Using funds from two grants, the Town of Bethany has purchased 50.88 acres of undeveloped land from the Simpson family. Back in 2018, applications for two grants written by the Land Trust and submitted by the town were approved: one from the State of Connecticut’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program and the other from Audubon Connecticut In-lieu Fee Program. The town closed on the property in early May.
The Simpson Preserve is bordered on three sides by open space, including Bethany Veterans Memorial Park and three open space preserves of the Bethany Land Trust. Public access to the preserve exists from the Veteran’s Memorial Park parking lot, the ends of both Lebanon and Northrup Roads as well as trails from the Land Trust preserves.
With the addition of these 50 plus acres, there are now almost 400 acres of contiguous protected open space on that side of Beacon Road. Numerous at-risk species have been observed in the vicinity, including the American woodcock, Virginia Rail, Two-lined skink and Wood turtle, and preservation will serve to protect their habitat.
While owned by the town, the Simpson Preserve will be managed by the Bethany Land Trust per a stipulation in one of the grants. The town and the Land Trust will partner to craft a management plan for the preserve, which will include an assessment of existing restoration needs while also providing for passive recreational use such as hiking and horseback riding.
Many thanks to all who have worked diligently to preserve this property.
