CLCT plans to create a loop trail on the new property which will pass through Eversource land.
CLINTON, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday announced the award of more than $15 million in state grants to preserve 2,270 acres of open space and create six new community green spaces in 22 towns and cities across Connecticut.
Scoring $103,350 of the grant money was the Clinton Land Conservation Trust, for purchase and protection of the Greystone Property, located on Killingworth Turnpike/CT Route 81.
This 23.57-acre property adds to an existing 150-acre open space corridor, adjacent to property owned by Eversource and other CLCT protected open space. The Indian River flows through the southwest portion of the property, and it is in the Indian River Watershed. Preservation of this property protects the inland wetland resources that contribute to Connecticut Water Company’s public water supply.
CLCT plans to create a loop trail on this property which will pass through Eversource property and connect to other CLCT property and the designated parking area for this parcel. CLCT and Eversource are collaborating on the public access trail system. The property contains unique landscapes such as open areas with native grasses, rocky outcrops and a Class A waterbody, and is situated between two Natural Diversity Data Base areas.
The land acquisition expands community access to large, uninterrupted natural areas and trails. The property abuts Route 81 along a public bus route, expanding access to visitors using public transportation.
The funding includes $14.3 million through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) and $725,353 through the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG). Both programs are administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
“Open space is a big contributor to our great quality of life here in Connecticut, and we are excited to help all these communities improve access to the outdoors with these funds,” Lamont said.
According to state law, Connecticut has a goal of preserving 673,210 acres, or 21 percent of its land area, as open space. That includes 10 percent managed by DEEP and 11 percent held by partners such as municipalities, land trusts, and water utilities.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, DEEP reported it had preserved 263,969 acres toward its target and that partner organizations had conserved about 255,169 acres—bringing the statewide total to 519,138 acres, or about 77 percent of the overall goal.
“From large tracts of land to small pocket parks, this group of projects benefits a variety of communities across the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “DEEP is excited to see recent program changes bringing new communities and partners to the table.”
Since its launch in 1998, the state’s open space initiative has provided more than $190 million to assist in conserving over 48,000 acres of publicly accessible land.
Recent legislative and policy changes have expanded eligibility and access to both grant programs. These include allowing reimbursement of incidental land acquisition costs under OSWA, as well as broadening UGCG eligibility to include more municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
Ten of this year’s 31 grant recipients took advantage of these updates. DEEP has opened the application period for the next round of grants, with a submission deadline of Nov. 3, 2025.