News

Pictured above: Left to right: Megan Trujillo, David Levine, Linda Schroeder, Lisa Hageman, Dennis Main, Maureen Cain, David Bingham, Chris Houlihan

In a landmark victory for regional conservation, the Colchester Land Trust(opens in new tab), Salem Land Trust(opens in new tab), and Avalonia Land Conservancy(opens in new tab) are entering a three-way merger designed to consolidate conservation capacity and resources in southeastern Connecticut. The unified organization will protect more than 7,300 acres across 111 preserves, including 58 featuring public trails. Under the agreement, Colchester contributes 379 acres (4 preserves) and Salem brings 1,354 acres (10 preserves) to Avalonia’s existing 5,621 acres (97 preserves). With additional pending acquisitions underway by Avalonia, total protected land is expected to quickly top 8,000 acres.

Supporters, partners and community members gathered to celebrate the merger at the Bond Property, a 669-acre parcel in Montville that Avalonia is currently preserving with funding from CT DEEP’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition(opens in new tab) (OSWA) program, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act(opens in new tab), and CLCC’s Land & Easement Acquisition grant program (LEAP).

Why the Land Trusts Are Joining Forces

• A Shared Vision: As accredited land trusts, all three organizations shared a commitment to meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. With similar conservation goals, the organizations were aligned on both what to conserve and how to do it.
• Expanding Staff Capacity & Expertise: With pooled resources, the newly merged organization is already in the process of hiring its first Executive Director. Coupled with Avalonia’s existing staff, this new position will bring professional staff to a larger service area and enable the organization to conserve and steward more land than each organization could have individually.
• Boosting Efficiency & Financial Health: By joining Avalonia, local chapters gain access to dedicated professional expertise, shared stewardship equipment, and a robust financial infrastructure. The merger is projected to save $25,000 annually by eliminating redundant administrative operations while adding more than $500,000 to Avalonia’s long-term endowments. 

Post-Merger Governance & Local Identity

• Preserving Local Identity: Colchester and Salem will transition into local “Chapters” of Avalonia. They will maintain their local volunteer presence to steward neighborhood preserves, maintain public trails, and guide future local land acquisitions.
• Continuing Community Traditions: Beloved local traditions will remain intact, including Colchester’s Salmon River Road Run, Salem’s Annual Amphibian and Spring Bird Walks, and community farmers’ markets. The unified organization also plans to maintain Colchester’s college scholarship program.
• Ensuring Perpetual Protection: All conserved lands—including Colchester’s 379 acres and Salem’s 1,354 acres—remain protected forever through legally binding conservation agreements that exist independently of organizational structure.
• Strengthening Board Representation: To ensure local voices shape future decisions, Colchester and Salem will each have two representatives serving three-year terms on Avalonia’s Board of Directors. 

How CLCC Supported the Partnership

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council provided critical guidance and facilitated discussions over a two-year research period to help all three organizations realize this strategic alignment. Through its Advanced Collaboration & Merger Assistance Program, CLCC offers a structured, multi-level framework to help Connecticut land trusts explore and implement strategic partnerships—ranging from introductory guidance to feasibility studies and full implementation support.

As the rate of land trust mergers and acquisitions increase, CLCC is proud to provide the resources needed for smooth transitions and organizational succession. Land trusts are uniquely tasked with carrying out their mission indefinitely, and joining forces through mergers can help land trusts keep that promise of perpetuity. Said Aaron Lefland, CLCC’s Deputy Director: 

“Mergers are an exciting and transformative process, where land trusts come together to consider not just what they’ve built individually, but what they can achieve collectively. It’s inspiring to witness the thoughtful deliberations and the focus on creating something stronger, more resilient, and poised for the future.” 

Interested in exploring how strategic partnerships, shared services, or mergers could strengthen your land trust’s long-term capacity? Explore CLCC’s collaboration resources or schedule a conversation with Aaron.