To the Editor:

I read with interest Dottie Evans’ excellent letter, “View From 6 Commerce Road” (March 1, 2024). She has documented the environmental functionality as well as the agricultural history of this unusual grassland and forested habitat.

I would like to add my personal connection to this parcel, as well as some observations. I was introduced to this greater swath of undeveloped land probably 30 years ago, when a friend took me, my husband and our two dogs for an outing one day in early spring. Since that time, we have become addicted to the trails and the wonderful views afforded by this “get-away-from-it-all” slice of heaven, right near the center of town. Through the years we have walked all our various dogs and, when we could, included our children and grandchildren on these adventures. We always came away with renewed spirit and an appreciation of nature, which is hard to duplicate in day-to-day living.

Among the noteworthy things that we observed over the years were foxes, bobcats, deer, coyotes, owls, hawks, eagles, bluebirds, butterflies, many wildflowers, bees, and many fish including the trout who thrive in Deep Brook. Many of these species require large areas to survive and breed, making this large swath of undeveloped land particularly valuable.

In addition to the 200 acres purchased by Samuel Sherman one could add significant acreage to the south which has remained undeveloped (eg, land owned by the Pootatuck Land Company and the State for the Correctional Facility). From the air, this tear-shaped opening in the multitude of development roads must look very inviting to migratory and other birds.

The meadow at 6 Commerce Road offers important grassland habitat which is becoming increasingly scarce in Connecticut, as farmlands have been converted by development. This particular field, like the other open fields in the area, has been kept free from most invasive species by annual mowing — which adds to its uniqueness and value. Important too is the fact that this site is part of the designated Aquifer Recharge Area, protecting our sole source aquifer. It is also upland from Deep Brook, one of nine wild trout streams in Connecticut which could be threatened by run-off and siltation from development.

Additionally, the location of 6 Commerce Road being adjacent to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary gives us yet another reason to prevent development which would bring with it disruption and inappropriate noise.

It is hard to place a value on undeveloped land, but every time a bulldozer begins a new construction project somewhere in Newtown, any remaining undeveloped property increases in value — the law of supply and demand. Over the 30 years that my family and I have been enjoying this site, the value of this land must have increased exponentially!

I urge town officials to work with our state representatives to secure this parcel as protected open space so that it can continue to serve its ecosystem function and also remain a place for residents to “get back to nature.”

Mary Wilson

Protect Our Pollinators/Pollinator Pathway

Newtown