Bethel Land TrustPreserving open space and natural resources in Bethel, CT, since 1977.
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Protecting land and natural resources in Bethel, CT, has been the cornerstone of Bethel Land Trust’s work since our founding 40+ years ago. Why protect land? The reasons are many:
Good for Our Ecology
- Diffuses pollutants associated with storm runoff
- Helps regulate climate and prevent the local heat island effect during summer.
- Conserves habitat for multiple flora and fauna species.
- Provides corridors for animals to safely migrate through.
Good for Our Community
- Increases property values, augmenting municipal tax revenue and building homeowner wealth.
- Reduces flooding.
- Purifies water and protects aquifers and reservoirs.
- Mitigates the stress on and the cost of municipal services.
Good for Our Health
- Provides a natural environment for outdoor recreation and exercise.
- Reduces noise pollution, which can disrupt sleep, increase stress and contribute to hypertension.
- Reduces light pollution, which can disrupt sleep and increase stress.
- Reduces ozone, a major trigger of asthma attacks.
- Preserves farmland, which provides fresh, local produce.
Featured Preserves
Wolfpit Preserve
2023 brings a new 4.7-acre acquisition thanks to the cooperation of its previous landowners, Richard and... |
Skyedge Preserve
Skyedge was donated by Target Corporation in Bethel in 2004. It is 3 acres of mixed meadow and... |
Mike’s Pond
Donated by James MacNicholl in 2006. A short, flat trail crosses a small brook to an area between 2 ponds on 1.5... |
Janet P. Miller Preserve
Donated by John F. Miller in 2013. 10 acres It shares a parking lot with the Wolf Pits Preserve. Has... |
Ivy Island
Ivy Island is a landlocked 4.7-acre preserve donated by Dolores Walter in 1996. The preserve indeed is an... |
Boardwalk on the Enchanted Trail
The Enchanted Trail stretches across Wolfpit Preserve, the Bethel Educational Park, Boardwalk, and... |
Events & News
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Mar 7, 2023
New Land Acquired for Wolfpit Preserve Join the Bethel Land Trust in celebrating an addition of nearly 5 acres to the Wolfpit and Janet P. Miller Preserves... Read More |
Feb 27, 2023
Overview of the Winter Sowing & Native Pollinator Plant Project: Bethel Land Trust, devoted to increasing pollinator plants at the preserves, has been busy partnering with Bethel... Read More |
Feb 3 through Feb 10, 2023
Sign Up for the Pollinator Plant Winter Sowing Activity Sign up now for free seeds* (available for pickup in town) and to participate in the Bethel Land Trust Pollinator Plant... Read More |
When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.
Aldo Leopold, Author, Scientist & Conservationist
