Farmington Land Preserve Garners Large State Grant

FARMINGTON, CT — A local landmark property received a major funding boost courtesy of the State Bond Commission, according to those representing Farmington in the legislature.

The commission approved $250,000 for the Farmington Land Trust's Wilcox-Bushley Homestead, specifically, the on-site environmental learning center and land trust headquarters.

The 24-acre preserve is located on Coppermine Road, across from West District School.

Like most land trust properties, it is a haven for passive recreation and education, while also keeping rural, pristine land away from commercial development.

It was donated to the land trust in 2013 by Mary and Ruth Bushley. Mary Bushley lived on the homestead until she died in 2019.

Friday, state Sen. Derek Slap, D-West Hartford, state Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain, and state Rep. Mike Demicco, D-Farmington, all announced the funding in a joint statement.

The property dates back to 1880 and it has been renovated and restored as the Wilcox-Bushley Homestead Environmental Learning Center and Farmington Land Trust headquarters.

Bond commission funds will help complete the renovation project and continue to fund educational programs for the greater Hartford community.

Those programs, according to the legislative trio, deal with the importance of land conservation, specifically as it pertains to the mitigation of climate change.

“The Farmington Land Trust is a true asset to Farmington and to the Greater Hartford community, and I am thrilled that they will receive these funds,” said Slap.

“With this funding for their educational programs, the Land Trust can continue to educate local youth about the importance of land preservation and being conscious stewards of our environment. I am grateful to the Bonding Commission for approving this important project.”

Demicco said the funding not only helps preserve local history but enhances local educational opportunities as well.

“This funding will allow the Farmington Land Trust to complete crucial renovations to transform a historic farm property into a headquarters and environmental learning center," he said.

"This project will not only preserve an important piece of local history but will expand our environmental education programming to inspire more youth across the region to appreciate and protect our natural spaces.”

Land trust officials were ecstatic with the funding.

“We are truly delighted to receive such generous funding from the State of Connecticut for the Farmington Land Trust’s Wilcox-Bushley Homestead Environmental Learning Center,” said Francie Brown Holmes, president of the Farmington Land Trust Board.

“These funds will allow us to expand our outreach to the Greater Hartford region and increase access to nature and environmental education. The funds will also further our mission to mitigate the effects of climate change and increase sustainability through the preservation of open space.”

For more information on the Farmington Land Trust's Wilcox-Bushley Homestead, click on this link.

For more information on the Farmington Land Trust, click on this link.