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

Darien Times

Published September 15, 2024

Darien Land Trust collaborates with the developers of Cloud 10 to increase the conservation value of the new car wash. Read more here.

darienlandtrust

✨ 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

🍄 Discover Nature’s Hidden Gems! Join us for

🍄 Discover Nature’s Hidden Gems!

Join us for the next installment of our Walk Your Land Trust series this Sunday! This time, we’re teaming up with mycologist Aubrey Carter from @stamfordland for a Mushroom Walk at the NEW Harry Day Preserve.

📅 Sunday, October 20th | 10 AM
📍 Newman Mills Park on Riverbank Rd, Stamford
🔗 RSVP: https://www.stamfordland.org/event-info/walk-your-land-trust-mushroom-walk-at-the-harry-day-preserve

Explore the fascinating world of fungi and learn to identify different mushroom species while enjoying the stunning fall scenery. 🍂

#DarienLandTrust
#stamfordlandconservationtrust
#WalkYourLandTrust
#MushroomWalk
#GetOutside
#FallAdventures

Join Us THIS SUNDAY for a Fall Clean Up! 🍂 Com

Join Us THIS SUNDAY for a Fall Clean Up! 🍂

Come out to Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve this Sunday, October 20th, from 2-4 p.m. for a community clean-up! 🗑️ Help pick up trash and install rails along our trails. Soak in the gorgeous autumn foliage while making a positive impact with your friends and neighbors. 🍁 🙌

🔗 Registration: https://darienlandtrust.org/news/
📅 When: Sunday, October 20th, 2-4 p.m.
🚗 Parking: Heather Lane cul-de-sac

#DarienLandTrust
#FallCleanUp
#CommunityAction
#ProtectOurPlanet
#KeepDarienBeautiful
#MakeADifference

🌿 Olson Woods & Piacentini Preserve Restoration

🌿 Olson Woods & Piacentini Preserve Restoration Update 🌱

We recently met with Craig Flaherty, President & Senior Engineer at Redniss & Mead, to explore green infrastructure solutions for stormwater management at Olson Pond and the Noroton River. 🌧 By adding filtration and reabsorption areas, we can help reduce the impact of heavy rain events, which carry microplastics, nitrogen, and pesticides into our waterways.

Redniss & Mead are part of an incredible team, including the USDA and CT DEEP, working to restore and preserve the ecological value of Olson Woods—our second-largest public access property. 🙌 Big thanks to our dedicated board members for joining us in learning how we can make a difference and set an example for proactive land management. 🌎

You can be a part of this important restoration! 💪 Join us for a Volunteer Clean Up at Olson Woods!

📅 Sunday, October 20th | 2-4 pm
🔗 Register here: https://darienlandtrust.org/news/

#DarienLandTrust
#RednissMeade
#ConservationMatters
#EcoRestoration
#SustainableDarien

🍁 A Fall Walk Full of Forest Wisdom Earlier t

🍁 A Fall Walk Full of Forest Wisdom

Earlier this month, Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus had the perfect fall day for an eye-opening walk at Greenwich Land Trust’s 40 acre Lapham Preserve, guided by the renowned ecologist, Tom Wessels. 🌲 His deep knowledge truly brought the forest to life! Here are some fascinating facts Elizabeth learned that will change how she experiences our Connecticut woods:

🍂 Did you know that woody debris, like a fallen tree, makes for a more resilient and healthy forest? Dead trees host more life than living ones, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

🌳 Did you know that oak trees grow two types of leaves? The smaller "sun leaves" are at the top and are more leathery, able to sustain the direct exposure.
The larger "shade leaves" are located in the mid to lower sections of the tree.

🍄 Did you know that most of a forest's biodiversity is underground? The mycelium carpet provides essential nutrients to the root structure of trees.

If you want to learn more, Elizabeth highly recommends Tom's book, Reading the Forested Landscape. 📖 And if you'd like to join Elizabeth on a walk through one of Darien Land Trust's properties—she would love to share more insights! 🌿

#DarienLandTrust
#GreenwichLandTrust
#ForestFacts
#NatureWalk
#ExploreCT

🌿 Trail Opening & Pollinator Garden Celebration

🌿 Trail Opening & Pollinator Garden Celebration 🌼

We couldn’t have asked for a better fall morning to celebrate the opening of the McPherson Trail and the Pollinator Garden Restoration! 🍁🌳 A huge thank you to Scout Henry Nardi, who took the lead on this incredible project, clearing invasive vines and debris to create a beautiful new path. 🛤️

Henry’s dedication didn’t stop there—he also researched and wrote educational signs to raise awareness about native plants, trees, and the critical role inland wetlands play in supporting water health downstream. 🌊 He even installed tree identification signs so visitors can learn about the amazing native tree species along the trail! 🌲📚

Our pollinator garden is nearly complete, with the final planting of native rudbeckia (black-eyed susans) 🌻 coming soon. The garden features native plant plugs grown from seed by the Greenwich Land Trust, thank you GLT! Some of the seeds may have originated from our own Mather Meadows, just across the street, making this project a true homecoming for these plants! 🐝🦋🌼 This garden will provide a vital resource for bees, butterflies, and birds, and we can’t wait to see it flourish in the spring.

We’re so proud of Henry’s hard work and vision in bringing this project to life! His efforts have added an exciting new feature to our property. 👏

Thank you Troop 53 for your tireless efforts! And to @greewichlandtrust, @HPeetsBees and @matherhomestead-we are grateful for your support. 💚

This is a seasonal trail—so don’t miss your chance to visit one more time this fall during the Mather Homestead Fall Festival on Saturday, 10/26 from 11-2pm! 🎃🍂 Check out their website for details and tickets.

#DarienLandTrust
#eaglescoutproject
#boyscoutsofamerica

🌳 Join us for a special walk on the NEW McPhers

🌳 Join us for a special walk on the NEW McPherson Trail! 🥾

📅 Saturday, October 5th | 10 AM

In September, Scouts from Troop 53 and a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly for 3 Sundays to build the McPherson Trail from the ground up! They cleared the area, laid the foundation, and built the trail. ⚒ They even came back to restore our pollinator garden. 🦋

A huge shout out to Henry Nardi of Troop 53 who led the effort for his Eagle Scout project. 🙌

Now is your chance to explore the fruits of their labor! Bring friends and family to experience this beautiful new trail, which highlights McPherson Meadow's mature native trees, exposed ledge, and essential wetlands. The forest trail connects to a mowed path through the meadow, offering a serene and picturesque journey through diverse landscapes. 🍂

🔗 RSVP:https://darienlandtrust.org/news/

#DarienLandTrust
#McPhersonTrail
#CommunityVolunteers
#ExploreNature
#PollinatorGarden
#WalkYourLandTrust
#eaglescoutproject

🌸 THIS Sunday, 9/29 - Help this Garden Grow! 🌼

Over the past two weekends, Henry Nardi, his fellow Scouts from Troop 53 and a team of volunteers, have been building the McPherson Trail. 🌳 This new forest trail, Henry's Eagle Scout project, will highlight mature native trees, exposed ledge and the important wetlands which feed into Mather Pond, the Goodwives River and eventually Long Island Sound. 🌊

Next up on his project? Breathing new life into our pollinator garden! 🦋 Originally established by an Eagle Scout project in 2021, the garden became overrun with invasive mugwort. Earlier this week, our Executive Director, Elizabeth Mathus, along with volunteer Serena Bowman, cleared the area to make way for something special. 🐝

🌱 This Sunday, we’ll be fortifying the soil and planting 150 native plant plugs grown from seed by @greenwichlandtrust, along with 50 rescued coneflowers!

Be a part of this transformation and let's create a thriving habitat for our local pollinators together.

📅 When: Sunday, 9/29 | 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 Parking: Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Rd

#DarienLandTrust
#GreenwichLandTrust
#pollinators
#keepdariengreen
#keepdarienopen
#eaglescoutproject

This Sunday: Forest Bathing at Mary Peatman Preser

This Sunday: Forest Bathing at Mary Peatman Preserve 🌿

Our Walk Your Land Trust Series continues this weekend. Please join us on Sunday, September 29 at 10 AM on for a peaceful Forest Bathing experience at the beautiful Mary Peatman Preserve. 🌳 Immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility with Bill Wrenn, Director of @norwalklandtrust, and discover the rejuvenating power of mindful connection to the natural world. 🧘‍♀️

📍 Location: 16 Birchside Drive, Norwalk

#DarienLandTrust
#NorwalkLandTrust
#WalkYourLandTrust
#ForestBathing

🛠️ Meet Luke Romanowski: Building a Brighter

🛠️ Meet Luke Romanowski: Building a Brighter Future for Bluebirds! 🐦✨

We are thrilled to introduce Luke Romanowski from Darien Scout Troop 53, who has chosen the Darien Land Trust as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout Project —building bluebird nesting boxes! 🏡 These new boxes will replace damaged ones on our existing properties and be installed on newer properties with sufficient meadow and sunlight conditions. 🌞🌾

Recently, we met Luke at Ring's End Darien where Colin Campbell (third generation owner) guided us in selecting the best cedar material and shared his insights on the project’s design. 🪵🔧 Big thanks to @rings_end for partnering with us and supporting the development of young conservationists in our community! 🙌

Stay tuned for updates as Luke kicks off his project! For more information on bluebird nesting boxes, visit the CT DEEP website:

🔗 https://portal.ct.gov/deep

📸 Pictured - DLT Trustee Kevin Bean, Colin Campbell, DLT Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus and Luke Romanowski

#DarienLandTrust
#EagleScoutProject
#BluebirdBoxes
#YouthConservation
#CommunityPartnership
#RingsEnd

🌟 Just 2 Days Left to Support the "Brighter Day

🌳 Join Reishi in the "Replant Darien" Challenge

🌳 Join Reishi in the "Replant Darien" Challenge! 🐾

Starting today, Sept 20th, The Gardener's Center is tackling the loss of Darien's tree canopy with the "Replant Darien Challenge"! 🌱 Choose from three native tree and three native shrub varieties, handpicked for our Ecoregion, available for preorder until Oct 6th. Pick up will be from Oct 14-18, and the best part? These 3-gallon sizes are easy to plant—no heavy equipment needed! 💪 It’s the perfect chance to restore your yard and help rejuvenate our community’s canopy! 🍃

But that’s not all! The Gardener’s Center is going all-in, **doubling their donation** to the Darien Land Trust (DLT) & Pollinator Pathway (PP)—from 10 to 20 trees and shrubs—if we surpass 100 public purchases! 💚 These trees and shrubs will be planted on DLT's public access properties early this fall, enhancing our town’s green spaces.

We are immensely grateful and hope the community will rise to the challenge to restore Darien’s canopy! 🌳 Every purchase makes a difference.

🌟 How can you get involved?
1️⃣ Preorder your native trees or shrubs between 9/20-10/6
2️⃣ Plant them in your yard and help restore Darien's natural beauty!
3️⃣ Share your photos and stories with us—we’d love to follow your replanting journey! 📸

#DarienLandTrust
#darienpollinatorpathway
#ReplantDarien
#NativePlants
#ConservationInAction
#PollinatorPathway
#CommunityChallenge
#PlantANewTree

🌲 New Forest Trail & Pollinator Garden Restorat

🌲 New Forest Trail & Pollinator Garden Restoration 🦋

Last Sunday, Henry Nardi, members of Troop 53, and an amazing team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to lay the foundation for the new forest trail at McPherson Meadow! 💪 It was a long day of clearing decades-old vines from trees, unearthing 30+ ceramic drainage pipes, bottles, metal poles and pots—and even the remains of what could be an old headstone. Don’t worry, it was left where it was found and we’ll take a closer look when Henry and the scouts return this Sunday!

Next up? 🌼 Restoring the pollinator garden—originally created by a previous Eagle Scout project in 2021 but overtaken by invasive mugwort. The restoration will begin by removing as much of the mugwort roots as possible. The soil will be fortified and 150 native plant plugs grown from seed by @greenwichlandtrust will be added. 🌱 Fifty rescued coneflowers will also be included to create a flourishing space for pollinators! 🐝

Please join us! Come help Henry, Troop 53, and DLT members and Trustees this Sunday, September 22, from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. Let’s finish the trail and restore the pollinator garden together! 🌿

🚗 Parking is limited—please carpool or park and walk to the trailhead behind the red barn at Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Road.

🔗 Please register here:
https://darienlandtrust.org/news/

#DarienLandTrust
#EagleScout
#matherhomestead
#greenwichlandtrust
#CommunityEffort
#ForestTrail
#PollinatorGarden
#ConservationInAction
#darienct
#volunteering

Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus Explores Conne

Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus Explores Connecticut’s Forest Legacy at Yale Forestry Camp 🌲

I had an amazing final session at Yale Forestry Camp within Great Mountain Forest in Canaan, CT with fellow forest managers! We delved into Connecticut’s rich forest history and learned about programs that help manage and conserve these vital ecosystems. Special thanks to lecturers David Hussong, a soil conservationist from USDA and David Beers, a private and municipal lands service forester from CT DEEP for sharing their expertise! 🌳

Did you know that northwestern CT was once the heart of charcoal and iron production after the Revolutionary War? 🔥 Over 18,000 charcoal pits are still scattered across the state. Charcoal, which allows for longer, hotter burns, was essential for metal production. We even found remnants of a charcoal mound deep in the forest—these massive structures were up to 35' in diameter and 15' high, and produced high-quality charcoal after two weeks of slow burning! 😳

Along our forest walk, we spotted some unique native plants, including the parasitic ghost plant called "Indian Pipe", which thrives without chlorophyll through a process called mycoheterotrophy. We also came across Wintergreen, a beautiful native groundcover. 🌿

Engaging with forestry experts led to some fascinating conversations. Have you ever heard of a wolf tree? Or wondered what mosaic means in the context of forests? 🤔 Feel free to ask me—I’d love to share! Email me at info@darienlandtrust.org

#DarienLandTrust
#ForestManagement
#GreatMountainForest
#CharcoalHistory
#NativePlants
#CTForests
#YaleForestry
#SustainableForests

Growing Change: A Native Garden Transformation 🌱🦋

DLT Vice President Amy Sarbinowski, and her husband Joe took on the challenge of replacing sections of their green lawn with a beautiful native garden. 🌻🏡 Instead of grass that struggles through summer heat, they planted a variety of perennial native plants as a test area—hoping to inspire more yard transformation in the future.

The garden features plants that bloom throughout the year, including Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Joe Pye Weed, Coneflower and Wild Bergamot which attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 🐝 The result? A thriving oasis that renews itself each season, providing a haven for pollinators moving from plant to plant. 🌼

The success of this small project has inspired Amy and Joe to expand their native garden with a greater variety of plants and grasses, allowing for more space as the garden naturally flourishes. Plus, the garden is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and no fertilizer—making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional grass. 💧🌿

Stay tuned as Amy continues to expand this beautiful, sustainable project!

#DarienLandTrust
#NativeGarden
#PollinatorParadise
#SustainableYard
#EcoFriendly
#GrowWithNature

🚨 NEW DATE: Clean-Up at McPherson Trail! Cele

🚨 NEW DATE: Clean-Up at McPherson Trail!

Celebrate the first day of autumn by joining us on Sunday, September 22nd from 10 AM - 2 PM for a Clean-Up and Trail Fix at McPherson Trail! Together, we’ll build a new trail and restore a pollinator garden, creating a lasting impact on our community and environment. 🍁🐝

It’s a fun, hands-on way for people of all ages to get involved, give back, and connect with others who care about protecting our natural spaces. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or just spend some time outdoors, we’d love to see you there!

📅 Sunday, September 22nd | 10 AM - 2 PM
📍Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Rd
🔗 Register at https://darienlandtrust.org/news/

#DarienLandTrust
#CommunityCleanUp
#McPhersonTrail
#PollinatorGarden
#TrailBuilding
#MakeADifference

Community in Action: Olson Woods & Piacentini Pres

Community in Action: Olson Woods & Piacentini Preserve Clean-Up 🌳💪

This past Sunday, DLT Trustees Amy Sarbinowski and Heather Curran led an incredible team of volunteers at Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve for a massive clean-up effort. 🧤🗑️ Among the volunteers was State Representative Tracy Marra, who worked side by side with our youngest helper—a fearless 2-year-old who waded into the river to collect trash along the banks of the river!

After recent heavy rains, debris from upstream collected along the Noroton River. Volunteers found all sorts of items—golf balls, plastic bottles, shopping bags, even clothing—much of it floating and stuck in Olson Pond. 🛍 This important clean-up ensures trash doesn’t make its way to Long Island Sound. 🌊

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers for their time and true dedication to protecting our local environment. 🙌💚

Our next Clean up and Trail Fix is coming up! Please join us:
📅 Sunday, September 22 | 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 McPherson Trail
🚘 Parking located at Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Rd, Darien

#DarienLandTrust
#love06820
#keepdariengreen
#keepdarienopen
#CommunityInAction
#VolunteerPower
#CleanUpCrew
#ProtectOurPlanet
#NorotonRiver

✨ Friendly Reminder: Trail Fix and Clean up Tomo

✨ Friendly Reminder: Trail Fix and Clean up Tomorrow! ✨

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Contact

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

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