Walk through meadows, cross streams, and explore wooded areas at the Newtown Forest Association’s (NFA) newest preserve on November 10.

The NFA members are proud to officially open Cherry Grove Preserve, named for Cherry Grove Farm, with a dedication hike on Saturday, November 10, at 1 pm. The date marks the one-year anniversary since the NFA started its preservation effort. The preserve covers roughly 30 acres located at the corner of Palestine, Beaver Dam Road, and Platts Hill Road.

Following the dedication ceremony are two hikes, one milder and one more strenuous. Light refreshments will be served. Walks will be suitable for a variety of skill levels and of varying difficulty. Meet at the parking area. A sign will mark the pull-off from Palestine Road.

“The public is encouraged to come see the property,” said NFA vice president Bart Smith. People have already been hiking — the space has been open to the public since May, he said.

Purchasing 17 acres to add to its land ownership, the NFA’s acquisition is coupled with about 13 acres of what would otherwise be town-owned open space — a preservation of nearly 30 acres.

An agreement was made with the farm’s then-owner, Greg Carnrick, a Sandy Hook builder and owner of GRC Construction LLC.

Financial donations from 400-plus individuals and organizations as of late last year and into early 2018 made the $600,000 sale possible.

Also contributing to the purchase were town funds. $100,000 came from a town open space fund to purchase a development easement at Cherry Grove Farm.

In the past year, “we have built bridges, cleared new trails that connect to other open space, and are in process of formalizing parking on Palestine Road,” said Mr Smith.

Members will turn the schoolhouse foundation into a wildflower garden. The NFA is also working with the Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) on trail maintenance and horse trail access.

During the last year, the NFA has spearheaded efforts to preserve much of this Newtown landmark, according to a recent release.

“The response was overwhelming. In less than six months, over $450,000 dollars in donations to purchase and preserve the land were raised,” Mr Smith said. Joining donations from individuals and the town of Newtown were charitable foundations and civic organizations, speaking to the project’s broad community support.

Ultimately, 30 acres of meadows, streams, and forestland from Cherry Grove Farm, with origins dating back to 1845, were preserved. This NFA property allows public access and will keep the landscape relatively unchanged. Unlike many Newtown farms that have disappeared over time, people will still be able to recognize Cherry Grove for generations to come.

Call For Volunteers

The Newtown Forest Association (NFA) seeks residents’ help with property inspections.

The NFA, a private and trust, inspect its land annually. “We do these inspections for many reasons, but mostly to help preserve the properties we own in their original state,” according to a recent press release.

Join a brief training session on Saturday, November 3, at 11 am, at NFA headquarter at Holcomb Hill, 65 Great Hill Road. Volunteers who cannot make the group training session can arrange for individual training.

“In recent years, we have acquired many new properties,” and NFA members are inviting local residents to help with site inspections — walking a property, filling out a form, and taking a few pictures. Volunteers who cannot complete the inspections on November 3 can complete them at their convenience anytime this calendar year.

Properties range in size and terrain, welcoming residents with all levels of hiking abilities to participate.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to give back to their community, meet new friends, and hike new properties,” according to the release. Volunteers do not need to be NFA members.

The Newtown Forest Association (NFA) is the oldest land trust in Connecticut, currently stewarding more than 1300 acres in town. The charitable 501c(3) organization’s primary goal is to acquire and protect land from development, protect natural habitats, water quality, scenic views, ensure the future of local farms, and most importantly, maintain the rural character of Newtown. The NFA is most concerned about being able to pass our unspoiled outdoors to future generations.

Residents interested in volunteering for property inspections can RSVP at volunteer@newtownforestassociation.org. Learn more at newtownforestassociation.org.