Since acquiring its first eight-acre parcel in 1924, before there was an Earth Day or widespread public interest in preserving wild lands, Newtown Forest Association (NFA) has been preserving the nature of Newtown, both literally and in the sense of the town's character.

Now NFA announces that it has achieved national accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, joining a network of only 372 accredited land trusts across the nation that have earned this recognition by demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in their work. NFA now joins 19 other Connecticut land trusts, out of more than 135 throughout the state, who have achieved the milestone.

NFA Treasurer Guy Peterson said the accreditation proves the local group's commitment to a number of concerns.

"Accreditation demonstrates the Newtown Forest Association's commitment to permanent land conservation, conducted at the highest level of professionalism, by a group of very dedicated volunteer board members," Mr Peterson said.

"We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program," he added. "Our strength means special places — such as the Nettleton and Holcombe Hill Preserves — will be protected forever, making Newtown an even greater place for us and our children. We can think of no greater honor than ensuring the permanence of our organizations future by becoming accredited."

Newtown Forest Association was required to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarding accreditation signifies its confidence that NFA's lands will be protected forever.

Almost 20 million acres of farms, forests, and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by accredited land trusts nationwide.

Martha Wright, a Newtown resident since 1965 and NFA board member since 1988, said she felt the certification process helped NFA improve its ability to better care for the open space entrusted to the association.

"The accreditation label proves to potential donors that the NFA is seriously dedicated to the preservation of open space," she said.

NFA President Bob Eckenrode said he and others within NFA felt honored to be recognized at the national level.

"The accreditation process was so thorough and professional," he said. "It gave us a chance to really examine our current procedures and revisit our priorities. Having adopted most of the Land Trust Alliance Standard and Practices informally over the past several years as a guide, we were able to fine tune things to successfully complete the process.

"We know the examples we set for conservation practices are going to be useful as a benchmark to be shared within our community, as well as with other land trusts and open space organizations in our region," Mr Eckenrode added.

Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of Land Trust Accreditation Commission, complimented NFA on the distinction.

"Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever," she said. "Accreditation recognizes the Newtown Forest Association has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship."

Newtown Forest Association is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States, according to the most recent National Land Trust Census, released December 1, 2016, by the Land Trust Alliance. The comprehensive report also shows that accredited land trusts have made significant achievements, including:

*Accredited land trusts have steadily grown and now steward more than 77 percent of conservation lands and easements held by all land trusts.

*Accredited land trusts protected five times more land from 2010 to 2015 than land trusts that were not yet accredited.

*Accredited land trusts also have stronger systems and more resources to steward and defend their conservation lands forever.

*As a result, the public's trust in land conservation has increased, helping to win support for federal, state, and local conservation funding measures.

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits are detailed at

Newtown Forest Association is the oldest private land trust in Connecticut and not part of the Town of Newtown. A nonprofit association, NFA owns more than 1,101 acres, preserves an additional 225 acres under conservation easements, making it the largest private landowner in Newtown.

NFA cares for 1,194 acres in Newtown and 132 acres in Bethel, including the 190-acre Holcombe Preserve, with breathtaking four-county views from the highest elevation in Newtown, and the 0.05-acre Glen Preserve in Sandy Hook Center, the centerpiece of which is the Christmas tree at the corner of Church Hill Road and Washington Avenue.

The other 51 preserves include meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, which not only help to maintain the town's local rural character, but also preserve the ecosystem on which residents and wildlife depend.

NFA properties are open to the public for passive recreation and include trails, ponds, streams, and vistas for all to enjoy.

Visit landtrustaccreditation.org for more information about the properties NFA preserves as well as about the association itself.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust, and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more information, visit

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. Based in Washington, DC, and with several regional offices, the Alliance represents about 1,000 member land trusts nationwide.