Caring for our World here at Home

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 and to provide our community with recreational and educational opportunities through strategic acquisitions and responsible stewardship of properties with significant environmental value.

Vision

Our vision is to provide the Essex community with a network of permanently protected preserves that give residents 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 connecting the community and the environment to support the wide variety of interests and diversity of the people of Essex. We value the commitment of our volunteers, the historic heritage of our properties and partnerships with our community, organizations, and landowners. We act 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 at the end of 2021, please click on this link.

Accreditation

The Essex Land Trust is accredited by the national Land Trust Alliance 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, we work passionately to support land trusts so they can save and secure more lands now and for future generations. More Information on the Land Trust Alliance.