ELLINGTON, CT — A longtime advocate for preserving Ellington's farmland and open spaces will be honored Saturday for more than six decades of service to the community.
Jim Gage will be inducted into the Ellington Wall of Honor during a public ceremony at 4 p.m. at Arbor Park, located off Main Street. The ceremony will be held before the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department's annual parade.
Gage, an Ellington resident for more than 60 years, was unanimously selected for the honor by the Board of Selectmen in May. Town Planner Lisa Houlihan nominated him.
One of the original members of the Ellington Conservation Commission, Gage worked with local, regional and state agencies on efforts to preserve the town's agricultural character.
He was instrumental in establishing the Ellington Farmland Preservation Program, which has helped protect hundreds of acres from development, according to the town's proclamation.
His work included securing funding, helping prepare sites and assisting with land-acquisition efforts. Gage also participated in the town's three most recent updates to its Plan of Conservation and Development.
Gage is a member of the Northern Connecticut Land Trust, volunteers with the Connecticut chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation and serves on the MassConn Sustainable Forest Partnership Steering Committee.
Ellington established the Wall of Honor to recognize residents who have made exceptional contributions to the town. Gage's name will join those of educators, firefighters, public officials, preservationists and other community leaders honored since 2001.
The public is invited to attend Saturday's ceremony.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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