Exciting News for Local Land Trust!

DANBURY, CONN. (September 13, 2016) – Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust, a newly merged land trust between The Land Trust of Danbury and the New Fairfield Land Trust, today announced it has achieved accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that CVRLT’s open spaces will be protected forever.

Almost 15 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities – an area about the size of the state of West Virginia – are permanently conserved by an accredited land trust.

This past year we have accomplished a lot for our freshly merged organization, and couldn’t ask for a sweeter cherry on top of our land trust sundae. The work of a land trust is different than that of many other organizations. When we accept a piece of property- we promise to protect it in perpetuity. It is essential that we have the ability to remain true to that commitment. By merging the Land Trust of Danbury and the New Fairfield Land trust, our different attributes have cohesively fit together and we are honored to accept this sought after achievement.

CVRLT was among 38 land trusts across the United States to achieve accreditation or to have accreditation renewed in August. Our land trust joins the more than 350 accredited land trusts that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation, helping to maintain the public’s trust in their work.

“It is exciting to recognize Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership and lasting stewardship of conservation land.”

Each accredited land trusts meets extensive documentation requirements and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application. The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can help landowners and communities achieve their goals.

About the Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust

The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust’s roots began with two land trusts, The Land Trust of Danbury and The New Fairfield Land Trust, who merged on June 6, 2016. The newly merged organization stewards 31 preserves and 3 conservation easements located in Danbury and New Fairfield, CT. With members from each board, now representing one unified land trust, we are stronger now than ever before. Our mission is to protect and steward the natural areas of the Candlewood Valley Region for current and future generations; to ensure the public has access to clean air, water, and open spaces for healthy and active lifestyles; and to promote and encourage scientific learning of our natural environment.

On October 1^st, 2016 we will be having our first gala as a merged land trust at Great Hollow Nature Preserve in New Fairfield. Wine in The Hollow will be an event to raise funds for a new day and to celebrate all of our accomplishments thus far! For more information and to purchase tickets, be a sponsor or buy a table, please contact our executive director, Christy Thompson at cthompson@candlewoodvalleyrlt.org.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 1,100 member land trusts supported by more than 100,000 volunteers and 5 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at www.landtrustalliance.org.