Norwalk Land Trust Creates Farm Creek Preserve

This is an extraordinary story of a local land trust that led the charge in its community to create a waterfront park in Norwalk, Connecticut.

In 2006, when an iconic waterfront property was placed on the open market, The Norwalk Land Trust (NLT) brought together a group of concerned citizens, the City of Norwalk and others to create and develop a vision for a 16-acre waterfront park on the Hart Peninsula. They wanted to preserve their community’s character as well as one of the last great natural places in the city.

But NLT almost lost their chance: developers were keenly interested in purchasing the land and the land trust didn't have the resources to buy it. Luckily, a “conservation buyer” saved the day and purchased the property for more than $4 million. This gave NLT the time it needed to raise the funds to acquire the property. They immediately began work and the Campaign to Save Farm Creek was born.

The property NLT wanted to save was on the Hart peninsula. For generations, the Hart family cared for the peninsula that came to bear the family name. Over time, portions of the property were sold off and with the each subsequent owner the future of the tidal marshes, woodlands and scenic vistas became uncertain. It wasn’t until NLT’s leadership and the Campaign to Save Farm Creek that a vision for the peninsula’s future took shape.

On Earth Day 2007, the City of Norwalk, the current owner of the majority of Hart peninsula, placed a permanent conservation easement on 10 acres of untouched woods and tidal marshes. When combined with two existing NLT nature preserves - totaling 4 acres - all that remained to complete Farm Creek Preserve was the acquisition of the 2-acre property at 34 Sammis Street.

Through contributions large and small-from children’s lemonade stands up to a generous grant from the local tax district-the Campaign to Save Farm Creek Preserve had raised $2 million dollars. In early 2008, NLT used this contribution, along with a loan, to purchase the property from the conservation buyer. With the Sammis Street property now conserved, they renewed their fundraising efforts to pay back the loan.

Less than a month after the purchase, NLT approached The Conservation Fund and requested to refinance their loan at a significantly lower interest rate through the Fund’s Land Trust Loan Program. Reggie Hall, the program's manager, was happy to oblige. “Like so many of our local land trust partners around the country, NLT is doing amazing work. The level of professionalism at which they operate and their ability to generate community support and complete such a complex project is astounding. But what is most impressive about the Norwalk Land Trust is that they are an all volunteer organization with no paid staff. Truly inspiring! It is a privilege for the Fund to help in any way that we can and we feel fortunate to call the Norwalk Land Trust a partner.”

Now the wildlife in the area is ensured a home and the people of Norwalk can enjoy the pathways and benches along the water for generations to come. But NLT isn't done yet – once they pay down their debt, they have plans to convert the century old stone barn on the former Hart property into a modest nature center for visitors.

Click on the links below to learn more about Norwalk Land Trust's work establishing Farm Creek Preserve.

Farm Creek Preserve Informational Brochure

The Story of Conserving Farm Creek Preserve