September 25, 2025 (Kent, CT) – Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) is excited to welcome Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT) into its organization through a merger effective September 30, 2025. The combined organization will continue under the name Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.

Through this merger, NCLC is entrusted with the stewardship of CVRLT’s 611 acres of protected land in Danbury and New Fairfield, including eight public nature preserves. Founded in 1965 and nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, NCLC is the largest land trust in Connecticut and the 22nd largest in the United States by the number of lands conserved, and is uniquely positioned to carry forward CVRLT’s conservation legacy.

Founded in 1971 and also nationally accredited, CVRLT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit land trust. CVRLT’s commitment to conservation will continue through the merger with NCLC. Members of the CVRLT Board of Directors will represent the community as part of the newly formed Candlewood Valley Council. This advisory council will provide ongoing local input, help shape future land acquisitions and conservation programs, and host events in Danbury and New Fairfield, as well as collaborate with advisory councils from other Northwest Connecticut towns on regional conservation priorities.

For more information about the merger, read the full press release announcement here.

Have questions about the merger? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page here.