By Janet McMahon
When you own 1,014 acres of open space across Greenwich (and even a bit in Stamford!), you end up with a lot of neighbors. Fortunately, most of ours are wonderful and respectful of our shared property boundaries. And why wouldn’t they be? Our neighbors enjoy the benefits of increased home values, cleaner air, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty—while we have the privilege of protecting critical open space for the entire community. It’s truly a win-win.
That’s why a crucial part of Greenwich Land Trust’s stewardship work is annual property monitoring. Each year—typically in late fall or early winter, when vegetation has died back and preserves are easier to access—we conduct detailed inspections of all 1,014 acres across our 82 preserves.
During these inspections, staff and Volunteer Stewards walk every boundary line, locate and verify boundary markers, and ensure that they match each preserve’s detailed Property Management Plan. As we move through each preserve, we document any encroachments or human impacts originating from outside the boundary—dumping (yes, even organic dumping like leaves and wood debris count!), unauthorized fencing, hunting structures, drainage pipes, vehicle tracks, or trash. Over the years we’ve found everything from stray lawn waste to, memorably, a couch in one of our ponds!
We also record any changes on the GLT side of the boundary, such as updates to our beehives, fencing, walls, birdhouses, culverts, and other structures. In addition, staff and stewards document significant plants—whether invasive species that need management or notable native species that are uncommon or endangered. Natural issues such as downed trees, erosion, or wetland concerns are also carefully noted.
Why Being a Good Neighbor to GLT Matters
Being a good neighbor to Greenwich Land Trust isn’t just about respecting a property line — it’s about helping protect the natural character and ecological health of our entire community. Every acre of open space we steward provides real, measurable benefits to the people who live nearby. When neighbors treat these shared landscapes with care, those benefits remain strong for generations.
As mentioned previously, healthy open space protects property values. Homes near well-maintained conservation land tend to sell more quickly and hold higher value than comparable homes without access to nature. Responsible neighbors help ensure that these benefits remain intact.
Good stewardship also provides environmental services: cleaner air, flood protection, and improved water quality. Even small disturbances at a boundary — dumping leaves, moving a fence, or altering drainage — can cause outsized impacts, from erosion and stormwater issues to the spread of invasive plants. Responsible neighbors help ensure these natural benefits remain uninterrupted.
Equally important is the protection of wildlife habitat. Our preserves serve as safe corridors for birds, mammals, amphibians, and pollinators. When boundaries are respected, these animals can move, feed, and reproduce without disruption. A single encroachment — a deer feeder, a hunting blind, or yard waste dumped in a corner of the woods — can alter animal behavior or introduce species that don’t belong.
Finally, being a good neighbor fosters a shared sense of responsibility. GLT does the daily work of stewardship, but the land itself belongs to the community. When neighbors treat these preserves as the valued natural resources they are, we all become partners in conserving Greenwich’s landscape, ensuring it stays wild, healthy, and beautiful for everyone.
Of course, GLT can’t monitor all 1,014 acres alone. As a small but mighty non profit with a full time staff of just six, we rely heavily on our Volunteer Stewards to help us with our annual property inspections. These dedicated community members are active partners in protecting Greenwich’s natural heritage—ensuring that the beauty, wildlife, and ecological benefits of our open spaces continue for generations to come. Many of them have been monitoring our properties for years, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment!
You Too Can Support Greenwich Land Trust
Protecting 1,014 acres of open space takes more than dedication—it takes community support. Your contribution to Greenwich Land Trust’s Annual Appeal helps fund the aforementioned property monitoring, as well as habitat restoration, volunteer programs, and all the work that keeps all of our preserves safe, healthy, and beautiful. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference. Please donate today by visiting www.gltrust.org and be a good neighbor to the land that benefits all of Greenwich!
Janet McMahon serves as the Communications Coordinator for GLT and has also been a proud neighbor to a GLT property for the past 17 years. Living alongside protected open space is both a privilege and a responsibility—one she embraces wholeheartedly, balancing her professional dedication with personal appreciation for the natural landscapes that enrich her community.
