Dear James,

As 2023 comes to a close, I am remembering David Brant’s recent words to us:

“Land doesn’t save itself.

People save land. People like you.”

People like you, the caring members of Aspetuck Land Trust who generously support the Land Trust through their volunteer efforts and financial support. Most people who read David’s words instinctively think of our amazing efforts to acquire and preserve forest and farmlands which is our #1 core mission. But conservation can take different forms and we are on the leading edge of innovating in the conservation space by engaging our neighbors and surrounding communities to think more holistically about what we can do in our own backyards and neighborhoods to weave our landscape together. 

Building Bridges – We are bringing the forest to Bridgeport and Bridgeporters to the forest. Since 2021, over 500 Bridgeport residents have participated in workshops, programs, and hikes aimed at building environmental awareness and appreciation of nature. In 2023, we received grant funding to build seven micro-forests at schools across the City of Bridgeport and to measure the environmental benefits to the community after they are established.

First in the State of CT, these micro-forests provide natural habitat to help green urban spaces, mitigate the effects of climate change, and support wildlife (oases of sorts in an urban desert), as well as provide more learning opportunities for Bridgeport kids. This fall, we planted three micro-forests, and in the spring we will plant four more. Your generosity provided the seed money to conceptualize the program and to successfully acquire state funding. The fact that we don’t own the land did not diminish our enthusiasm for the program. We are highly motivated to have influence any way we can!

Green Corridor – Since 2020, 1,585 homeowners have taken the Green Corridor pledge to plant natives, rethink their lawns, and reduce or eliminate their use of pesticides and herbicides. Our efforts to encourage the community continues through talks, demonstration projects, and plant sales all aimed at promoting environmental awareness. The land we save is our own and the benefits inure to all of us through improved habitat for wildlife and better water quality for all. This is a huge land saving activity that is happening outside our preserves through your generosity.

Saving Land – We continue to save land at a record pace in Fairfield County. Since 2020, we have saved 217 acres. We have 90 additional acres under contract and are pursuing additional properties totaling 259 acres. That is a whopping 566 acres! Your enthusiasm and support make these efforts possible.

If you have not done so already, please make a tax-deductible donation to Aspetuck Land Trust this week to help us continue our collective and varied efforts to save land. Together, we are making a difference!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Aspetuck Land Trust, we wish you a happy and healthy 2024.

Bill Kraekel
President