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

💚 GivingTuesday is just one day, but your gift

💚 GivingTuesday is just one day, but your gift can make a lifetime of difference. 🌟

When you support the Darien Land Trust, you’re investing in vital work that protects and enhances our natural spaces. Your generosity helps:

🌱 Maintain trails that connect our community to nature
🌼 Restore pollinator gardens that support bees, butterflies, and other essential wildlife
🚫 Remove invasive species threatening native ecosystems
🌳 Plant native trees and shrubs to ensure healthy, thriving habitats
🌎 Care for 230 acres of land entrusted to us in perpetuity

Together, we can preserve our environment for future generations.

Make your GivingTuesday gift today and be part of a lasting legacy.
🔗 https://darienlandtrust.org/become-a-member/

Thank you for making a difference! 🙏

📸 @reeree32074

#DarienLandTrust
#GivingTuesday
#DarienCT
#conservation
#keepdariengreen
#keepdarienopen
#06820
#love06820

🌿 From Stewardship Volunteer to Board Member 🌟

Meet Sunil, one of the newest members of the Darien Land Trust Board! 🌳

A passionate advocate for nature preservation, Sunil has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing to stewardship projects like trail maintenance at Selleck’s Woods and the DCA Bird Sanctuary. His commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing community spaces reflects his deep love for Darien and its natural beauty. 🍁

Sunil, who has called Darien home since 2014, is the founder and CEO of Proyash Capital Management, an independent wealth management firm using the Charles Schwab platform. With credentials as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst, he supports high-net-worth individuals and small businesses, helping them navigate financial success.

With an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a degree from Cologne Business College, Sunil brings a global perspective to his work and fluency in German and Hindi. We’re thrilled to have his expertise and passion on our board as we continue to protect and preserve the land we love! 🌎

Welcome, Sunil!

#DarienLandTrust
#NaturePreservation
#CommunityLeadership
#VolunteerToLeader
#ProtectingNature
#DarienCT
#MeetOurBoard

🍁 A Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude As we g

🍁 A Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude

As we gather today to celebrate with family and friends, we reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. At the Darien Land Trust, our hearts are filled with appreciation for you. 💚

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the support of our partners, we’re able to preserve and protect 230 acres of breathtaking landscapes right here in Darien. These meadows, forests, wetlands, and tidal salt marshes are more than just beautiful—they define our town, sustain our environment, and enrich our lives.

✨ Together, we:
🌳 Safeguard 52 walking acres, 148 acres of woodlands, 18 acres of meadows, and 35 coastal acres
🦉 Protect critical habitats for local and migratory wildlife
🌼 Advance native species planting and combat invasive threats
🏞️ Provide spaces that promote physical and mental well-being
🤝 Strengthen the vibrancy and health of our community

This Thanksgiving, we are reminded that none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the power of conservation.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and connection. 🍂

📸 @elloyd12

Welcome to the Board Emma! 👋 Emma Clark has ca

Welcome to the Board Emma! 👋

Emma Clark has called Darien home for the past 8 years, raising her three children alongside her husband. Her journey to our community began in the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Town, South Africa, where she learned firsthand how poor environmental policies can devastate pristine ecosystems. 🌄

✨ With a degree in marketing from Glasgow’s Central College of Commerce and a career spanning banking to sustainability-focused merchandising at Crate and Barrel, Emma brings unparalleled organizational skills and a deep commitment to innovative, eco-friendly practices. ♻

🌱 Today, she brings her passion for preserving the environment for the next generation through active stewardship and community engagement with the Darien Land Trust.

#DarienLandTrust
#ProtectWhatYouLove
#CommunityConservation
#SustainabilityMatters
#DarienCT
#boardmember

🌟 Celebrating Youth Volunteer of the Year: Henr

🌟 Celebrating Youth Volunteer of the Year: Henry Nardi! 🦅

Last Tuesday, Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus attended the @darienctchamber Volunteer Award Ceremony hosted by @nielsensflorist. Henry, an Eagle Scout candidate, was submitted for consideration by the Land Trust for his project which included building a trail and restoring a pollinator garden. 🦋

We are thrilled to announce that Henry was named the Darien Chamber of Commerce Youth Volunteer of the Year! 🎉

Henry poured his heart into creating the McPherson Forest Trail. Facing challenges like invasive vines and old dumping sites, Henry transformed the area into a stunning trail that winds through ledge outcroppings and precious inland wetlands. 🌿

But he didn’t stop there! Henry also added educational signage and native tree identification to enhance the experience for all visitors. His commitment to conservation and community is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Henry, for your outstanding work and for making Darien’s natural beauty more accessible to everyone! 🙌

#DarienLandTrust
#DarienChamberofCommerce
#NielsensFlorist
#YouthVolunteerOfTheYear
#EagleScout
#ConservationInAction
#DarienCT

Meet Amy: A Dedicated Volunteer and Advocate for D

Meet Amy: A Dedicated Volunteer and Advocate for Darien’s Natural Beauty 🌳

Amy has called Darien home since 1992, raising her family and contributing to our community in countless ways. From her work with the Parks & Recreation Commission, Person-to-Person, and the Darien Nature Center to her involvement with local schools and the Tokeneke Club, Amy’s dedication to making Darien a better place shines through.

With 42 years of experience as a legal executive, Amy is a Senior Managing Director at Hire Counsel, where she supports legal teams nationwide on eDiscovery for large scale legal matters ranging from insurance claims and internal investigations, to antitrust and litigation.

Her passion for conservation and her deep roots in Darien make her a perfect fit for the Darien Land Trust. Amy is excited to bring her expertise to help us protect and preserve the natural beauty of our community.

Welcome to the Board, Amy! 💚

#DarienLandTrust
#ConservationMatters
#MeetOurTeam
#DarienCT
#ProtectingNature
#CommunityLeadership

🍂 The LEAVE the LEAVES Movement Continues to Bu

🍂 The LEAVE the LEAVES Movement Continues to Build Momentum

Meet some of your neighbors who are embracing nature’s wisdom by letting leaves winter-over. 🌳

🗣️ Roxanne’s Story: After moving to Darien from Georgia 3 years ago, Roxanne and her family realized they didn’t need to fight nature. “Seeing leaves packed into bags felt like the end of a massive cleanup effort, but also just felt wrong,” she shared. Now, by leaving the leaves, they’ve discovered harmony with nature right here in Connecticut. 🍁

🌷 Monica’s Method: Living beside Land Trust property, Monica has been leaving leaves in her garden beds for years. In the spring, she mulches them in as bulbs start to bloom. “Leaves are nature’s vitamins!” says Monica, a yoga instructor committed to health—for people and the planet. 🌎

Many thanks to these passionate conservationists and others who have embraced this initiative! 🙏

🔗 Learn more here:
https://darienlandtrust.org/leave-the-leaves/

#DarienLandTrust
#LeaveTheLeaves
#ConservationMatters
#NatureKnowsBest
#SustainableDarien

🎄 Lit Tree Lane Stroll | Friday, November 29, 2

🎄 Lit Tree Lane Stroll | Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

✨ Get ready to light up your holiday season! Join us next Friday @darienlibrary for the Opening Night of Lit Tree Lane Stroll—a festive celebration of holiday trees inspired by beloved books. 📖 Each tree is uniquely decorated by community members, designers, and local organizations, including the Darien Land Trust! 🌲

New board members Serena Bowman and Emma Clark are bringing the charm of Little House on the Prairie to life with their creative decorations. 🏠

Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with lite bites, libations, and live music. 🍷🎶 We look forward to seeing you!

#DarienLandTrust
#DarienLibrary
#DarienCT
#06820

🌟 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

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Contact

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

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