Darien Land Trust - Preserving and Protecting Land in Darien, Connecticut

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Darien Land Trust

Preserving and protecting open space in Darien, Connecticut — Forever

Our Mission

The Darien Land Trust preserves natural space, connects our community with nature and promotes conservation awareness to protect land now and forever.

We have permanently protected diverse natural environments such as wetlands along the Five Mile River, tidal salt marshes at Holly Pond and Scott’s Cove, upland forests in Dunlap Woods, and meadow habitats at Mather Meadows, Fox Run, and Brendan’s Meadow. The Land Trust now owns or has conservation easements totaling 230 acres in Darien.

Make a Difference

The Land Trust is a private 501(c)3 organization in Darien and not affiliated with the Town.

Your support as a volunteer steward or as a donor is what makes it possible for us to carry out our mission. Lands protected and preserved by the Land Trust are held in conservation FOREVER.

Cleanup_Group

Whether you want to become a volunteer or join other like-minded conservationists who financially support our stewardship and organizational needs, please email [email protected].

Land doesn’t protect itself. People do. Like YOU!

In the News

Happening Now

Moffly Media

Published November / December 2024

darienlandtrust

🌟 Celebrating Progress and Welcoming New Faces!

🌟 Celebrating Progress and Welcoming New Faces!

This past Sunday, the Darien Land Trust gathered to reflect on another incredible year at our Annual Meeting. Together, we celebrated our accomplishments, welcomed Star Childs of @great_mountain_forest as our inspiring keynote speaker, and shared exciting plans for the future. 💫

We said a heartfelt goodbye to our departing board members, whose dedication and service have left a lasting legacy. 🙏 Thank you for contributing your unique skills and interests to guide the Land Trust to make well informed decisions specifically regarding land donation, governance, education and outreach, stewardship and finance. Our organization is stronger for your years of service toward our mission of preserving and protecting land in Darien. 🌎

🌱 To our newly elected Members of the Board, we are delighted to welcome you. We look forward to learning more about your interests and are excited to put your passions to work. 💚

#DarienLandTrust
#GreatMountainForest
#LoveYourLandTrust
#REI
#06820
#DarienCT
#CommunityImpact
#CelebrateConservation

📆 You're Invited! | DLT Annual Meeting | Sunday

📆 You're Invited! | DLT Annual Meeting | Sunday, 11/17 @ 3 PM #loveyourlandtrust

Celebrate the impact we’ve made together in conserving Darien’s natural spaces! 🍁 Thanks to our amazing donors, sponsors, and local partners, we've achieved so much this past year. We’re excited to welcome Starling W. Childs II of @great_mountain_forest as our keynote speaker. 🌲

Following the presentation, enjoy light bites, refreshments, and your chance to win some awesome gear from @rei – including a backpack, trekking poles, and a water bottle! 🎒🥾💧

📅 Sunday, Nov. 17 | 3-6 PM
📍 @weeburncc, 410 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, Darien
🔗 We’d love to see you! Kindly RSVP: https://darienlandtrust.org/news/

#DarienLandTrust
#GreatMountainForest
#REI
#DarienCT
#06820
#AnnualMeeting
#CelebrateConservation
#ProtectOurLand
#CommunityImpact
#LoveYourLandTrust

🌾 Capturing the Magic of Farm to Table 🌾 A

🌾 Capturing the Magic of Farm to Table 🌾

A huge thank you to Moffly Media for capturing the heart and soul of this year’s Farm to Table event! 📸✨ With the artistic eye of photographer @andreacarson, the essence of Farm to Table comes to life in these stunning photos—from the picturesque Waterbury Field setting to the incredible cuisine and the vibrant spirit of our supporters. 🍽️ 🌄

We were beyond grateful for the perfect weather, and for our dedicated donors and sponsors who made this event possible. Here’s to all who joined us in celebrating and supporting conservation! 💚

#FarmToTable
#WaterburyField
#DarienLandTrust
#CommunitySupport
#MofflyMedia
#ConservationCelebration
#AndreaCarsonPhotography

🌟 Breaking News! 🌟 Darien Nature Center and

🌟 Breaking News! 🌟 Darien Nature Center and Museum of Darien have joined the “LEAVE the LEAVES” initiative!

🍃 @dariennaturecenter, Caroline Cone and Victoria Heyne recently posted about the importance of leaving leaves and when they learned of the Land Trust's initiative, they said "We want in!" 🍂 Their new meadow area is the perfect location for leaves to collect and serve as habitat for countless caterpillars. It will also retain moisture💧—which is especially valuable during this extended drought. Plus, our sign will be seen by countless kids and parents, helping to spread the word about this initiative. Special thanks to Seymore, the Nature Center’s resident rabbit, for helping champion the cause! 🐇

🌳 Meanwhile, @museumofdarien, a grand white oak stands as a beacon of biodiversity. Executive Director Amy Allen and Assistant Director Emily Koch have designated an area for its fallen leaves and acorns to remain undisturbed, preserving habitats and food sources for local and migratory birds. Thank you, Museum of Darien, for leading by example!

Together, we’re creating habitats, conserving water, and protecting biodiversity—right here in Darien. Join us in leaving the leaves! 🍁

🔗 https://darienlandtrust.org/leave-the-leaves/

#DarienLandTrust
#DarienNatureCenter
#MuseumofDarien
#LeavetheLeaves

You're Invited to our Annual Meeting 🗓️ Cele

You're Invited to our Annual Meeting 🗓️

Celebrate with us as we reflect on a year of achievements in preserving and enhancing Darien’s natural spaces, made possible by our incredible donors, sponsors and local partners! 💚

Following our presentation, enjoy light bites and refreshments. 🍷 ✨ We look forward to seeing you!

🔗 Please RSVP here: https://darienlandtrust.org/news/
📍 Wee Burn Country Club | 410 Hollow Tree Ridge Road
📸 @reeree32074

#DarienLandTrust
#AnnualMeeting
#CelebrateConservation
#CommunityImpact
#ProtectNature
#DarienCT

🌲 Adventure Awaits: Brownie Troop’s Forest Hi

🌲 Adventure Awaits: Brownie Troop’s Forest Hike with Darien Land Trust 🌲

What a fantastic day in nature! Our Executive Director, Elizabeth Mathus, had the joy of guiding Darien Brownie Troop 50767 on a hike to earn their trail hiking patch. 🥾✨ Along the trail, we explored maps, landmarks, and trail markers, turning young hikers into nature navigators! 🗺️

At the Filmer I Spy Corner, the troop spotted over 10 hidden animals and birds! 👀🐦 They even mastered identifying red oak from white oak and learned about the vital role of brush piles as habitats for small critters. 🐿

Elizabeth loved sharing her knowledge and love for the forest. Thank you, Troop 50767, for the invitation and an amazing day outdoors! 💚

#DarienLandTrust
#BrownieTroop
#NatureExplorers
#TrailHiking
#NatureEducation
#ExploreTheOutdoors
#LoveNature

🍂 Celebrating Community & Conservation at Brend

🍂 Celebrating Community & Conservation at Brendan’s Meadow 🌞

What a perfect fall afternoon gathering with friends and neighbors on our beautiful Brendan’s Meadow property along Nearwater Lane! This stunning acreage was saved from development in the early 2000s. A surprise and anonymous donation made it possible for the DLT to purchase this land in 2007. 🌊✨

We preserve and protect over 13 acres in the Nearwater Lane and Juniper Road neighborhoods, fostering close connections with neighbors and supporting the stewardship of our protected lands. 🌱

The highlight of the day? An osprey swooping low and landing just above our heads, reminding us of the incredible wildlife that calls this area home. 🦅🌳 We welcomed new neighbors who recently moved in as well as familiar faces who’ve been here for over 30 years! Thank you to everyone who joined us to explore the land and connect over bites and sips with our board members. We’re so grateful for your support! 🙏

#BrendansMeadow
#DarienLandTrust
#ConservationCommunity
#NearwaterLane
#OspreySighting
#ShorelinePreservation
#ProtectOurLands
#DarienCT

🌱 Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation

🌱 Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists with DHS Eco Citizens! 🌍

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Darien High School's Eco Citizens to harness their passion and energy for conservation in our town! 🌿 At our kickoff meeting, we discussed ways to engage the community with initiatives like Leave the Leaves 🍁 and upcoming cleanups on our properties. It was inspiring to hear their concerns and ideas, especially around the future of Great Island! 🌳

Exciting things are on the horizon! Together, we’re planning a larger project over the next few months that will enrich the visitor experience at one of our largest public properties. Stay tuned to see how these young conservationists make an impact! ✨

📸 (L to R) Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus with Giuliana Cerminaro, Marlowe Conrad, Alice Selvey and Board President Amy Sarbinowski

#DarienLandTrust
#YouthInConservation
#EcoCitizens
#LeaveTheLeaves
#GreatIsland
#DarienCT
#SustainableFuture
#CommunityConservation

Join the Leave the Leaves Movement! 🍂 We're s

Join the Leave the Leaves Movement! 🍂

We're so excited to see conservation in action at the @dariendca! Instead of removing fallen leaves, the DCA lawn crew thoughtfully directed them to specific areas on the side lawn and beneath the towering Tupelo tree. 🍁 Why? These leaves create crucial habitat for caterpillars and moths, supporting local and migratory birds throughout the challenging winter months. 🐛

🌟 Special thanks to @darienlibrary for joining the movement! They’ll be leaving leaves on their side lawns and parking lot tree zones, helping us amplify the message and encourage others to do the same. Together, we’re building a community of biodiversity right here in Darien! 🌍

Want to join the Leave the Leaves initiative? 🌿 Email us at info@darienlandtrust.org, and we’ll get you a lawn sign to spread the word! Let's work together to protect our local ecosystem, one leaf at a time! 🍂

#DarienLandTrust
#DarienCommunityAssociation
#DarienLibrary
#LeavetheLeaves

🍂 Discovering Fungi at the Harry Day Preserve 🍄

The Stamford Land Trust recently hosted a Walk Your Land Trust event at their newly acquired 64-acre Harry Day Preserve, led by mycologist Aubrey Carter. It was a brilliant fall day, and while the unseasonably warm, dry weather meant fewer mushrooms were visible, Aubrey’s keen eye helped us spot some fascinating finds! 👀

Who knew there’s a false turkey-tail fungus as well as a true turkey-tail fungus? 🙋‍♂️ Aubrey explained the vital role decomposers play in forest health and offered a pro tip: the best time to spot a variety of mushrooms is after a heavy or steady rainfall! 🌧

DLT Trustees who attended, including Heather Curran, Julie Jones and Emma Clark, left with newfound knowledge—and a few favorite fun facts! For example, some poisonous mushrooms have incredibly descriptive names. Two memorable ones? “Destroying Angels” and “Funeral Bells”—both of which can be found right here in Connecticut! ☠️

It was a wonderful day of learning, connection, and discovery in nature. Thank you, @stamfordland, for a fantastic event!👏

🔗 Want to learn more about mushrooms? Check out @fungaubs weekly newsletter:
https://mushroommonday.substack.com/

#WalkYourLandTrust
#DarienLandTrust
#StamfordLandConservationTrust
#HarryDayPreserve
#MushroomHunting
#FungiFacts
#NatureWalks

Celebrating Fall Harvest at Mather Homestead & McP

Celebrating Fall Harvest at Mather Homestead & McPherson Meadow! 🎃

It was a glorious fall day for the Fall Harvest Festival @matherhomestead, with activities stretching into DLT’s McPherson Meadow. 🌞🍂 We hosted a seek-and-find challenge and native tree identification walk, where kids and adults learned how to spot five native tree species along our new forest trail. 🌳🔍

Did you know? Here are some tricks for identifying native trees:
🍂 To tell a white oak from a red oak, look at the leaf edges—white oak leaves are wavy, while red oak leaves are more ragged.
🍁 When it comes to sugar maple vs. Norway maple, look for the "u" shape between the lobes of the sugar maple leaf. Think of the "u" in sUgar!

As a special treat, we even had a close encounter with George Washington and his magnificent thoroughbred horse! 🐴🇺🇸

Thank you to Mather Homestead for including Darien Land Trust in this wonderful celebration of the season and our land. 🍃 The leaves are nearly gone, and the meadows are entering dormancy as we embrace the sturdy shoulders of fall. 🌾🌬️

#FallHarvest
#MatherHomestead
#McPhersonMeadow
#DarienLandTrust
#AutumnAdventures
#LearnInNature
#TreeID
#CommunityEvents

Community Clean-Up Success! 🧤| Thank You! 🙏

Community Clean-Up Success! 🧤| Thank You! 🙏

On October 20th, our wonderful community came together for a clean-up at Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve, led by DLT Trustee Kelly Meagher, who lives just across the street. 🏡🌲 She rallied her neighbors—many with young children who love visiting the preserve—to help pick up the steady supply of debris brought in by the Noroton River and trail trash left behind by park-goers. 🚮

Special thanks to life-long conservationists and power duo Chris and Sandy Filmer, who led the way and inspired us all. 🙌✨ Kelly’s efforts are fostering a love of nature and teaching young ones the importance of stewardship. Here’s what she had to say:

"Last Saturday, we brought our amazing community together to clean up Olson Woods. Kids, friends, and neighbors came together to make a difference. We're so grateful for everyone who participated and helped to keep our beautiful spaces clean." 💚

Thank you, Kelly, and everyone who pitched in to keep our local preserve pristine! 🌎🌱

#DarienLandTrust
#OlsonWoods
#CommunityCleanup
#LoveWhereYouLive
#Stewardship
#NatureConservation
#love06820

Exploring the Future of Our Forests 🌳 | A Tour

Exploring the Future of Our Forests 🌳 | A Tour with State Forester Todd Bobowick

We recently had the pleasure of giving Todd Bobowick, State Forester/State Biologist with the National Resources Conservation Service (a subset of the USDA), his first tour of Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve. 🏞️ As we explore updating our 2012 Forest Management Plan (FMP), we're taking proactive steps to protect our forests from the growing threats of invasive species and climate change. 🌿🔥

An updated FMP will help us identify urgent concerns and prepare for the long-term future—decades down the road. Our commitment to stewardship extends beyond the present; we’re planning for the generations who will inherit these lands. 🌍✨

During our tour, we learned about fascinating concepts like "Ghost Forest," ecological forest management, disturbance regime, and early successional habitat. 🌲

This is another step forward toward refining the scope of our restoration project.
Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to ask any questions! 🗣️✍️

#DarienLandTrust
#USDA
#nationalresourcesconservationservice
#forestmanagement

Celebrating Fall Harvest Festival at Mather Homest

Celebrating Fall Harvest Festival at Mather Homestead & McPherson Meadow! 🎃

It was a glorious fall day for the Fall Harvest Festival @matherhomestead, with activities stretching into DLT’s McPherson Meadow. 🌞🍂 We hosted a seek-and-find challenge and native tree identification walk, where kids and adults learned how to spot five native tree species along our new forest trail. 🌳🔍

Did you know? Here are some tricks for identifying native trees:
🍂 To tell a white oak from a red oak, look at the leaf edges—white oak leaves are wavy, while red oak leaves are more ragged.
🍁 When it comes to sugar maple vs. Norway maple, look for the "u" shape between the lobes of the sugar maple leaf. Think of the "u" in sUgar!

As a special treat, we even had a close encounter with George Washington and his magnificent thoroughbred horse! 🐴🇺🇸

Thank you to Mather Homestead for including Darien Land Trust in this wonderful celebration of the season and our land. 🍃 The leaves are nearly gone, and the meadows are entering dormancy as we embrace the sturdy shoulders of fall. 🌾🌬️

#FallHarvest
#MatherHomestead
#McPhersonMeadow
#DarienLandTrust
#AutumnAdventures
#LearnInNature
#TreeID
#CommunityEvents

🍄 WYLT Features Mushroom Walk with @nc_land_tru

🍄 WYLT Features Mushroom Walk with @nc_land_trust

Join us on Saturday, October 26th at 10 AM for an exciting mushroom walk, led by New England’s top mushroom-hunting experts, Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt!

Learn all about the fascinating world of fungi— from poisonous mushrooms to those that are safe (and delicious!) to cook with. You’ll explore the forest 🌲, discover different types of mushrooms, and get hands-on tips about wild mushroom science and safety.

This walk is recommended for adults and older teens. Don't miss this chance to dive into a whole new world of adventure! 🍂

📸 Don't forget to bring your camera or phone

🔗 RSVP: https://newcanaanlandtrust.org/events/autumn-mushroom-hunting/

#DarienLandTrust
#NewCanaanLandTrust
#MushroomWalk
#FungiFun
#NatureAdventure
#ExploreNature
#newcanaanct

🍂 Fall Fun this Saturday! 🍂 The Fall Harve

🍂 Fall Fun this Saturday! 🍂

The Fall Harvest Festival is back @matherhomestead on October 26th from 11 am-2 pm. 🎃

Darien Land Trust will be there with fun activities for the whole family! Kids can take part in a seek and find adventure 🔎 to learn about native trees 🌳, and we'll be leading guided walks along the beautiful forest and meadow trails. 🚶‍♀️🍁

Come celebrate the season, explore nature, and enjoy a day outdoors! We can't wait to see you there! 🍂👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🎟 Tickets: https://www.matherhomestead.org/event-details/fall-harvest-festival-sponsored-by-bmw-of-darien-1

#DarienLandTrust
#MatherHomestead
#FallFestival
#ExploreNature
#FamilyFun
#FallEvents
#love06820
#darienct

🌳 Fall Tree Planting: Go Native! 🍂 Fall is

🌳 Fall Tree Planting: Go Native! 🍂

Fall is the ideal time to plant trees! Cooler temperatures and autumn rain help trees establish strong roots before the stress of summer returns. You can plant right up until the ground freezes solid! ❄️

🛑 Beware of Invasive Species:
Not all trees and shrubs are beneficial. Invasive species spread voraciously; they overtake native trees and shrubs and become detrimental to the survival of natives.

There are many benefits to planting native trees including conserving water, protecting soil from erosion, and creating habitat and providing food for many different animals including birds, pollinators 🐝 and small mammals.🐦 🐿

✅ Great Native Choices:
- Native Oaks and Maples 🍁
- Amelanchier (Shadbush or Serviceberry) 🌿
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida) 🌸
- Highbush Blueberry 🫐
- Virginia Sweetspire 🌾
- Red Chokeberry 🍂

🚫 Avoid These Species:
- Callery Pear (soon to be banned in CT)
- Hedge Maple & Japanese Zelkova
- Asian Dogwood (Cornus Kousa)
- Burning Bush (Winged euonymus)
- Japanese Barberry

Thank you Julie Jones and Juliet Cain for your suggestions! Check out their contribution to the @townofdarienct newsletter.

📸 Red Chokeberry (upper left), Highbush Blueberry (lower right)

@darienlandtrust
@darienpollinatorpathway
#DarienLandTrust
#darienpollinatorpathway
#plantnativespecies
#love06820
#keepdariengreen
#keepdarienopen

✨ Meet Marshall Smith: Eagle Scout Candidate Tak

✨ Meet Marshall Smith: Eagle Scout Candidate Taking Action at Tokeneke Preserve! 🦅

Marshall Smith, an Eagle Scout candidate from Darien Troop 35, is gearing up for an exciting project—expanding the boardwalk trail at Tokeneke Preserve! 🚶‍♂️🌱 Having spent a lifetime exploring these woods, he’s seen firsthand how increased flooding from high tides and rising sea levels can make our paths challenging to navigate. 🌊

Marshall has successfully raised the necessary funds for materials and is now fine-tuning the technical details of the installation. We can’t wait to see his plans come to life as he and his troop roll up their sleeves during their work weekend on November 9-10. 🛠️👏

Good luck, Marshall! We have full confidence in your well-thought-out plans and can’t wait to see the positive impact your project will have on our community. 💚

#DarienLandTrust
#TokenekePreserve
#EagleScout
#boyscoutsofamerica
#eaglescoutproject
#Troop35
#CommunityProject
#TrailExpansion
#Conservation
#YouthInAction

🍁 A Stroll Through Autumn’s Beauty: Dunlap an

🍁 A Stroll Through Autumn’s Beauty: Dunlap and Selleck's Woods

Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus recently joined former DLT Trustee Chris Filmer for a refreshing walk through Dunlap and Selleck's Woods. With golden leaves fluttering down and crunching beneath their feet, the crisp, clean air filled them with that wonderful autumn feeling. 🍂

Chris led the way down his favorite path, the "Winding Trail," confidently predicting that next week would bring peak leaf colors—and Elizabeth couldn't agree more. As they reached their destination, the Chris Filmer "I Spy Corner," Chris unveiled the news with a big smile: his sign had been permanently installed! 🪧😊 If you haven't explored the "I Spy Corner," it's time to plan a visit and see how many hidden creatures you can spot. 🕵️‍♂️🐾

🍁 Take a moment to soak in the vibrant colors and scents of fall at one of our public properties: Dunlap Woods, Olson Woods, or Cherry Lawn. Open dawn to dusk and free of charge, they offer the perfect escape into nature. Four-legged friends are welcome on a leash! 🐕

See you on the trail! 👋🚶‍♀️

#DarienLandTrust
#DunlapWoods
#SellecksWoods
#OlsonWoods
#CherryLawn
#FallVibes
#HikingTrails
#ExploreNature
#Ispy

✨ Spotted at Olson Woods: Three graceful swans e

✨ Spotted at Olson Woods: Three graceful swans enjoying a meal! 🦢🦢🦢 In this charming video, you’ll see these elegant birds dipping their long necks underwater to forage, resulting in their fluffy tails sticking straight up in the air—swimming and snacking in style! 😄💦

Fun fact: Swans are omnivores and eat aquatic plants, small fish, and insects. They use their long necks to reach underwater vegetation that other birds can't access! 🥬🐟 Did you know that swans can have over 25,000 feathers? It helps keep them warm and buoyant while they glide across the water. 🪶✨

Check out the video to see nature’s ballet in action. 🌊

#DarienLandTrust
#OlsonWoods
#Swans
#NatureLovers
#Conservation

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Contact

[email protected]
203-655-4148
P.O. Box 1074, Darien CT 06820

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