Salisbury Association opens new preserve

Salisbury Association opens new preserve

The trailhead for the newly opened preserve.

Alec Linden

SALISBURY — Another 47 acres of pristine Salisbury woodland are now open to the public, thanks to the completion of a hiking trail on the Hecht Preserve located on Route 112.

The Salisbury Association Land Trust acquired the land from John and Mary Belter and Helen Belter Hill in late 2023, aided by funding from the Connecticut Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s Highlands Act, and a generous donation from the Anne and Rollin Bates Foundation.

A little over a year after purchase, the parcel is now available for public use via a 1.3 mile loop trail, which the Trust rates as moderately difficult. Parking for the trail is located at the entrance to Wack Forest along Route 112 about a half mile west of the intersection with Wells Hill Road.

The trail was originally meant to be opened by summer 2024, though the process was delayed as the parking is along a state highway, meaning the Trust had to apply for approval from the Department of Transportation, Trust Co-chair John Landon said.

As it abuts the town-owned Wack Forest, the opening of the Hecht Preserve has created a much larger publicly accessible protected area. The terrain comprises a wooded hillside and ridgeline, and is dissected by a clean, cold-water stream that provides valuable habitat for native fish and other aquatic species. The rest of the property is ecologically rich with a mixture of younger and older forest and several key habitat types.

“There’s definitely a lot of wildlife in that area,” Landon said, noting that he’s seen bears several times nearby.

The preserve was named to honor Lou and Elaine Hecht, longtime contributors to the Trust. Lou was co-chair of the Trust for 17 years and remains an emeritus trustee.

“Lou and Elaine have been huge supporters of the Land Trust for many years,” Landon said. “They’ve just contributed so much to the town and have educated people about the importance of the environment.”

Latest News

Arts nonprofit holds opening party

Young artists express creativity at Canaan Arts Space’sgrand opening.

Jules Williams

NORTH CANAAN — This past Sunday, July 27, Canaan Kids Artspace celebrated its grand opening party at the historical Colonial Theatre at 27 Railroad St.

The Canaan Kids Artspace is a nonprofit organization run by Executive Director and Founder Breetal Graves that aims to make art accessible to all children while also caring for the environment. The organization values creativity and hopes to push children towards self-discovery and exploration through their artwork.

Keep ReadingShow less
Critter time at Hunt Library

From left, Eli Sher, Noah Sher and Samuel Leers examined scat samples and other interesting items from the animal kingdom at the David M. Hunt Library July 26.

Patrick L. Sullivan

FALLS VILLAGE — A toad stole the show at the David M. Hunt Library Saturday morning, July 26.

The occasion was a visit from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Elisa Black.

Keep ReadingShow less
Falls Village lowers EV charger rate

FALLS VILLAGE — Faced with complaints about the high cost of the town’s electric vehicle charger, First Selectman Dave Barger took on the process of lowering the price.

As of last week, the machine was set for $1.45 per kilowatt hour. Barger said on Thursday, July 24 that rate was set by the Board of Selectmen several years ago and has not been adjusted.

Keep ReadingShow less
From South Kent to NBA Summer League

On July 19, Jordan Gainey recorded seven points, two assists and a rebound when the Phoenix Suns played the Portland Trailblazers in NBA Summer League.

Provided

“There were many days I’d be in on the hillside of South Kent just thinking, ‘Man, am I gonna make it?’” reflected Jordan Gainey.

In June, the South Kent School Class of 2021 alumnus signed an NBA Summer League contract with the Phoenix Suns.

Keep ReadingShow less