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The Darien Land Trust was recently successful in the $1.3 million acquisition of Waterbury Field, a 2-acre field surrounded by stone walls at the corner of Hollow Tree Ridge Road and Hanson Road in Darien.  The property is adjacent to one of the oldest houses in town and has been visible to passersby since the earliest days of Darien’s history.  The Darien Land Trust is grateful that in such a challenging economic environment, the generosity of so many enabled the Trust to place this historic property under conservation, where it will remain protected open space for the benefit of the community forever.
 
The effort began more than a year ago with the extraordinary vision and generosity of the Joslin family, owners of the property for more than 40 years. Their desire to preserve it and willingness to offer it well below its market value are a gift both to the Land Trust and to all of Darien.
 
In addition to the hundreds of individual donors whose support made the purchase of Waterbury Field possible, there are several other groups whose contributions enabled the project's success.
 
The Town of Darien directed $25,000 towards the purchase, again partnering with the Darien Land Trust towards their mutual goal of protecting open space in the community.
 
The artists of the Holly Pond Painters and Fairfield County Plein Air Painters donated the fruits of their talents with works depicting numerous Land Trust properties. These were auctioned to great success at the Trust’s Annual Meeting, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the acquisition.
 
The Waterbury Field Committee, comprised of both Darien Land Trust board and community members, worked tirelessly throughout the campaign and the Trust is so grateful for their efforts.
 
At the closing with the Joslins in December, everyone expressed deep appreciation for the many generosities that achieved this legacy for Darien.

(January 2009)

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © www.darienlandtrust.org (Waterbury Field).