What is a Land Trust?
A land trust or land conservancy is a community-based, nonprofit organization that actively works to permanently conserve land. In some cases, land trusts acquire land outright. They also partner to conserve land that remains the property of willing landowners using a tool called a conservation easement. Land trusts also manage or restore land once it has been conserved. (https://landtrustalliance.org/why-land-matters/land-conservation/about-land-trusts)
Every land trust is as unique as the community it serves. The Southington Land Conservation Trust was founded in 1973 with the mission of preserving nature in Southington, Connecticut. On February 5, 1974 it was granted the non-profit designation of 501(c )(3).
Education is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of preservation. When people understand the advantages of preserving land and actively engage in the protection of nature, they demonstrate their commitment to responsible land management and ethical development practices. A community that is well-informed can effectively collaborate with government bodies, private landowners, public landholders, and conservation groups to coordinate preservation efforts.
We hope to further the education of our community while actively working to protect our dwindling resources.
To learn more about becoming a Land Trust member click here.
Benefits to Preserving Nature:
-
Maintaining the rural character of an area;
-
Promoting wildlife habitat preservation and biodiversity;
-
Preserving educational and recreational habitats;
-
Safeguarding critical drinking water resources.
The SLCT Board:
Board Officers:
President: Val Guarino
Vice-President: Stan Prushinski
Secretary: Sabraé Boisvert
Treasurer: Shari Guarino
Board Members:
Bill Knoegel
Carol Langley
Alissa Nelson
Sarah Solarz
Joy VanderLek
The History of the Southington Land Trust:
Imagine losing a Southington treasure, a geological puzzle called the "Great Unconformity" where ancient bedrock lies strangely beneath younger stone along Roaring Brook. Back in 1972, this unique site faced the threat of development. But a group of passionate folks from the Southington Conservation Commission, led by Luis J. Lozano, weren't about to let that happen.They reached out to experts and neighboring land trusts, determined to find a way to protect this natural wonder. While outright donation seemed unlikely, an ingenious solution
emerged: a conservation easement. This meant the landowner, a conservation-minded builder named Gerald J. Griffin would still own the land, but agree to keep it undeveloped, thanks to some helpful tax incentives discovered by attorney Russell Brenneman.To hold this easement, the Southington Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) was born in January 1973, with Luis Lozano at its helm. By 1974, the IRS officially recognized SLCT as a non-profit, and they proudly accepted the easement for the Great Unconformity. This remarkable geological site, a favorite of visiting geologists, showcases a massive gap in Earth's timeline, carved by the persistent flow of Roaring Brook over millennia. Continue-->
Celebrating 50 Years
In March of 2023 the State of Connecticut General Assembly issued an official citation to recognize the Southington Land Conservation Trust for 50 years of dedicated service to the town of Southington. Thank you to State Representative Chris Poulos for bestowing upon us this great honor!
At our Anniversary Dinner and Annual Meeting in May, we were presented with a proclamation by Town Council members Victoria Triano and Val DePaulo recognizing our contribution to Southington in preserving and protecting natural areas. We are honored to have received this and will continue our efforts to protect Southington’s natural areas in the future!