46°
"Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don't fence me in. Let me ride through the wide open country that I love, Don't fence me in." This song lyric, written about cowboys, also describes The Darien Land Trust's mission: to preserve and protect open space. The Trust's Executive Director, Shirley Nichols and Stewardship Co-Chairs Den Frelinghuysen and Chris Filmer elaborate on their organization's work in a talk on Thursday, May 6 at the Darien Library. They'll also describe how individuals can become "positive forces for nature." Highlighted in the talk are the Land Trust's accomplishments this past year as well as its involvement and goals for current projects. Their talk also emphasizes why our communities need this precious resource, open space.The Darien Land Trust now owns or has conservation easements over 190 acres in the town. Diverse natural environments, such as wetlands along the Five Mile River, tidal salt marshes at Holly Pond and Scott's Cove, and upland forests in Dunlap Woods, are now permanently preserved as a result of its efforts. Acquiring the 9-acre Mather Meadows property this past year, allows the preservation of meadow habitat with historical significance. Recent land donations on Brookside Road, Valley Forge and Molly Lane have also greatly expanded the open space under preservation.At the library, Den Frelinghuysen focuses his remarks on the importance of providing natural habitat for birdlife, and how improving habitat for birds also improves it for us all. He will show examples of recent stewardship projects based on that objective. Chris Filmer gives an intimate, bird's-eye view of a local backyard, and describes how just a few changes can upgrade its ecology. Their presentation at the Darien Library begins at 7 p.m. and is free. For more information, visit the Darien Library's site and The Darien Land Trust's website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
