Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust Announces Name Change and Merger with Naromi Land Trust
Naromi Land Trust and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust enthusiastically announce their intention to merge on June 30, 2020. Weantinoge, the surviving entity of the merger, will change its name to Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC).
Founded in 1965, Weantinoge is Northwest Connecticut’s regional land trust and the largest land trust in the state. As a guardian of natural and working lands, public recreation areas, and drinking water resources, Weantinoge permanently protects 10,500 acres in seventeen communities, including 12 public hiking preserves, 29 working farms, and 42 miles of rivers and streams. Naromi was founded in 1968 to benefit the general public and lands of Sherman, and permanently protects 1,500 acres, including 11 public hiking preserves.
“This is a momentous time for our organization and an exciting one. The new name, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, better reflects the work that we do. But, our mission to safeguard the natural lands and waters our communities depend on is not changing,” said Weantinoge’s Executive Director, Catherine Rawson.
Naromi and Weantinoge have worked in close partnership for several years on projects including volunteer trainings and education and, most recently, to protect 20 acres of critical agricultural land in Sherman. Both organizations are accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and are in a strong financial and governance position.
“Combining the efforts of our two organizations enables us to more efficiently provide the services and benefits our members care most about. It has never been more important to focus on strengthening our ability to serve the Town of Sherman forever,” said Naromi’s Executive Director, Amanda Branson, who will remain with the merged organization.
“I am delighted to share this great news with the Naromi community,” noted Naromi Board President, Chris Jellen. “The Board of Directors of Naromi join me in our resolve to ensure the forever protection of the lands in our care and deliver the most benefits of conservation to our community. Joining Weantinoge in their next chapter as the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is the best way to do that.”
After the merger, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will protect over 12,000 acres including 23 public preserves with hiking trails and 30 working farms. “For 55 years, Weantinoge has led the state in the conservation of natural lands and waters,” said Hiram Williams, Board President of Weantinoge. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Sherman community to safeguard the natural lands they value and depend on most, forever. And, we are thrilled to continue our legacy of environmental conservation as Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.”
Members of Naromi will be asked to approve the merger at a special meeting on June 13, 2020. The meeting will be held via video conference. More information about how to participate in the special meeting, who can vote, and other details is available at naromi.org/merger, or contact Amanda Branson, Executive Director of Naromi at amanda@naromi.org or call 860-354-0260.