Avalonia to Launch Multi-Year Land Acquisition and Capital Campaign

Avalonia Land Conservancy will be launching a 5-year capital campaign to finance the acquisition of over 2,000 acres of high conservation-value land in southeastern Connecticut. That process began early this year with two land donations of almost 100 acres (see related articles). Another acquisition of 409 acres is planned for 2017, and three more totaling 271 acres are planned for 2018. The acquisition of these properties will, bring Avalonia’s total acreage to over 4,200 acres by the end of 2018. Your 22-town conservancy is becoming one of Connecticut’s largest land trusts in land holdings!

Avalonia has applied for three state (CT DEEP OSWLA) and a one federal (U.S. Fish and Wildlife) grant to provide primary funding for the four projects. Additional grants have been and will be applied for, but the conservancy must raise additional money to fund the acquisitions. The funds raised from individual contributions, multi-year pledges, and major donors including foundations will not only cover the cost of acquiring the land, but also the cost of long term stewardship, legal, and due diligence expenses.

Avalonia Land Conservancy will be launching this campaign while celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018: These are very exciting and challenging times! A number of fund-raising and celebratory events are planned. For more information about how you can support Avalonia’s efforts, visit avalonialandconservancy.org or call 860-884- 3500 weekdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Photo: Samuel Lamb & Forsberg Preserve in Ledyard by Beth Sullivan