Still Pond Preserve/Silvermine Fowler Preserve

New Canaan, Connecticut, is an idyllic New England town—known for its charming shops and colonial-era homes. But with all that curb appeal, land development is a hot market, putting the remaining green spaces of the area at risk.

One of those spaces is known today as the Still Pond Preserve/Silvermine Fowler Preserve—a 6-acre forested escape with a freshwater pond and weaving trails. This land was eyed for development in 2017 until the owners, Jim and Betsey Fowler, decided to transfer the land to the public. Jim Fowler was an acclaimed naturalist and the Emmy-winning host of the documentary TV show “Wild Kingdom.”

Trust for Public Land assisted with the land transfer, which was made possible by many generous donors, partners, and members of the New Canaan Land Trust. What’s more: the preserve links to Kelley Upland Sanctuary, 41 acres that provide even more space for locals and visitors to get outside, play, and enjoy nature together.