Editorial: The Land Remains

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“Laws change; people die; the land remains.” These words, spoken by Abraham Lincoln over 150 years ago, are just as impactful today as they were then. Perhaps it is their starkness, just seven words, but they remind us that well before we arrived here and long after we depart, the land that is Greenwich is constant.

We may not think of the land around us every day in such a way, but one organization in town does: The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT). GLT is a private, non-profit organization that owns land and conservation easements throughout Greenwich, and it works hard every day to preserve open space in our community.

The properties owned by GLT are diverse and wide-ranging, and are located in every part of Greenwich, from the tidal marshes of Long Island Sound to the lush woodlands of the backcountry. As of last count, GLT is stewards of 759 acres and growing. That is impressive. Especially when you consider that GLT acquires these properties through donations or purchases by community partnerships and neighborhood groups.

A keen observer can spot many of GLT’s properties throughout town, as they are marked with white signs bearing GLT’s logo. One of the most significant properties is the 94-acre Treetops Preserve located on the Greenwich/Stamford border.

Treetops is the former home of Broadway star Libby Holman, just as well known for her scandalous lifestyle in the 1930s and 1940s as she was for her sultry voice. After her death in 1971, and following a series of events, the home and property had been considered for multi-home development, which would have forever changed that part of our community.

Through a complex financial deal, Treetops was left to the Stamford Land Conservation Trust and GLT to raise $5 million in 100 days. Led locally by David Ogilvy, they were successful but it took a lot of work. Treetops survived, its rich legacy intact, for future generations, in large part due to David’s effort.

One of the events created to raise awareness of GLT and Treetops continues today, and it is one not to miss. Go Wild! is now in its 19th year and the family event will be held on Sunday, September 23rd at the polo grounds (a GLT land easement) on North Street.

Go Wild! is the only event in town that we know of where you can board a hot air balloon ride and see Greenwich from the air. There is also live music, a rock-climbing wall, petting zoo, food and drinks, and many other activities. It is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon in Greenwich.

GLT does more than preserve the land around us and protect open spaces. It educates our community about what our land has to offer and works to create a balance between what open space should be and how we can use it for passive recreation. We thank all who work at GLT for their dedication and stewardship of our land.

We hope to see you at Go Wild!

For more information about the Go Wild! event, go to the GLT website. (Please consider purchasing a patron ticket as it allows for early admission, priority parking and access to the Patron Tent for food and beverages.) www.gltrust.org

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

~ Henry David Thoreau, Walden

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