Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $1.5M grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s (CT DEEP) Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program to support the acquisition and permanent protection of a 245-acre property in North Canaan, Connecticut.

Located in the scenic Weatogue Valley along the east bank of the federally designated National Wild & Scenic Housatonic River, the property represents one of the most significant conservation opportunities remaining in the region. The project will protect more than a mile of Housatonic River frontage and over half a mile of the Blackberry River at its confluence with the Housatonic. and the largest contiguous tract of unfragmented riverine and interior forest habitat on the east side of the Housatonic River between the Massachusetts border and Connecticut’s Great Falls.

The grant award marks a major step toward conserving a landscape that has long been recognized for its ecological, scenic, and recreational value. Across the river in Salisbury, extensive conservation efforts have already protected thousands of acres within the Housatonic Valley. Protection of this North Canaan property will help ensure that both sides of this remarkable river corridor remain permanently conserved.

“With the support of our members, partners, and the North Canaan community, NCLC is advancing the protection of one of the largest remaining stretches of undeveloped riverfront and forest habitat along the Housatonic River,” said NCLC Executive Director Catherine Rawson. “It will create an unparalleled opportunity for residents to enjoy the river and nature near downtown North Canaan and reflects NCLC’s commitment to accelerating conservation across Northwest Connecticut. We are deeply grateful to CT DEEP and the North Canaan community for their partnership in making this vision possible.”

According to Connecticut’s Natural Diversity Database, 10 state-listed species occur on or near the property, including the endangered northern long-eared bat, special concern mudpuppy, wood turtle, and skillet clubtail dragonfly. The land also supports several rare and state-listed plant species and contains prime, statewide-important farmland soils.

In addition to its conservation value, the property will create new opportunities for outdoor recreation and access to nature and the Housatonic River in North Canaan. The site’s gentle terrain, open woodlands, and existing woods roads make it well-suited for hiking, wildlife observation, fishing, and other low-impact recreational uses. The property is located within walking distance of downtown North Canaan and overlaps an Environmental Justice census block, making it especially important for expanding access to nearby open space.

“This project is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said First Selectman Jesse Bunce of North Canaan. “Protecting this land will preserve an important part of North Canaan’s natural heritage while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. We appreciate the partnership of NCLC and the State of Connecticut in making this investment in our town and future generations.”

NCLC is now working to complete the remaining fundraising, due diligence, and legal steps required to permanently protect the property and open it to the public. Once protected, the property will become a new public nature preserve, expanding recreational opportunities in the region and strengthening connections to nearby conservation and recreation destinations, including the Appalachian Trail, Twin Lakes, and the Housatonic Heritage Area’s Hou-Bike-Walk Trail.

Each summer, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) welcomes a team of Summer Trail Stewards who help care for our public nature preserves and support partner initiatives while gaining valuable hands-on experience in conservation and land stewardship. Working alongside NCLC staff, these field-based interns maintain trails, assist with habitat stewardship projects, learn land management techniques, and build skills that will help shape their future careers in conservation.

Continuing education is a fundamental part of the Summer Trail Steward experience. Throughout the season, stewards participate in training opportunities, collaborate with partner organizations, and gain exposure to a wide range of conservation careers and practices.

This year, we are excited to welcome McKenzie Kleppin, Aidan Weik, and Will Pollitt to the NCLC team.

McKenzie Kleppin

Hi! My name is McKenzie Kleppin. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2024 with a B.S. in Wildlife & Conservation Biology. My interests include environmental outreach and education, wildlife and marine biology, natural resource policy, and nonprofit work. I am looking forward to the opportunity this internship provides to explore different areas and professions within land conservation and gain insight into what direction I want to take in my future career.

During my first two weeks, with the help and guidance of NCLC’s Public Lands Manager Tara Spears, we cleared and cleaned up several recreation trails in Kent, Sherman, New Fairfield, and Brookfield; began creating new trails and paths; met with other summer interns from neighboring organizations; practiced native and invasive plant species identification and management; and completed a two-day Wilderness First Aid certification course.

I have enjoyed meeting and working with staff members from NCLC, Housatonic Valley Association, The Kent Land Trust, and Steep Rock Association, and I am excited to build connections, continue my education, and grow as a conservation professional throughout the summer.

Aidan Weik

Hello. my name is Aidan Weik. I am an avid year-round outdoor sports and recreation enthusiast. I enjoy climbing both ice and rock, mountaineering, and backcountry trekking. Because of these passions, I have always been an active proponent of conservation and land management.

I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with NCLC to explore the many avenues of conservation and refine my skills as a naturalist. My goal is to turn my enthusiasm for the outdoors into practical skills that can support a career in conservation. Growing up, I admired my nature camp counselors and natural science teachers above all others, and using NCLC as a stepping stone into the field is a great privilege.

During my first two weeks, we practiced plant identification, worked on trails, and completed Wilderness First Aid training. NCLC’s conserved lands are diverse and expansive, allowing us to have a wide variety of experiences, from weed whacking and invasive species management to bridge building and trail construction. I have also had the opportunity to meet other conservation professionals and learn about the many career paths available in the field. I am excited to continue working on trail projects and learning more about the outdoors alongside my fellow summer interns.

Will Pollitt

Hello. My name is Will Pollitt, and I am a rising senior at Siena University, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Management. I switched my major from Health Studies to Environmental Studies following my experience in the Kelly Alisha Tobin Internship Program with The Kent Land Trust during the summer after my freshman year.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to continue gaining experience in the field to help guide me toward graduate school or full-time work. My favorite activities include skiing, fishing, camping, and hiking. With the help of the team at NCLC, I hope to learn more about preserving and monitoring natural lands and educating the community about the places that allow me and others to enjoy these activities.

I am excited for a fantastic summer with NCLC because I believe this internship will help me make important decisions about my future by providing a wide variety of experiences both in the field and in the office.

During my first two weeks, I was introduced to the wonderful staff at NCLC and to my fellow interns, McKenzie Kleppin and Aidan Weik. With the guidance of Public Lands Manager Tara Spears, we surveyed and completed stewardship work at Cobble Brook Vista, Wimisink, Finn’s Land, Birch Rocks, Wildwoods, Alice McCallister, Hahlawah, and Komlo preserves. Our work included vegetation management, building a new bridge, and trail blazing.

We also joined interns from other conservation organizations for a hike at Skiff Mountain South and completed Wilderness First Aid and CPR training at White Memorial. So far, I have learned a great deal about land conservation, land trust partnerships, and how conserved lands fit into long-term planning efforts. The staff here have been extremely friendly, helpful, and supportive. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has to offer.

Stewarding the Lands We All Enjoy

Over the coming months, McKenzie, Aidan, and Will will help maintain trails, improve visitor experiences at public preserves, assist with habitat management projects, and support stewardship efforts across the region. Their work helps ensure that these special places remain healthy, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

NCLC is grateful to have them on the team and looks forward to sharing updates from their summer of conservation, learning, and stewardship.