The Campaign for Farm Creek Preserve, initiated by the Norwalk Land Trust, is under way to protect sixteen acres right in the heart of
Rowayton.
The 10-acre Hart Peninsula is untouched
forest, rimmed by tidal marsh and meadow, and owned by the City of Norwalk since 1983. It is Rowayton's only undisturbed wildlife habitat and feeding ground
for numerous birds and animals and contains many plant species as well. Salt marshes are vital to the ongoing health
of all of Long Island Sound; but they are increasingly being destroyed by home development along the water's edge. The Norwalk Land Trust has
worked with the City of Norwalk to create a conservation easement that will protect this vital habitat.
The two-acre 34 Sammis Street site adjacent to the Hart Peninsula, formerly the Hart property and home of the old Hart Castle,
provide an area where the rest of us can enjoy this special, quiet space. A path winds its way through meadows of wild flowers and grasses and native vegetation down to a trail along the water's edge. An observation
deck overlooks the grasses swaying in the tide, the blue herons and the osprey. The only structure on the site would be the 100-year old stone barn, a wonderful vestige of Rowayton of old times.
Next to 34 Sammis Street is the Langdon property, a half-acre strip of land which the Land Trust owns. It was part of the old trolley way out to Bell Island and will anchor the eastern end of the Farm Creek Preserve created at 34 Sammis Street. And to the west, the Kulze Preserve offers another 3.5 acres of preserved tidal wetland.
In the Summer of 2006 we began the process of purchasing this prime water-front property at 34 Sammis Street for $4.5 million. This price tag is the
biggest challenge the Norwalk Land Trust has ever faced. Today, we have $850,000 left to raise.
To help us finish, there is a Challenge Grant in effect for 2009. The Tombros Foundation will match 50% (up to $500,000) of the next new $1 million raised. That will pay off the loan from The Conservation Fund of Arlington, VA secured to close on the property in early 2008. Some vital repairs will be made on the 1907 stone barn, and with additional funding, a small protected nature classroom will assist school groups and others visiting the Preserve.
The Campaign for Farm Creek Preserve Website >>