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 List of Board Members
What is the Aspetuck Land Trust?
We’re Not Alone
Who Needs Open Space?
How Does the Land Trust Work?
What is the Aspetuck Land Trust?
Aspetuck Land Trust Inc. is a non-profit Connecticut Corporation devoted to preserving open space and the natural resources of Easton, Fairfield, Weston and Westport for the benefit of the public. It was formed in 1966 by leading area conservationists. A Board of directors representing the 4 towns manages the Trust. Through generous gifts of land, continued efforts of volunteers, and cooperation from town agencies, the Aspetuck Land Trust has preserved over 1,700 acres of land, which will be maintained in a natural state in perpetuity.
We're Not Alone
The Aspetuck Land Trust was one of the first organizations of its kind formed in the State. Currently a network of over 100 land trusts, nearly one per town, is operating in Connecticut. We must be doing something right! The fact is, the Land Trust is able to work quickly and with flexibility to meet the needs of individual donors and the towns we serve. As a local organization, we are keenly aware of our region's unique resources and are strongly committed to preserving them. As part of a state wide land trust association, organized by The Nature Conservancy, we are continually updated on new ways to do this.
Who Needs Open Space?
Open space is one of the best gifts we can pass on to succeeding generations. Once lost in the relentless development of these last 50 years, these natural resources can never be reclaimed. Open space creates protective buffer zones around streams and underground aquifers, reduces flood dangers, adds to the character of towns and provides a natural environment close at hand for the many who regard this as their window to the fields, wildlife, and forests which have been the heritage and recreation left to us from pioneer days.
The Land Trust ensures that future generations can use and value open space forever.
Enjoy our open space. You are welcome to walk all of the trailed Preserves that are open to the public from dawn to dusk. Help us by picking up any litter you find. The maps show the location of these preserves. In general parking is available near the entrance either in a Land Trust parking area or on the roadside. Trails were appropriate are marked with "arrows" and "trail" signs. The green Aspetuck Land Trust diamond is used to indicate the start of a trail and preserve boundaries. If you see one you are near the edge of our property. Please don't trespass on our neighbors' land.
How Does the Land Trust Work?
The Aspetuck Land Trust has several ways to help preserve these natural resources and open spaces.
GIFTS
Gifts of land from landowners interested in keeping their fields and woods in their present condition is the most common method. Provisions may also be made to leave property to the Aspetuck Land Trust in a Will.
EASEMENTS
Alternatively, a landowner may provide a conservation easement to the Trust. In this case, the landowner retains ownership but extinguishes development rights. This method is especially valuable in assembling parts of many properties into a walking trail or river corridor protection zone.
PURCHASE
Also the Land Trust can purchase easements or land, at bargain sale prices using tax exempt funds donated for this purpose.
The Aspetuck Land Trust is a tax-exempt corporation so designated by the Internal Revenue Service. In almost all cases, donations of land or easements and bargain-sales yield important tax advantages (income, estate and property) to donors.
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