Formed in 1964 by Wilton residents Morris Earle, Augustus W. Merwin, Lawrason Riggs III, and George W.D. Symonds,  The Wilton Land Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit organization that strives to prevent the loss of Wilton’s environment by preserving biodiversity and building community.  

The organization actively restores wildlife habitat, plants natives, enhances trails, manages its 840 acres, and partners with many nonprofits in Wilton. Executive Director David McCarthy leads the organization, alongside its all-volunteer Board of Trustees composed of Wilton residents. Though this year’s programmatic season is over, the organization provides a variety of services and ways for Wilton residents to get involved, such as Scout projects, joining a working committee, financial support through Annual Membership, volunteering, or becoming an active intern. 

“I love Wilton Land Trust because there is tangible evidence of the good you’ve done for the community,” says Isla Ritchie, a current Junior at WHS. “I love to see people enjoying the hard work we put into this land and hope it’s enjoyed for generations to come.”

Throughout this season, WLT events included Wellness walks, Birding Hikes, Nature Walks, Live Animal Exhibits, and Stewardship Sundays, where the local environment is both admired and preserved by volunteers.

As an Intern since 2021, Brody Fusco believes, “It’s important work. We all hear about global warming and major issues on a global scale, but even locally, you look around Wilton, and you’ll see nothing but invasive plants overtaking everything. The land trust gives us the chance to fight back and restore our home.” 

What’s more, Wilton Land Trust gives back in other ways than saving the environment. They award their  E. Dan Cappel Senior Scholarship Award of $1,500 to a Wilton High School annual recipient who “demonstrates the willingness to preserve Wilton’s biodiversity.” Similarly, they provide a Wilton High School Junior environmental book award where a rising senior is honored for “demonstrating outstanding environmental leadership and a commitment to their community.” 

“Volunteering is the biggest thing anyone can do to help. Just a few hours makes such a huge difference. WLT owns 835 acres of land, and we’ve only got about four or five people actively working to preserve it. Every little bit counts, and together we can make a real impact.”

— Brody Fusco

For more information on how to get involved, visit wiltonlandtrust.org or contact [email protected].