Greenwich, Conn.  - High up on the top branches of an old cedar at the corner of Close and Round Hill Roads, sits a majestic red-tailed hawk whose favorite perch now looks out onto the Greenwich Land Trust’s (GLT) newest nature preserve: the 2.6 acre Fran Brooks Conservation Easement.  The generous conservation easement donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated the development rights to the GLT last week, so that the beautiful open meadow and sweeping pastoral views would be protected forever.

The Fran Brooks Conservation Easement was once part of the historic 400-acre Wilshire Farms that commanded views of Long Island Sound and boasted diverse woodlands of pine, hemlock, and oak trees.  The various farm outbuildings included a stone piggery, a modern dairy, a mill and machine shop, pigeon and chicken houses, multiple icehouses, and smokers for ham and bacon.  The expansive Wilshire Farms also had a tree nursery, rose gardens, and orchards bearing apples, peaches, pears, and cherries.

Today, the Fran Brooks Conservation Easement features a large meadow with mature native grasses such as Little Blue Stem, Indian Grass, and Wild Rye.  These grasses have significant conservation value and provide important erosion control for the neighborhood.  The permanently protected meadow will act as a recharge area for ground and well-water.  A dozen old apple trees also grace the meadow, adding to the excellent habitat for wildlife including raptors, small and large mammals, a variety of ground-dwelling insects, and other animals that prefer open areas to hunt and inhabit.

 “We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to preserve this historic land and are honored to be a partner in its permanent protection ,” said Anita Keefe, Chairman of the GLT’s Acquisition Committee. “This conservation easement allows for private ownership of the land while protecting it from development,” Keefe continued.  “The expanded conservation easement tax benefits that allow a charitable deduction for up to 50% of income to be deducted in a given year, and deductions to be carried forward for 15 years provided an enhanced financial  incentive to the donor.

 “The timing couldn’t have been better,” expanded Ginny Gwynn, GLT’s Executive Director, “because the enhanced tax incentives will expire at the end of 2009 unless Congress acts.  Although a majority of both parties of the House of Representatives support legislation to make these tax incentives permanent, we are uncertain when a bill might be passed. So, we are delighted that this landowner has acted so quickly to protect a beautiful and historic piece of Greenwich.”

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The Greenwich Land Trust, founded in 1976 as a nonprofit conservation organization, is dedicated to preserving land permanently in its natural state for the benefit of this and future generations.  Land conservation and stewardship protect Greenwich's air and water quality, provide corridors for wildlife and offer visual relief in densely populated areas.  The GLT currently preserves more than 729 acres of land in the Greenwich area including woodlands, meadows, orchards, and salt marshes. Visit www.gltrust.org to learn about upcoming events and ongoing programs.  For more information about the expanded tax incentives for conservation easements, please call Ginny Gwynn at 203.629.2151.

The Greenwich Land Trust
Contact: Kara H. Whelan
Director of Membership & Community Outreach
(203) 629-2151
kara@gltrust.org