About
Almost 633+ acres of land has been preserved forever through the Cheshire Land Trust.This land includes farms, forest, wetland and meadow. Some properties are important for their historical relevance or sensitive ecosystems. These properties come to the land trust in a variety of ways from conservation easements to fee ownership or land donation.
Officers
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Michael Ceccorulli
President
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Jeff Nelson
Vice President
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David Schrumm
Treasurer
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Carolyn Claflin
Secretary​​​​​​
Board of Directors
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Michael Ceccorulli
Carolyn Claflin
John Hilzinger
Eric Hyson
Jim Mertz
​​​Jeffrey Nelson
Karen Schnitzer
David Schrumm
Bill Stanley
John Wonneberger
Our History
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An old ledger documents the beginning of the Cheshire Land Trust. A group of concerned citizens met at the home of Emma “Lee” and Seymour Pelz on Cheshire Street on March 26, 1969. Twelve people gave $5 each to start the Trust.
Twelve people... five dollars
The foresight of this small group is remarkable. They planted the seed for a land trust at a time when the environmental movement was just starting to sweep the country.
By the end of 1969, more people had joined. In the following year, the Trust accepted its first gift, a 40-acre forested parcel on Cheshire’s western ridge.
Others helped the seed grow. Landowners gifted land out of love for their land, some of which had been in their family for decades. Several individuals left monetary bequests. Finally, there are the many members who have paid their dues every year and made additional contributions over the years.
Understanding why we all have chosen Cheshire to raise our families is easy with all the pastoral beauty and open spaces.
Help us to maintain the quality of Cheshire’s natural resources with your financial and volunteer support.
---- By David Schrumm
Our Mission
Preserve
natural resources of the State of Connecticut, including water resources, marshland, swamp, woodland, open spaces and the plant and animal life therein.
Unique historic and scenic sites.
Promote
the scientific study of and educate the public regarding local natural resources including plants, animals, birds and other wildlife.
Acquire
by gift, purchase, or otherwise real and personal property for the benefit of all the inhabitants of the State of Connecticut for conservational, educational, scientific and recreational purposes.
