlights of several Essex Land Trust preserves. The land trust will use the video material to establish a baseline to evaluate impact of shoreline erosion, invasives, dumping, and other natural phenomena in the future. To see the video click on the image at left.
Follow the Falls Project
Follow the Falls is an initiative spearheaded by the Essex Historical Society in partnership with the Essex Land Trust. The operating vision is to tell the history of the Falls River, which binds the villages of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton. As the town’s watershed, it has played a fundamental role in its history and development from prehistoric times to the present. Besides its historic significance, the Falls River is home to a rich natural history with several land trust preserves along its winding shores. The project published three booklets which can be purchased from the Essex Historical Society. Click on the links below to see each edition or download a digital copy.
The Flood of 1982
Anyone interested in the history of the catastrophic June 6th, 1982 Ivoryton flood can learn some of its historic effects in the very well done 17-minute video on the Flood of 1982 produced in 2022 by Valley Shore Community Television featuring interviews and voiceovers from a number of local residents including the land trust’s The Millrace steward, Scott McCoid.
Click on this link, too see the video: Ivoryton Flood Video
Sea Level Rise, Rising Temperatures, Precipitation and Climate Change Information on Connecticut
As part of the Essex Land Trust’s mission to promote knowledge and awareness on important environmental issues, we are sharing three documents that may be of interest to land trust members. Following are links to informative documents. Please feel free to share these attachments with family, friends, and colleagues.
Ten Tips for Eco-Friendly Gardens
Students (ages 8-13) from upstate New York have been researching the importance of being eco-friendly and sent us a link about the importance of being more eco-friendly when you’re gardening. A humble home garden may not seem like much in the big scheme of all things environmental, but making just a few small changes to your private green space can have an impact far wider than you’d imagine. From providing precious wildlife habitats to improving air quality, here are 10 ways to be more eco-friendly when you’re gardening. We are sharing this link for any who may be interested. Click on this link to learn more: Ten Tips