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.