'Serious Vandalism And Environmental Damage' Found On Darien Land Trust Properties, Organization Says

DARIEN, CT — "Serious vandalism and environmental damage" was recently discovered at two Darien Land Trust properties, according to the organization.

In an email to residents on Dec. 20, the Land Trust said that during a recent walk, it found "a large lean-to" built in Olson Woods on the edge of a pond in fragile wetlands.

Olson Woods is the Land Trust’s second-largest publicly accessible property.

"Most disturbing was the discovery that at least 10 living young trees were cut down to create the structure. We also found evidence of a fire pit," the Land Trust wrote, along with several pictures appearing to show a small shelter structure made with cut-down trees.

"Cutting trees, disturbing wetlands or building structures on Land Trust property is strictly prohibited and can cause long-lasting harm to the fragile ecosystems we work diligently to protect," the Land Trust added.

The Darien Police Department told Patch it received a report from the Land Trust on Dec. 10.

"At this time, we do not have any person of interest," Det. Sgt. Mauricio Vigil told Patch via email Tuesday.

Additionally, at Brendan’s Meadow, a scenic habitat in the Nearwater Lane corridor, the Land Trust said it found "deeply rutted" tire tracks along the north side of the property.

"At no time are vehicles permitted to enter land trust property to access an abutting property. Unfortunately, we do find recurring damage to our property tends to come from landscaping companies," the Land Trust wrote in its email.

Residents should have landscapers remove yard debris and lawn clippings and not blow debris into Land Trust property, the organization said.

"Blowing leaves and lawn clippings onto land trust land is not permitted. Repeated dumping leads to a ‘dead layer’ of nitrogen rich organic matter which can suffocate and prevent growth of important native plants and understory trees," the Land Trust added.

Those who come across unauthorized structures or dumping on Darien Land Trust land should contact the organization immediately at info@darienlandtrust.org.

"Your vigilance helps us protect the natural spaces that sustain wildlife, support biodiversity, and provide all of us with places to enjoy nature responsibly."