Celebration at Cedar Wood Preserve

Avalonia Land Conservancy was presented with the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Excellence in Conservation Community Engagement Award during a ceremony on July 8th at Cedar Wood Preserve in Norwich. 

The award acknowledges Avalonia’s commitment to establishing accessibility for people with disabilities in regard to trails, communication, and policy. From accessible parking to availability of documents in Braille, from sign language interpreted walks to outreach to disability action groups, Avalonia is seeking to ensure that the “open” in “open space” means equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of disability. 

During her remarks, the Council’s Executive Director Amy Paterson called Avalonia’s initiative a model for land trusts across the state.  

The ceremony also included musical and dance performances, as well as speeches by Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom, State Senator Cathy Osten, as well as State Representatives Kevin Ryan and Derell Wilson.