Since 1967, the New Canaan Land Trust has preserved over 400 acres of open space throughout New Canaan. The organization’s 58-year history can be divided into three distinct phases.

Quiet Protection: 1967 to 2012

Conservation originally followed a preservationist approach — protecting land but leaving it untouched. With a limited budget, no public access, and minimal publicity, awareness and community involvement were low. Still, more than 300 acres were donated or protected through easements.

A 21st Century Land Trust:  2012 to Present

Conservation expanded beyond land protection as NCLT opened 10 public preserves beginning in 2013 and assumed management of the 101-year-old Bristow Bird Sanctuary in 2023. The focus grew to include community engagement, youth programs, and sustainable land care. An additional 100 acres have been protected, membership has topped 500, and community awareness and involvement have risen sharply.

An Empowered Beacon of Conservation:  2025… and Beyond

A strengthened organization with an expanded mandate to protect much more open space and inspire the next generation of conservationists is what the Preserving the Future Campaign envisions.