Preparatory work for a new drive to the 34-acre Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary property began the week of February 22. Linking Commerce Road to 3 Old Farm Road, the access drive will provide the town-required route necessary to accommodate future transportation needs, including construction trucks, visitor vehicles, buses for field trips, and emergency vehicles. The access drive is the next important step before construction can begin on the sanctuary buildings.

In keeping with the sanctuary’s mission and commitment to land stewardship, a great deal of effort went into evaluating and preventing any environmental impact, as well as consulting with environmental and wildlife experts. To protect habitats and creatures within the designated area, crews from Nazzaro, Inc, are working at the site until the preparatory phase is complete. They will then stop and re-start work to accommodate wildlife needs. It is anticipated the access drive will be completed by the end of May.

Jennifer Hubbard, executive director of the sanctuary, is excited about reaching this important milestone.

“Building the access drive has been a long time coming and really sets the stage for the next step in constructing the sanctuary. As in everything that we do, we are thoughtful in our approach to ensure we are doing right by the town, the environment, and the animals who call it home.”

To learn more, visit www.cvhfoundation.org.

About the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary:

Nestled in the very heart of Newtown, Connecticut and spread over 34 acres of pristine farmland, woodlands, and rolling meadows, the home of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is coming to life. The sanctuary pays tribute to the life of Catherine Violet Hubbard — a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy — and will be a safe haven and place of healing which offers companion animal adoption, farm animal refuge, wildlife rehabilitation and release, and on-site educational workshops.

While funds for the sanctuary build are raised, site work has already begun at the property. Even without a building, the sanctuary is elevating kindness for animals, humans, and the environment through pet adoption and rescue collaboration events, free community workshops, pollinator protection, virtual and in-person education, and programs to help senior citizens keep and care for their pets. The sanctuary lands are currently open to the public from dawn until dusk and visitors are welcome.