The Southbury Land Trust and the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition are the latest recipients of grants totaling $58,000 presented by the Southbury Community Trust Fund on October 30. On hand for the ceremony at the Southbury Town Hall, in no particular order, were Karen Huber and Bill Neill, representing the Land Trust, and Marc Taylor and Ed Edelson, representing the Watershed Coalition. Trust Fund Chair Shirley Michaels was joined by Advisory Committee members including Mary Kay Flaherty, Donald Kimber, Mark Mitchell, Warren Malken, Laura Spiegel and Betsy Stiles. (Slavin photo)

Chair Shirley Michaels said that these grants are the largest ever awarded by the fund, "and we view them as long-term investments in Southbury's future.

"Both of these organizations are doing critical work which will positively impact this community for generations to come and we are pleased to support their efforts."

The Land Trust received a grant of $38,000 which will assist in the purchase of a conservation easement on Drumlin Hill Tree Farm. The 14.4 acres of open space abuts and connects the 50-acre Lovdal Farm and the 104-acre Phillips Farm.

The result is a combination of properties with adjacent public nature preserves that will create the largest passive recreational space open to the public in this part of Southbury.

A grant of $20,000 was awarded to the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition to support the organization's Outreach Program which is focused on improving the health of the Pomperaug Watershed through the adoption of best practices in water and land management decisions by people and institutions.

The coalition's mission is to protect the quality and quantity of the water in the watershed as well as to protect its plants and wildlife in a 90-square-mile basin that includes the towns of Woodbury, Southbury and Bethlehem.

The Southbury Community Trust Fund, a component fund of the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, was established by Southbury resident May Platt Mitchell in 1995 to serve the Southbury community.

The fund provides grants to programs that support the physical, social and emotional well-being of Southbury residents of all ages.

During the past ten years, grants have amounted to more than $300,000 to Southbury-area non profit organizations.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-334-7511 or visit www.gbafoundation.org.