The Darien Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant

to the Darien Land Trust

The Darien Land Trust is honored to receive a $100,000 grant from The Darien Foundation to fund the Olson Woods & Piacentini Preserve Access Initiative, a transformative project that will expand and enhance the Land Trust’s second-largest public property.

An ecologically diverse landscape situated along the Noroton River, the 16-acre Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve (OWPP) is home to abundant wildlife—including great blue herons, egret, and owls – as well as majestic native tree species. Yet many residents have never explored its trails. This initiative will change that by providing welcoming access and enriched visitor interaction.

These improvements will transform OWPP into a more accessible, informative and enjoyable natural resource, ideal for students and scouts, hikers, community stewards and all who enjoy a forest walk.

“This generous grant makes it possible for us to open the gates to a spectacular natural resource that has been largely hidden from public view,” said Amy Sarbinowski, President of the Board of the Darien Land Trust. “We are immensely grateful to The Darien Foundation for supporting an initiative that will allow more people in our community to enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and tranquility of Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve.”

“Even though I grew up in Darien, I had not visited the Olson Woods and Piacentini Preserve until last year,” said Ward Glassmeyer, Chair of the Board of The Darien Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with the Darien Land Trust to enhance and support this protected green space, so that it will be more accessible and welcoming for our community.”

Photos by Calderwood Photography