What does the Greenwich Land Trust do?
We actively seek, protect and care for the land donated to the GLT by landowners and neighborhood groups.  Land is given to the GLT in order to preserve open space in Greenwich in perpetuity.  We then become stewards of the land entrusted to us. We are a local conservation organization.

Why is it important to protect land?
Permanently protected land is vital to the environmental health of our community.  Open space promotes clean air, clean water, and preservation of our wildlife habitats, species and natural beauty.

How can I donate property or an easement for open space?
Call or email our Executive Director Ginny Gwynn at 203.629.2151.  We have experts who can assist you with the process of donating land or a conservation easement.

How much land does the Greenwich Land Trust protect? Where are the properties located?
We protect more than 700 acres at over 130 properties, from the backcountry to the shoreline of Greenwich.  In all likelihood, there is a GLT property or conservation easement in your neighborhood.  Our properties include forests, meadows, coastal and freshwater environments.

Examples of some of our most well-known properties include:

• Shell Island in Long Island Sound
• Fisher Field at Sabine Farm on Round Hill Road
• the 94-acre Treetops Preserve along the Greenwich/Stamford border.   

How does the Greenwich Land Trust acquire land?
The GLT actively works with landowners and local residents to preserve and protect open space. Our goal is to build greenways throughout the community which provide extended and continuous open space while protecting waterways, woodlands and open meadows. There are two ways that the GLT can protect land permanently:

• Ownership of the land
• Ownership of the development rights (known as Conservation Easements) 

What is a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between the GLT and a landowner to protect property from future development. The landowner who gives an easement retains ownership but gives up certain development rights in exchange for protecting his land and receiving tax benefits. Conservation easements are tailored to each property and based on the landowner's needs.

What benefits do donors of land or easements receive?
In addition to the satisfaction of protecting open space, donors may receive sizeable income, estate and property tax benefits.   The magnitude of the tax benefits depends on the nature of the gift, the size of the property and the donor's personal tax situation which can only be assessed by the donor's tax and legal advisors.  The GLT is available to assist in formulating the questions that should be posed to these advisors.

Is the Greenwich Land Trust affiliated with the Town of Greenwich?
The GLT is a private, non-profit conservation organization and member of the Land Trust Alliance, a national network of community based local land trusts.  GLT receives no funding from the Town of Greenwich.  However, we often work closely in partnership with the Town and other groups on open space projects.  The acquisition of Treetops Preserve is one example of a Town/GLT partnership.

Can I visit Greenwich Land Trust properties?
Every year, we offer a variety of everchanging experiences  to visit Greenwich Land Trust properties.  Join us for our annual spring walk along a wildlife corridor to view vernal pools.  Sail with us along the Greenwich coastline to explore tidal pools and saltmarsh habitats.   Spend an evening under the stars  in one of our meadows as a guest astronomer describes the constellations.  Bring the kids for apple picking at our orchard.   
    
We are increasing the ways we connect  the community with the abundant resources and beauty of GLT land.  Come  enjoy our properties and learn from our conservation experts.

          2009 Events:  Fisher Field at Sabine Farm (Stargazing), Duck Pond Hill Preserve (Earth Day  
          Clean Up), Gildersleeve Preserve, Sargent Woodlands, Stone Preserve (Spring Walk), Shell 
          Island (Kayak Excursion), Old Greenwich Tidal Marshes (Old Greenwich Boat Tour), Clyne
          Preserve (Geology Walk), White Birch Farm Conservation Easement (Go Wild)

Visit the 94-acreTreetops Preserve, located on the Greenwich/Stamford Border:  In addition to the events on our properties, you are always welcome  to enjoy nature at  the 94-acre Treetops preserve.  Treetops is permanently protected through conservation easements held by the GLT and 3 partner groups. This property boasts a scenic trail system, beautiful rock outcrops, and second-growth forests.  It can be enjoyed year- round.  Access is either from Cognewaugh Road in Cos Cob or from Merribrook Lane in Stamford.

How does the Greenwich Land Trust care for the land?
We have an Environmental Director and trained volunteers who monitor and inspect the properties and provide maintenance and restoration as needed.  A maintenance plan is developed for each property, according to its unique topography and the plants and animals that thrive there. Staff and volunteers visit our properties, at least once each year, monitoring for any problems which are reported to the Environmental Director.

How does the Greenwich Land Trust differ from other conservation organizations?
Our properties are protected forever through deed restrictions and can never be sold or developed. We are a local, grass roots organization.  We actively manage our properties. 

How long has the Greenwich Land Trust been in existence ?
We were founded over 30 years ago, by a visionary group of Greenwich residents who foresaw the need to protect our environment for future generations.

Are there other ways I can get involved besides donating land?
There are many ways.  Become a member.  Attend our special events such as Go Wild, seasonal walks, and educational forums.  Contribute to our annual appeal or special fund raising campaigns.   Become a "hands-on" volunteer, helping in the office, working on the land or on special events.