The Kent-based Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, the largest land trust in the state, protects and maintains recreational trails throughout its 22 public nature preserves in Northwest Connecticut.
KENT — Not long ago, people headed for the hills and trails at nature preserves in unprecedented numbers as hiking became an antidote to the global pandemic. Although COVID-19 has subsided, trail usage in the Northwest Corner and throughout Connecticut continues to climb as residents and visitors seek outdoor recreation and a connection to nature.
In response, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is investing in those natural resources to the tune of $10 million in funding aimed at supporting the planning, building, expansion and improvement of 45 multi-use trails throughout the state.
The state’s largest land trust, the Kent-based Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC), is one of the grant recipients of the CT DEEP Recreational Trails and Greenway Grant Program and the CT Greenways Council. NCLC has 22 public nature preserves open to the public in 11 towns.
The nonprofit organization applied for, and was awarded in June, $280,000 to enhance trail networks on its protected lands, improving access to nature in Northwest Connecticut.
Its preserves are located in Canaan, Cornwall, Brookfield, Kent, Litchfield, New Milford, Newtown, Roxbury, Sharon, Sherman and Torrington, and serve the region.
Catherine Rawson, NCLC’s executive director, said she is “incredibly grateful” for the funding, “which will be used to develop a master plan for improvements and infrastructure at each of our 22 public nature preserves as well as five new potential preserves that we are seeking to open to the public.”
The assessment and planning process, said Rawson, will focus on safety and multi-use options for hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts.
“We’re seeing, since the pandemic, a continued and very strong interest in the use of our nature preserves in our region, and that has not abated post-pandemic. It’s still quite strong,” Rawson noted.
The Connecticut Trail Census, a project of the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), recorded more than 2.7 million trail users at 42 trail counter locations across Connecticut in 2023. Average daily uses increased by 28% in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic (2017 to 2019) uses.
Rawson said the master plan will also identify locations for ADA-accessible trails, helping NCLV connect more people to the land.
“This funding will significantly boost our efforts to provide high-quality, accessible trails that allow residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty of Northwest Connecticut,” said Rawson. “It perfectly aligns with our mission to conserve land and water resources while promoting public enjoyment of these natural areas.”
Rawson said the first round of funding will be used to assess each of NCLC’s preserves for what their infrastructure needs are, including how to improve access and create more multi-use options. That step, she said, will begin in the fall and serve as the framework for a multi-year process focusing on project implementation and fundraising.
Among popular NCLC trails in the Northwest Corner are the 64-acre Alice McCallister Memorial Sanctuary and the 20-acre Cobble Brook Vista, both in Kent, as well as the 163-acre Sharon Wildwoods Nature Preserve. NCLC is seeking to open five new potential public nature preserves in Canaan, Cornwall, Sharon, Kent and Litchfield.
Additional Litchfield County grant recipients include the Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway, Inc. ($320,000); Goshen Land Trust ($89,744); Town of Salisbury ($50,000) and Steep Rock Association ($60,000).
“These projects represent an investment in our communities, connecting our residents and visitors with open spaces, and providing equitable and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement announcing the trail grants. “Connection to Connecticut’s natural resources benefit everyone physically and mentally and enhance our state’s overall economy.”
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation in 2022 contributed nearly $4.5 billion to the state and supported more than 45,000 jobs.
The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.
The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.
The cost is $50 per child and includes instruction and lunch on both days. For more information or to register, visit www.skireg.com/swsa-camp or email info@jumpfest.org
Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.
LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.
The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.
Barkhamsted First Selectman Meaghan Cook, Goshen First Selectman Seth Breakell, Kent First Selectman Eric Epstein, Norfolk First Selectman Henry Tirrell, North Canaan First Selectman Jesse Bunce and Torrington Mayor Molly Spino were each elected to their post in November.
They filled the seats of their predecessors on the COG, who were each given a toast of appreciation: Nick Lukiwsky (Barkhamsted), Todd Carusillo (Goshen), Marty Lindenmeyer (Kent), Matt Riiska (Norfolk), Brian Ohler (North Canaan) and Elinor Carbone (Torrington).
COG Executive Director Rob Phillips said the outgoing members were given a going away mug that read “You’re living the dream still.” Members voted to appoint Warren First Selectman Greg LaCava to fill a vacancy on the Council’s Executive Committee. COG members voted by paper ballot, and LaCava defeated Burlington First Selectman Doug Thompson for the vacant seat.
Ryan Segalla takes a fadeaway shot over a defender.
FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys basketball team defeated Pine Plains High School 60-22 in a scrimmage Tuesday, Dec. 9. The non-league preseason game gave both sides an opportunity to run the court ahead of the 2025-26 varsity season.
HVRHS’s senior-heavy roster played with power and poise. The boys pulled ahead early and kept their foot on the gas through to the end.
By halftime the score was 33-8. Junior varsity players subbed in for the second half, but not before the starters got some in-game dunk practice. By the end Housatonic totaled 60 points to Pine Plains’ 22.
Nick Crodelle dribbles the ball up the court during the game.By Riley Klein
Nick Crodelle led the Mountaineers offensively with 13 points. Anthony Labbadia and Wyatt Bayer scored nine points each. Anthony Foley scored eight points. Owen Riemer and Ryan Segalla each scored seven points. Peyton Bushnell hit a three-pointer. Jaxon Visockis and Henry Berry each scored two points.
HVRHS begins Berkshire League competition on the road at Nonnewaug High School Tuesday, Dec. 16, with a 6 p.m. tip off.
Anthony Labbadia By Riley Klein
Owen Riemer block By Riley Klein
Katie Moore delivers toys to the Stuff a Truck campaign held by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department last weekend. Donated toys are collected so that parents, who need some assistance, may provide their children with gifts this Christmas. Accepting the donation are elves Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci
KENT — Santa’s elves were toasty warm as they collected toys for the children of Kent.
Keeping with annual tradition, Fran Goodsell and Karen Iannucci manned the Stuff a Truck campaign sponsored by the Kent Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Sitting in front of a fire pit in the firehouse parking lot between donations from residents, they spoke of the incredible generosity displayed every season. That spirit of giving was clear from the piles of toys heaped on a table.
“This is always so gratifying,” said Goodsell, noting that certain businesses, including High Watch Recovery Center, Wilson’s, and Kent and South Kent schools needed a “shout out” for all they’ve done. She said South Kent School focuses on gifts for older children, which is a group that often is overlooked.
Unwrapped contributions are sought for children 1 to 15 years old who might otherwise find little or nothing from Santa, they said. The bounty will be set up at the Community House on Thursday, allowing parents to come and take what they want. If there are still items left, grandparents are invited to “shop.”
The atmosphere was festive Saturday, as a stuffed dog began barking a Christmas tune whenever someone walked in front of it. A large decked-out bear posted at the parking lot entrance reminded passersby of the event. Visiting children were able to get a close-up look at the fire truck and walk through the firehouse if they wished.
Goodsell and Iannucci were very grateful to those who donated wood for the fire pit. “And so many asked if they could bring us coffee or hot chocolate,” said Iannucci.
Goodsell said many who came talked about having grown children who were recipients of the gifts when their families were struggling. “They are so glad to be able to give back,” she said.
