Madison Land Conservation Trust

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Madison Land Conservation Trust

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FOUNDED IN 1964, the Madison Land Conservation Trust is one of the oldest land trusts in the United States.

The Land Trust is a nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer board of directors. Throughout the town of Madison, the Land Trust protects close to 1700 acres of woodlands and wetlands, fragile and vital habitats that might otherwise have been consumed by development. These properties provide residents and school groups with more than 35 miles of trails to enjoy.

10/02/2026

Join us tomorrow with our friends from Middlesex Land Trust for a 3-mile hike through Mica Ledges. This year marks 30 years of joint ownership of this special preserve. This will be a moderately challenging hike with some steep ups and downs and rocky sections of trail. Along the way you'll enjoy scenic views from the ledges, discover the historic Selectmen’s Stones, and take in the peaceful setting of Whitney Pond.
Please visit the Events page on our website for details: https://madisonlandtrust.org/events/

09/27/2026

Madison Land Conservation Trust and Middlesex Land Conservation Trust are celebrating 30 years of shared ownership of Mica Ledges Preserve! Join us for a ~3-mile hike through this special preserve. This moderately challenging hike features some steep ups and downs and rocky sections of trail. Along the way you'll enjoy scenic views from the ledges, discover the historic Selectmen’s Stones, and take in the peaceful setting of Whitney Pond.

Please visit the Events page on our website for details: https://madisonlandtrust.org/events/

Registration is requested for this hike.

09/01/2026

Join Henry Griggs, Madison’s Municipal Historian, for a discussion on the history of farming in our town. After the talk, Benjamin Diebold, former MLCT President, will lead a walk around Rettich Preserve, formerly a single-family working farm for more than 100 years and donated to the Madison Land Conservation Trust in 2014.

08/31/2026

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful morning, or a more enthusiastic group of guests for our first plein air painting event at Rettich Preserve on Saturday. After an excellent demonstration by our own Michael Digiorgio, everyone set out to create their own masterpieces.

08/30/2026

It's the event you've been waiting all year for! Our annual fundraising concert is next Saturday, the 5th. The music starts at 5, the pizzas start coming out of the oven at 4. You'll find everything you need to know on our events page: https://madisonlandtrust.org/events/

08/26/2026

We have reached capacity for this event. Thanks to all who signed up to paint with us. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Artists with their own supplies are still welcome—no registration required, just show up!

08/24/2026

We still have a few openings for anyone who wants to join us on the 29th and needs supplies. This event is for all ages and skill levels. You can message us to reserve your supplies, or email us at [email protected]
Event details: https://madisonlandtrust.org/events/

08/13/2026

Join us for this family event
Saturday, August 29th from 9 am - noon at Rettich Preserve, 249 River Road in Madison.

Guaranteed to be fun for participants of all ages and skill levels. We’ll be painting this barn scene on our property. If you’ve never painted en plein air this is a great opportunity to give it a try.
New artists will be supplied with everything they need to paint their own version of this scene. All you need to bring are a blanket or chair to sit on while you paint. Meet us at the tent at 9:00 to pick up your supplies and watch a brief demonstration.
Art supplies are limited to 20 participants. Use the button below to message us and reserve your supplies. Or, you can email us at [email protected] Please put “art supplies” in the subject line.

Experienced artists can set up to paint our barn scene, or find your own inspiration on this beautiful property, perhaps by the river or overlooking our pollinator meadow. Our new painters will be encouraged to walk the property and gain inspiration watching our experienced guests work.

06/04/2026

Join Yale ecologists Kealoha Freidenburg and David Skelly on a hike to search for frogs, toads, salamanders and newts. The trail features extensive wetlands and old logging roads through the woods. This hike is popular with the kids—plan to join us Sunday! Please wear boots and bring a dip net if you have one. No dogs please. Meet in the parking lot of The Country School at the intersection of Opening Hill and Blinnshed Roads.

REGISTER for this event here: https://trailsday.org/events/amphibian-hike/

06/03/2026

Join us for a walk through Camp Hadley, one of 23 Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camps that once existed in Connecticut. Over 200 young men lived and worked there during the lean years of the depression. Our guide, Jason Engelhardt, was one of the volunteers that led the effort to uncover and identify what remains of the camp. Meet at the trailhead on Warpas Road. Read about Camp Hadley on our blog: https://madisonlandtrust.org/blog/

PLEASE NOTE: Construction equipment is currently parked in the area of the trail head. Parking on one of the side streets—Godman Rd. or Brookview Terrace is advised. Parking is also available in the lot at Lowry Woods on Warpas Road. All options are a short walk to the Camp Hadley trail head.

Address

10 School Street
Madison, CT
06443

Website

http://www.madisonlandtrust.org/

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