Chester Land Trust: Who We Are

MISSION:

Protecting irreplaceable forests, farmlands, wetlands and wildlife for the purpose of enjoying our natural resources, open spaces and unique environment for present and future generations.

WHO WE ARE:
The Chester Land Trust is a volunteer non-profit organization established in 1987 for the purpose of protecting the unique natural resources of Chester. Our community is fortunate to have a diverse environment of freshwater streams, protected forests, the Connecticut river, wetlands and wildlife habitat. These wonderful spaces need to be protected and enhanced for your enjoyment, and for future generations. Currently the Land Trust owns approximately 94 acres of land, and has monitoring duties for an additional 18 acres of protected conservation easement land. There is more land to be protected to keep our unique town resources from disappearing.

WHAT HAS BEEN PROTECTED:
The Land Trust is responsible for 14 open space land preserves and 3 conservation easements. The preserves that have good public access are the Carini and Scudder Preserves located on Water St (Route 148) in the center of town next to the Herbery. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Carini property and follow along next to the brook to the gazebo, to enjoy a picnic or fish. The property is at the confluence of the Great Brook and the Pattaconk Brook. The adjacent east land is the Scudder Preserve where stone benches are located to invite people to bird watch in the Chester cove. There is also the Judge Constance Baker Motley Preserve located at 100 Cedar Lake Rd. A portion of this 7 acre preserve was the family garden across from the former Motley family home. The preserve has a story board display about Judge Motley, and a picnic area for public enjoyment.

The remaining Land Trust preserves have limited public access. The conservation easements have no public access. Much of our open space is mostly tidal marshland, wetlands, and forests to protect native plants and trees, and give protective space for migrating and nesting birds, and other animals.

ACTIVITIES OF THE LAND TRUST:

Provide public awareness of land preservation through educational programs for adults and children.
Work with other community organizations and Chester town leadership to protect our fragile environment.
Host unique informative special events related to nature.
Acquire land by donation, lease or purchase.
Restore, maintain, and monitor land assets to remain in their natural intended condition.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP:
Become a member or volunteer ! Your help is needed to fulfill the mission of protecting our natural resources here in Chester. Please join your neighbors by helping to protect our precious land and water resources.

Become a member! Go to CONTACT US!

Who We Are

THE CHESTER LAND TRUST

Chester, Connecticut