Land Trust talks about successes in 2015

WINCHESTER CENTER — The Winchester Land Trust (WLT) held its annual meeting inside the gazebo on the Winchester Center Green on Sunday, Aug. 30. 

The nonprofit service organization has had an eventful year, preserving and safeguarding 369 acres of unique scenic, natural and historic sites.

 The group’s most recent conservation addition was five acres of the Stevens Preserve near Highland Lake in late 2014.

“During the fiscal year from July 2014 to June 2015 the WLT led a Waterbury Turnpike Cleanup and Ruez Trail building in October 2014,” WLT President Jen Perga said at the meeting. “The Beardsley and Memorial Library hosted a Land Trust sponsored presentation of endangered owls and exotic ducks from the Litchfield based Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. On Connecticut Trails Day on June 6, 2015, the group trail blazed the newly created Ruez Trail. Currently the Land Trust is updating their map of preserved land as well as their maps of trails in Winsted.”

Most recently, the WLT partnered with local rock stars, Chronic Rhythm, and put on a show at the Knights of Columbus on Aug. 12 to raise money for Eagle Scout candidate Cash Pac’s proposed Boy Scout Eagle Project to build an information and trail map kiosk at Hurlbut Field.

Shelley Harms, Land Trust treasurer, excitedly thanked donors and members of the group. 

“This past year we paid off the balance of a $180,000 loan we took out in 2009 to purchase the Hurlbut Field property which extends to Winchester Lake,” Harms said. 

Formed in 1988, The Winchester Land Trust works to preserve the rural character and natural resources of the Winchester area, and to educate the community about the benefits of land conservation and balanced growth. For more information, visit www.winchester-landtrust.org.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less