News

The importance of land conservation extends beyond preserving natural beauty; it includes ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy these spaces. 

We are thrilled to announce the release of the final report and a photo collection from Joshua’s Trust, a recipient of the CLCC implementation grant. This grant is part of the CLCC’s “2022 Northeast Connecticut Advancement Initiative: Inclusive and Accessible Conservation for All” project. It underscores how collaboration and community engagement can drive meaningful advancements in making natural spaces more inclusive and welcoming.

What is Joshua’s Trust?

Joshua’s Trust is a regional land trust devoted to the protection and management of natural and historic sites across fourteen towns in Northeast Connecticut. With stewardship over 4,900 acres, the organization is committed to preserving land for future generations while ensuring these natural treasures are accessible to the community.

The Initiative

In 2023, CLCC introduced the “Inclusive and Accessible Conservation for All” program, which featured a series of hikes on Joshua’s Trust properties. These hikes included representatives from CT Black Women Hikers, the UConn League Walking for Exercise Group, and Latino Outdoors CT. Participants provided valuable insights and feedback on accessibility, language barriers, and inclusivity, which played a crucial role in guiding the improvements implemented by Joshua’s Trust. Their observations were also compiled into a set of recommendations, discussed during a roundtable session with Joshua’s Trust and other stakeholders.

The Role of Community Feedback

The feedback from diverse user groups was pivotal. Here’s how they contributed:

• CT Black Women Hikers shared insights on trail design and feelings of safety and belonging.
• UConn League Walking for Exercise Group focused on suggestions to make the trails more accessible for people of all ages seeking fitness and well-being through walking and hiking.
• Latino Outdoors CT emphasized the need for inclusive trail information and representation.

Reflecting on the feedback from community groups, Bryan Avery, Joshua’s Trust Land Protection Manager, noted the impact this project has had on their organization: “This deep listening enabled us to redefine the scope of the community we serve, redefine what it means for a property to feel safe and welcoming, and ultimately redefine how we can grow our relevancy moving forward.”

Implementation Grant and Proposed Changes

Following the program’s conclusion, Joshua’s Trust proposed a plan to implement several recommended changes to make their trails more welcoming and accessible to all. CLCC awarded Joshua’s Trust a $4,000 Implementation Grant to support this plan. We are thrilled to share the results of these efforts:

Improving the Trailhead Experience:

• Property Signs: Eagle Scout Mason Varga designed, built, and installed property signs at five of the six properties, ensuring they are perpendicular to the road for better visibility. The sixth property, Hubbard Sanctuary in Chaplin, already had a sign near the trailhead.
• Kiosks and Signage: New kiosks were installed at five properties, with plans to install a sixth after a forest management project at Whetten Woods is completed. Updated maps, created with the help of a University of Connecticut intern, will be installed soon. QR codes linking to Spanish translations of preserve information have been added to the kiosks.
• Parking Area Maintenance: Brush and debris were cleared at each of the six properties to maintain clear and welcoming parking areas, with ongoing efforts to keep them in good condition.

Enhancing Signage Along Trails:

Trail Blazes and Directional Arrows: New blazes and directional arrows have been installed on each of the six properties to aid visitors in navigating the trails. Additionally, “Leaving Joshua’s Trust Property” signs were placed where Joshua’s Trust land abuts other properties.

Trail Intersection Signage: A “You Are Here” sign was added at an intersection of trails at Whetten Woods, with plans to reassess and add more signage after the forest management project.

Expanding Parking at Friedman Memorial Forest and Pinkham Preserve:

• Friedman Memorial Forest: Enhanced the parking facilities by expanding the existing area to include three additional spaces.
• Pinkham Preserve: Developed a new gravel parking area accommodating six vehicles at the entrance on Colts Pond Road.

Impact and Reflections

Michael Hveem, Executive Director of Joshua’s Trust, added, “Our entire team feels gratitude for the opportunity that CLCC provided to be assessed by and given feedback from communities with whom we have not traditionally engaged. The process has made a meaningful impact on how we approach managing our properties to engage a broader community. We have become far more aware of the assumptions we previously operated under and are now consciously working to see our trails and our properties through the eyes of others. I would strongly recommend this CLCC-facilitated exercise to other organizations, for it is an effective exercise in personal and organizational advancement.”

“At CLCC, our Regional Advancement Initiatives are designed to encourage land trusts to engage in collaborative work that expands their reach and impact,” said Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director of CLCC.” “The steps taken by Joshua’s Trust embody the proactive collaboration we hope to inspire across the land trust community. By integrating feedback from diverse user groups, Joshua’s Trust sets a precedent for inclusivity and accessibility in land conservation.”

The Broader Significance of the Initiative

The successful implementation of the “Inclusive and Accessible Conservation for All” initiative by Joshua’s Trust demonstrates the power of community collaboration in creating more inclusive and accessible open spaces. The impact of this project is a testament to the importance of listening to diverse voices and incorporating their perspectives into conservation efforts.

By sharing Joshua’s Trust’s success story, we aim to motivate other organizations to prioritize inclusivity in their conservation efforts. By supporting inclusive and accessible conservation, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for Connecticut.

Get Involved

Curious about how CLCC is helping land trusts create more welcoming and accessible open spaces? Reach out to Jovan Bryan, our enthusiastic Community Conservation Coordinator, to learn more.