Connecticut is awarding $9 million to support grants for 24 communities in the purchase of 2,400 acres of land that will be designated as open space. 

Weston will get a $602,000 grant to protect 74 acres of forest directly adjacent to Devil’s Den Preserve.   Weston Farms is a mature, mixed hardwood forest that lies within the Saugatuck Central Greenbelt.  A hiking trail will connect to the 20-mile loop trail at Devil’s Den.  This is The Nature Conservancy's largest preserve in Connecticut and is part of 15,300 acres of contiguous forestland. 

The Aspetuck Land Trust will use $625,000 to protect 85 acres adjacent to their 118 acre Honey Hill Preserve.  The wetlands on the northern end of the property form the headwaters of the West branch of the Saugatuck River.  Migratory bird species and amphibians inhabit the site. A trail head and parking area at the end of Upper Parish Drive will create a link to the area’s regional trail system.

The Wilton Land Conservation Trust will use $707,000 to protect 13 acres of open field habitat that runs parallel with Ridgefield Road, about a mile outside of Wilton Center.  There are 12 acres of Prime and Statewide Important Farmland Soils on the site. The northern 2 acres of the property is a forested wetland habitat. The open fields are in the center of the Wilton pollinator pathway.  A trail will be created, along with a wheelchair accessible gravel parking area.  The site will have educational kiosks and opportunities for school groups to learn about that state’s agricultural history.

Steep Rock Association has been awarded $350,000 to preserve 85 acres of open-space farmland and intact core forest. It will use the land to extend its trail system and to permit continued agricultural use.  Steep Rock Association plans to create a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and will allow catch and release fly fishing.  13 acres are currently being farmed for hay and corn and will continue to be farmed after purchase.  The parcel contains 1,800 feet of frontage on Sprain Brook.  It can be accessed by the public from Nettle Hollow Road.  The site is less than 2 miles from the Audubon Society’s 13,800-acre Important Bird Area.