News
A Decade of Transformative Leadership in North Branford
David Sargent, President of the North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT), was awarded the 2025 Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Land Conservation by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council.
For over a decade, David has been a driving force behind land conservation in North Branford, demonstrating remarkable leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the NBLCT has expanded protected lands, strengthened community engagement, and significantly elevated the organization’s standing in the community.
Despite the unique challenge of the Regional Water Authority (RWA) owning approximately one-third of the land in North Branford, which curtails opportunities for large-scale land protection by NBLCT, David has successfully navigated complex negotiations to acquire several key properties. These significant land acquisitions under his leadership include the Harrison Farm Preserve, a 22-acre donation made possible largely due to David’s personal relationship with the Harrison family, who trusted his commitment to preserving their land. While the property had an existing trail system, it was facing challenges with invasive plants, which NBLCT has been actively addressing with a grant from the USDA/NRCS, even showcasing their work to other land trusts.
Said John Triana of RWA:
“Dave’s enthusiasm for open space conservation has led to the protection of many acres in North Branford. He has invigorated the NBLCT to get involved in more projects in recent years, all for the benefit of the water, air, land, flora, fauna, and the people who rely on them.”
David’s collaborative spirit is further evident in the acquisition of the 3-acre Starry Lane property. He worked directly with a landowner to secure this donation, which crucially connects the Atwater Library to the trail system on the Harrison Farm Preserve. This connection enables the library to host children’s programs with direct access to nature, and allows the Totoket Historical Society to host events at historic property.
Said Mike Ferrucci, NBLCT Board Member and Forester:
“Dave is a great leader and a pleasure to work with on any project. He is patient, diligent, hard-working, and gets things done. Not just the easy things; in fact Dave generally takes on the most-difficult projects and sees them through, time and time again. Over the past twenty years or so Dave has had an impressive impact, both within the North Branford community and in the broader conservation movement of south-central Connecticut.”
Another notable achievement is the acquisition of the 16-acre Angeloni Woodland Preserve, a former Boy Scouts property. Through David’s efforts, NBLCT acquired this parcel through contributions by adjacent landowners. A trail has since been created that not only links to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust trails but is also accessible via the historic Trolley Line, which itself connects to NBLCT’s Notch Hill Brook property and trail system.
The acquisition of the 37 acres at Beech Street and Pomps Lane near Lake Gaillard is another testament to David’s ability to navigate complex funding challenges. With a property cost of around $585,000, significant fundraising was essential. David spearheaded the effort, securing an OSWA grant of $385,000, along with nearly $200,000 in large private donations, and an additional $30,000 from local businesses and residents, a grant from Athletic Brewing Company, and a Transaction Assistance Grant from CLCC.
Beyond these key acquisitions, David has also volunteered as part of the Farm River Restoration Project, aiming to restore and connect a 16-mile trail along the river. His involvement included recording the river’s condition in North Branford, obtaining an easement for trail development along the pond and river, and securing a grant for water chestnut removal. Furthermore, David has worked with the RWA to extend a trail from the Harrison Farm Preserve onto RWA property, further expanding the region’s trail network.
David’s contributions extend beyond land acquisition and project implementation. He regularly volunteers at the Annual CLCC Conference and is a leading figure in the South Central Region Land Conservation Alliance. NBLCT also collaborates with the Town of North Branford to manage local trails, including one behind the Intermediate School that supports educational programs for 3rd-5th grade students.
Lindsay Suter, a Land Steward for NBCLT, noted how much Dave cares about his community:
“Dave shows up. He shows up when he is needed, and he shows up to help. He shows up at the Town Council meeting to advocate for our river. He shows up at the P&Z review to speak for best land practices. He shows up again, and again, to ensure commitments to our town are honored. He shows up to maintain hiking trails with high-school students, who are the future caretakers of our land. He shows up on a pre-dawn winter morning for an emergency fix to a frozen sluice gate, to prevent a local pond from draining. And when he shows up, he brings his common sense, his ingenuity, his loyalty, and his generosity of spirit.”
Having taken over the leadership of a somewhat dormant NBLCT approximately 14 years ago, David has revitalized the organization. His dedication to sustainable land management and his ability to bring people together truly make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
On Sunday, October 26, at 1:00 PM, NBLCT hosted an informal award and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Starry Lane trail, which connects the Atwater Library to the Harrison Farm Preserve. Photos from the event follow. Thanks to all who attended!
About the CLCC’s Excellence in Conservation Awards
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) has a proud tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the ongoing success of land conservation in our state. This year is no exception, as the CLCC has announced the recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Conservation Awards, celebrating the dedication, vision, and impactful work of conservation leaders. These awards not only honor past achievements but also aim to inspire future efforts by showcasing replicable projects and exemplary leadership within the land trust and conservation community in Connecticut. The recognition of David Sargent, the Groton Open Space Association, and Lynn Werner underscores the diverse and vital work being done to protect Connecticut’s natural heritage. Their achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication and collaborative spirit that drives successful land conservation efforts across the state.
The Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Conservation is named in honor and memory of Katchen Coley (1924-2013), a longtime CLCC Steering Committee member and activist for many environmental and social causes at the local, state and federal levels. The award recognizes a person that embodies all that Katchen meant to land conservation: An individual fiercely devoted to land conservation whose long-term volunteer service has furthered the work of one or more conservation organizations and serves as an inspiration to others to continue to “fight the good fight” with passion and tenacity in support of land conservation and the environment.