Old Saybrook Land Trust gives $30,000 toward preserve purchase $1.13 million more is needed by December to secure 1,000 acres of land

$10 million is needed to purchase the 1,000-acre Preserve in Old Saybrook. $10 million is needed to purchase the 1,000-acre Preserve in Old Saybrook. Photo: Submitted Photo Photo: Submitted Photo Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Old Saybrook Land Trust gives $30,000 toward preserve purchase 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

OLD SAYBROOK >> Old Saybrook Land Trust President Joe Nochera and Treasurer Mike Urban recently presented Alicia Sullivan and Lori Fernand of the Trust for Public Land with a $30,000 donation toward the purchase and preservation of the 1,000-acre Preserve.

For more than a year, The Trust for Public Land and their partners, including the OSLT, have worked to secure state, town and private funds toward the purchase of this large tract of coastal forest.

Public financial commitments have added up to significant funds toward the $10 million goal. The state committed to $3.3 million, Old Saybrook voters approved $3 million, Essex is working to raise funds for the 70 acres in Essex through a town fund and a state grant sought by the Essex Land Trust.

TPL has also received large private donations.

Despite this success, Sullivan, who is state director for the TPL, says $1.13 million is still needed by the December closing date.

According to Urban, “In addition to those from of our regular members and donors, we received funds from a number of people who indicated the funds should be used toward The Preserve purchase.

“We matched those funds with $15,000 that we have received over time through our annual fund and membership drives. The purchase speaks to our cause, it’s the biggest land acquisition that will come up in our lifetime.”

“We’re working to purchase the property, and working to make sure we can fulfill the dream people have had to make it publically accessible.

“That includes things such as trailheads, parking, restroom facilities and trail work,” said Fernand, TPL’s associate director of philanthropy.

To donate online, visit oslt.org. Mail checks to The Trust for Public Land, 101 Whitney Avenue, second floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Call 203-777-7367, ext. 6, for more information. Donations are tax-deductible.

“This is our opportunity to preserve, for all and forever, the huge coastal forest in our very midst. This chance may never come again. Let this be our legacy to generations yet unborn,” said Bill Childress, campaign committee chair.