Community Corner
Access to the Outdoors: Disability, Grit, and Belonging in Nature is Topic at Land Trust Annual Meeting
The presentation is by "self-described amputee, near-death trauma survivor, recovered drug abuser," and now triathlete Justin Brownell.
From the Branford Land Trust:
BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Land Trust invites the Branford community to its 2026 Annual Meeting Monday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford.
There will be a brief meeting including the election of incoming directors, followed by “Access to the Outdoors: Disability, Grit, and Belonging in Nature” a presentation by Justin Brownell, with refreshments and a chance for fellowship afterwards.
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This event is free and open to the public.
Brownell is a self-described amputee and near-death trauma survivor, recovered IV drug abuser, and, until recently, a single parent to a now 20-year-old daughter.
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"Post accident and amputation, I became a triathlete, a mountain climber, a runway model, and hopefully an all-around better person," Brownell said.
Come hear Justin’s remarkable journey from survival to purpose. Through vulnerability and reflection, he shares how trauma, grit, and growth shaped the life he leads today —
one dedicated to thriving and helping others do the same.
The Branford Land Trust Winter 2026 Speaker Series and this Annual Meeting have been sponsored by the Branford Community Foundation/Ascend Bank Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation are available. Welcome d/Deaf/HoH.
If you would like to use an assistive listening device, please let us know when you arrive as there are currently four available. Live virtual ASL interpretation will be available at the front of the auditorium.
About the Branford Land Trust
The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, established in 1967 to protect Branford’s open space and natural resources. Run by volunteers and supported by member families and businesses, the Land Trust maintains more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels, and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford.
For more information and to become a member, visit
branfordlandtrust.org.
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