A Trust in the Land

Somewhere in New Haven, a neighborhood resident is weeding a plot in a community garden right now. Or a student is researching plants and wildlife within the Long Wharf Nature Preserve. Or a couple is on a self-guided nature walk along Quinnipiac Meadows.

All of these activities are made possible through the dedicated work of the New Haven Land Trust, with the help of grants from The Community Foundation.

Over the last year, the Land Trust has completed a considerable clean up effort at the Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene B. Fargeorge Nature Preserve. Its continued work to preserve and educate the public about this natural treasure is made possible with a grant from the Quinnipiac River Fund, a component fund at The Community Foundation.

And with almost fifty community gardens soon to be bursting with nutritious produce for the New Haven neighborhoods surrounding them, management and technical needs are coordinated by the Land Trust, helping residents get the most out of the gardens they tend. The community garden program has long been supported by The Community Foundation.

"Access to healthy food, open space and environmental education are all critical to the health and well being of the New Haven community," says Land Trust Executive Director Justin Elicker. "The Community Foundation's support for the New Haven Land Trust allows us to provide healthy spaces for people to grow organic food, develop a deeper sense of environmental stewardship and foster a stronger sense of community."

And tomorrow, as part of Connecticut Trails Weekend, the New Haven Land Trust is leading a walk along Long Island Sound, within the Long Wharf Preserve that the organization also manages. Learn more about the event here.

Support to New Haven Land Trust was made possible by unrestricted funds at The Community Foundation, the Quinnipiac River Fund, as well as donor advised funds.