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. As the largest land trust in Connecticut and the 22nd largest in the United States by the number of lands conserved, NCLC now protects over 14,000 acres across Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties.
NCLC is uniquely positioned to carry forward CVRLT’s conservation legacy. Founded in 1965 and nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, NCLC has earned widespread recognition for its leadership in land protection, including the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s highest award for land preservation, an EPA Environmental Merit Award for its outstanding commitment to protecting the natural environment, and a Working Lands Alliance Pathfinder Award for its significant contributions to educating the public about the importance of farmland preservation.
“This merger strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the lands, waters, and natural areas that make our communities thrive,” said Catherine Rawson, Executive Director of NCLC. “Together, NCLC and CVRLT can expand public access to the outdoors, protect clean drinking water, and ensure that treasured natural lands in Danbury and New Fairfield are cared for in perpetuity. We are proud to carry forward CVRLT’s legacy and to build an even stronger foundation for regional conservation.”
Founded in 1971 and also nationally accredited, CVRLT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit land trust. Its 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. In addition, council members will have opportunities to collaborate with advisory councils from other Northwest Connecticut towns on regional conservation priorities—such as strengthening climate resiliency, safeguarding clean drinking water by conserving forests and wetlands, preserving working farms and access to local food, and protecting the natural lands that are vital to our quality of life.
“As the work of land conservation has grown, many of our local land trusts have been strengthening their impact by joining together,” noted CVRLT President Faline Schneiderman. “By sharing resources and expertise, merged organizations have been able to better steward their preserves, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success. CVRLT is thrilled to be able to strengthen and grow our conservation legacy as part of the larger, stronger team of land trusts united within Connecticut’s largest land trust.”
The two organizations will celebrate the merger at NCLC’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at New Fairfield Senior Center Community Room, located at 33 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT 06812. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
For more information about the merger, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit ctland.org/cvrlt-merger.
About Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC)
Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is a nonprofit, regional conservation organization working with the communities of Litchfield and northern Fairfield Counties to safeguard natural and working lands, public recreation areas, and drinking water resources forever. Founded in 1965, NCLC is the largest land trust in Connecticut, protecting over 14,000 acres (and growing). To strengthen the region’s capacity to conserve high-quality conservation lands and ensure the permanence of those conserved lands for the future, NCLC merged with Brookfield Open Space Legacy in 2019, Naromi Land Trust in 2020, and Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust in 2025. NCLC’s conserved lands include 31 public hiking preserves, 49 working farms, 57 miles of rivers and streams, and over 3,000 acres of habitat for rare and endangered species.
For more information about NCLC and how you can support conservation efforts in our region, please visit ctland.org.