Aspetuck Land Trust Hires Nature Preserve Ranger for Trout Brook Valley Preserve

ASPETUCK LAND TRUST HIRES NATURE PRESERVE RANGER TO PATROL TROUT BROOK VALLEY PRESERVE IN EASTON AND WESTON

In an effort to better enforce compliance with regulations supporting both conservation and recreation goals at its popular Trout Brook Valley Preserve spanning Weston and Easton, Aspetuck Land Trust has announced the appointment of its first Nature Preserve Ranger.

Effective immediately, James E. Wood, a retired Fairfield police officer with 35 years of experience in law enforcement, will patrol the 1,009 acre preserve and its 20-mile trail system network.

His duties include talking with the public to provide information on all preserve rules and the reasons behind them. This includes regulations requiring dogs to be under control, to stay on designated trails and to always be on leash in Trout Brook Valley. Off leash dog walking is permitted only in the two mile long loop trail in the Crow Hill section of Trout Brook Valley as long as the dogs are under control and stay on the trail.

“The goal of our regulations is to reduce conflicts between dogs and people and simultaneously to protect and preserve the abundant but fragile wildlife diversity we all enjoy. We believe Ranger Wood, who also has considerable experience in nature education with young people, will be very helpful working with our trail stewards and the many hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, dog walkers, birders and others who share this gem of a preserve,” said David Brant, Executive Director of Aspetuck Land Trust.

         Aspetuck Land Trust (ALT) is a local non-profit land conservation organization founded in 1966 to preserve open space in the towns of Westport, Weston, Fairfield and Easton. ALT preserves provide passive recreation and educational opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy nature, while preserving the flora and fauna and rural characteristics of local communities. ALT maintains 44 trailed nature preserves and other conservation-only properties on over 1,700 acres of land. ALT has over 1,000 local members who support us through annual membership contributions.  For more information visit www.aspetucklandtrust.org

Photo Credit: Jacquie Littlejohn

Aspetuck Land Trust has announced the appointment of its first Nature Preserve Ranger, James E. Wood.