NEWTOWN – Senator Tony Hwang, Representative Mitch Bolinsky, and Representative Martin Foncello joined the Newtown Forest Association (NFA) in celebrating a century of dedication to woodland and open space preservation. As the NFA marks its 100th anniversary, the delegation proudly announced a $20,000 state grant secured to support the continued stewardship of one of Newtown’s cherished natural spaces.
The Newtown Forest Association has been a cornerstone in preserving the natural beauty of Newtown and the surrounding region. Over the past century, NFA has worked tirelessly to maintain and protect woodlands, trails, and open spaces, providing invaluable recreational and ecological benefits to the community.
In recognition of this milestone, the Newtown Delegation secured a $20,000 grant to repair the deteriorating driveway at Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve. This grant will significantly enhance accessibility to the preserve, ensuring that all residents can continue to enjoy this vital natural resource.
“Congratulations to the Newtown Forest Association on reaching this remarkable milestone of 100 years!” Senator Hwang stated. “Your dedication to preserving our natural beauty and providing woodlands, trails, and open spaces for all to enjoy is truly inspiring. I am proud as state senator to have secured a $20,000 state grant to support your incredible work. This grant will allow ALL residents to access and enjoy the Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve by repairing its deteriorating driveway. It will help ensure that Newtown and our regional communities can continue to explore and cherish a part of the woodlands, trails, and open spaces that NFA has so lovingly maintained for over 100 years. Bravo and cheers to many more years of protecting and celebrating the natural treasures that make Newtown so uniquely special.”
“As Connecticut’s oldest land trust, the history and mission of Newtown Forest Association is an aspirational one! As a state, this is the kind of grassroots action group that we need to embrace and promote through public policy. Preserving forests, agricultural lands, meadows, watersheds, and other open spaces, helps safeguard natural habitats, maintain biodiversity, and protect water quality by reducing runoff and erosion, promoting physical activity, and mental well-being, and providing recreational opportunities. These efforts attract tourism and reduce costs associated with stormwater management and air pollution. They enhance the beauty of communities, foster a sense of place, and offer educational opportunities about nature and conservation,” said Representative Mitch Bolinsky. “Celebrating a century of dedication, the Newtown Forest Association stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of conservation, ensuring that the beauty of our forests and open spaces will be cherished for generations to come.”
“I’m appreciative of the decision from Governor Lamont and Bond Commission members to invest in NFA land conservation projects and to be here to celebrate at the Holcombe Preserve, which also serves as NFA’s headquarters. At 100 years, this is Connecticut’s longest-operating private land trust,” said Foncello. “ I want to congratulate NFA on this milestone and wish them continued success in their efforts to preserve the natural beauty of Newtown in perpetuity,” Representative Foncello stated.
Trent McCann, Executive Director of the Newtown Forest Association, added, “It’s a special moment to be able to celebrate a hundred years of commitment to conservation in Newtown. As we pause to look backward, we are also continuing to build on this legacy, looking forward to the next century. Thank you to all the NFA Board members, volunteers, donors, and Senator Hwang for his commitment to our mission of preserving Newtown’s open spaces. I am excited about everything that we’ll accomplish in the years to come.”
Bart Smith, President of the Newtown Forest Association Board, echoed this sentiment, saying, “As the NFA looks forward to our second century of preservation, we are heartened to know that the state of Connecticut is willing and able to support the preservation of open space. Connecticut’s natural beauty is something that we cannot take for granted.”
“The other interns and I were very grateful for the chance to talk to Senator Hwang and be a part of this amazing moment in NFA history. We have been working all summer, completing various stewardship focus tasks and the money given to us in this bonding fund from the state will go a long way in helping us reach all of our conservation and stewardship goals. This money will help us preserve land, make our land more accessible, and provide open space for residents which I find so great,” said Anthony Sposato, NFA Conservation and Stewardship Intern.
Anthony is a rising sophomore at Cornell University majoring in Environment & Sustainability with an intended minor in Public Policy.
“I think all of us working at the NFA are very proud to have played a role in this historical moment. We could not have gotten here without the generous support of NFA members, volunteers, and the shared vision of Executive Director Trent McCann and Senator Hwang. Together, they embody the mission of the NFA: to preserve and protect the land entrusted to it, in perpetuity,” said Olivia Moody, NFA Caretaker Intern.
Olivia is a rising sophomore at New York University majoring in Computer Science with an intended minor in Finance.
The Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve, a cornerstone of NFA’s conservation efforts, offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the beauty of Newtown’s natural environment. The grant funding will address critical repairs to the driveway, improve access, and ensure that this treasured space remains open and welcoming to all.
The Newtown Delegation and the Newtown Forest Association look forward to celebrating this centennial milestone and continuing their shared commitment to preserving and enhancing Newtown’s natural beauty.
The post Newtown Delegation Celebrates Newtown Forest Association’s 100th Anniversary and Announces $20,000 Grant for Holcombe Hill Preservation appeared first on Connecticut Senate Republicans.
