“Laws change; people die; the land remains.” These words of Abraham Lincoln are as true today as they were when first spoken, and they serve as a sobering reminder of what is at stake in our community. The land we enjoy today is not guaranteed to remain open, green, or accessible unless active steps are taken to preserve it. The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT), now celebrating its 25th year of the “Go Wild!” event, stands at the forefront of this mission, protecting over 848 acres of diverse habitats throughout our town.
On October 20, 2024, the GLT will once again host “Go Wild!” at the Greenwich Polo Club. This family-friendly event serves not just as a fundraiser but as a vivid reminder of the land we seek to protect. Attractions such as a Ferris wheel, pony rides, and rock climbing may draw the crowds, but the real star of the day is the enduring work of the GLT—securing the open spaces that define Greenwich’s character and enhance its quality of life.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. The GLT’s efforts are not mere nostalgia for a bucolic past; they are a practical response to the pressures of development and the needs of a growing community. Last year, the Sentinel editorialized on the GLT’s role in conserving Treetops, a 94-acre property on the GreenwichStamford border that was nearly lost to housing development. The land was saved only through a Herculean fundraising effort led by local conservationists and supported by the community.
Such successes demonstrate that preserving land is not just an idealistic pursuit but a community priority that requires active engagement.
Conservation is more than protecting scenic views; it is about safeguarding the ecological balance that sustains our town. The GLT’s properties, rang ing f rom tidal marshes to woodlands, provide critical habitats for wildlife, reduce flood risks, and improve air and water quality. Doug Tallamy, a conservation advocate and speaker at a recent GLT event, articulated a vision for small-scale, homegrown conservation efforts that resonate with the Trust’s broader goals: creating vibrant, functioning ecosystems even in suburban backyards.
Tallamy’s message underscores that land conservation is not just for vast, remote tracts of land but also for the spaces right outside our doors.
The GLT’s work has never been more relevant. As Greenwich faces increasing pressure to develop, from expanding neighborhoods to large-scale infrastructure projects, the value of our remaining open spaces only grows. The Trust’s initiatives, including land acquisition and environmental education, provide the community with tangible ways to engage in preservation. This year’s “Go Wild!” serves as a reminder that conservation is a collective responsibility. By participating, we invest not just in a day of entertainment but in the future of our town.
Yet, the GLT’s mission requires more than attendance; it requires ongoing commitment from residents and policymakers alike. Protecting land is not a one-time effort but an enduring process that demands vigilance, resources, and community support. The legacy we leave—of open spaces, clean air, and natural beauty—is a direct reflection of the choices we make today.
Lincoln’s words, “the land remains,” challenge us to consider what kind of land will remain for future generations. Will it be a patchwork of preserved spaces, thoughtfully protected for their ecological, historical, and recreational value? Or will it be land lost to shortsighted development, its natural legacy paved over and forgotten? The Greenwich Land Trust offers us a path forward, but the responsibility to take it rests with us all. Let’s ensure that the land not only remains but thrives.
