Last week I had the opportunity to walk a new property that will likely be donated to Ridgefield as open space. What makes this parcel special is that it is smack in the middle of undeveloped State land, which together would add up to over 40 acres of pristine forest that is adjacent to another large plot of open space.
As four of us (Conservation Commissioners) walk the property, we are all struck by its beauty and untouched nature. Well, that is not totally accurate as we spot a rusty drum, an unauthorized deer stand and signs of camping spots.
But otherwise the thick canopy of mostly hardwood trees keeps undergrowth to a minimum with the exception of mushrooms. We find a variety of types scattered throughout the forest floor.
A few trails on the space are well worn indicating that the property is being used. “Well that will be one of the trails we don’t have to build,” comments one of my colleagues.
Bisecting the property is a stream that now is flowing only slightly but must be a raging torrent come Spring or heavy rains. There are signs of deer and other animal scat on the grounds indicating a healthy environment. Old stone walls divvy up the space.
Approaching the edge of the property, we notice a young stand of conifers surrounding a few waist-high stumps. “They were probably logged,” says one of the commissioners. “The stumps are here but no sign of the wood.”
I nod my head in agreement as we head back to where we started, happy about the space, its potential, and the generosity of its donors.
