FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington Memorial Town Forest celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 24, with a centennial gathering and the dedication of a new trail connecting the historic forest to the Farmington Land Trust's West District Nature Preserve.
The Farmington Land Trust joined the Farmington Memorial Town Forest Board of Trustees, local officials, and community volunteers to commemorate the milestone and officially recognize the new "field to forest" trail.
The trail connects an existing path at the West District Nature Preserve to the Memorial Town Forest, creating a new link between the two natural areas.
The celebration included guided walks through the woods, activities, and presentations about the forest's history.
Among those attending were state Rep. Mike Demicco, Farmington Town Council Chairman Brian F.X. Connolly and Farmington Town Planner Shannon Rutherford, who helped recognize the forest's centennial anniversary.
Bob Reeve, chairman of the Farmington Memorial Town Forest Board of Trustees, and fellow trustees were recognized for their work maintaining and protecting the forest.
The Farmington Land Trust also credited board member Peter Dorpalen and a team of volunteers with developing the new connecting trail.
Volunteers helped clear and mark the trail, prepare the property for visitors, lead guided walks, and organize refreshments and activities.
Ted Sanford provided a presentation on the history of the forest and offered build-your-own birdhouse kits for attendees.
The Farmington Land Trust thanked the trustees, volunteers and community members who participated in the anniversary celebration.
"Sincere thanks to Bob Reeve, chair of the FMTF Board of Trustees, and all the Trustees for their tireless work to care for the forest and for engaging FLT in this very special celebration," the organization wrote in a social media post.
The organization also recognized Dorpalen and his volunteers for their efforts to complete the trail connection.
The event marked a century of the Farmington Memorial Town Forest and highlighted ongoing efforts by local conservation organizations and volunteers to maintain the town's natural areas and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.
For more information and images from Saturday's festivities, click on this link.
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