good news Rich past, bright future
Locals call coogan farm in Mystic, Connecticut, the place where “the country meets the coast”—acres of grassy meadows and peaceful woods in view of the Mystic River near Long Island Sound. There’s a feeling of timelessness here: you can sense it in the sound of song- birds and the old stone walls that crisscross the pastures, reminders of the early American settlers who farmed the land in the 17th century. Now, thanks to the support of more than 700 passionate donors and volunteers, Coogan Farm can remain a place of refuge for years to come. The Trust for Public Land helped purchase more than 30 acres of the property—which lies close to town and was vulnerable to development—for the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.
Though it serves more than 50,000 visitors a year, the nature center has never before had land to call its own. As an “outdoor classroom,” Coogan Farm will provide the perfect setting for introducing both children and adults to the region’s birds and wildlife, varied habitats, and more than 350 years of American history. These hands-on expe- riences help build the sort of lasting connections hard to get from a science or history textbook. Friends and neighbors envision the farm as the heart of a trail system linking other open space to community land- marks like the seaport and aquarium—favorite spots for residents as well as tourists, who support the local econo- my. In the future, you’ll be able to hike, bike, or even cross- country ski from the nature center to downtown Mystic. A grand opening is planned for the fall. We can’t wait!
Programs at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center are many kids’ introduction to local wildlife—such as the beautiful barred owl.
24 · LAND&PEOPLE · SPRING/SUMMER 2014
richard freeda
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