A Bigger, Better Mono Pond State Park

At The Trust for Public Land, we’re committed to a powerful idea: we protect the places that matter to you. We help communities solve urgent issues like creating equitable green space, improving people’s health, and addressing climate change. When the local community approached us with the opportunity to help expand Connecticut’s Mono Pond State Park Reserve, we recognized a golden moment to expand a tiny, but mighty, state park by more than 1000 acres.

Mono Pond State Park Reserve is nothing short of majestic. Whether it’s paddling, hiking, fishing, or mountain biking, this is nature at its best. Working with the State of Connecticut and the communities of Columbia, Lebanon, and Hebron, we came together to triple the size of this park and strengthen part of a key greenway for both humans and wildlife. This expansion linked the park to one of Connecticut’s few long-distance trails, the Air Line State Park Trail, which spans over 50 miles, nearly half the state, and connects walkers, hikers, equestrians, and bikers with nature and each other.

From lowland blueberry swamps to rocky foothills, this land protection effort significantly expanded, and permanently protected, a special place where residents and visitors can experience nature close at hand.