Aspetuck And Norwalk Land Trusts Merge To Boost Conservation In Southwest CT

EASTON, CT — The Norwalk Land Trust has merged with Aspetuck Land Trust in a move officials say will strengthen conservation efforts across southwest Connecticut.

Under the agreement, the Norwalk Land Trust becomes part of Aspetuck Land Trust, one of the state’s largest regional conservation groups. The merger will bring professional staff, greater fundraising capacity and expanded stewardship to Norwalk’s 33 properties, totaling 110 acres.

Norwalk Land Trust board president Lisa Shanahan said the partnership secures the future of local open space. “Together, we’ll be able to do more, and do it better — forever,” she said.

Aspetuck, founded in 1966, manages more than 2,200 acres across eight Fairfield County towns. Executive director David Brant said the merger supports the group’s Green Corridor 2030 Initiative, a plan to connect and protect natural areas across the region.

As part of the transition, Aspetuck will hire a staff member to manage Norwalk’s holdings and oversee the Farm Creek Education Program, which introduces fourth graders to the ecology of the Rowayton salt marsh.

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council praised the merger, calling it a model of collaboration supported through its Advanced Collaboration and Merger Assistance Program.

Aspetuck Land Trust serves more than 1,700 members and donors, with a professional team focused on land stewardship, protection, and community engagement.