Hidden Gems Of Connecticut

LITCHFIELD, CT — The latest trek to a Hidden Gem in Connecticut takes us to a quiet corner of Litchfield and the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy.

The conservancy is recognized as one of the nation's pre-eminent facilities dedicated to environmental education, research and conservation, utilizing one of the largest collections in the United States of rare and endangered waterfowl, executive director Gavin Berger said.

"At a time when the average American child spends only five minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play and urban life dominates the economy, the conservancy serves a growing need for raising awareness, knowledge and passion for biodiversity and environmental health," he said. "Working with teachers, students, zoos, and conservationists, RWC fills an important role in Connecticut and across the United States for its work with rare and endangered birds."

The site consists of 16 fenced acres of ponds and aviaries in the middle of a 150-acre preserve at 55 Duck Pond Road in Litchfield.

The collection consists of more than 70 species of birds and approximately 400 individual birds, Berger said.

Click here for more information in the conservancy.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within the Nutmeg State.

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