In a stirring demonstration of commitment to conservation, dozens of Newtown Forest Association (NFA) supporters and Newtown residents convened on Saturday, November 4, at the site of Deep Brook Farm, near Dickinson Park.

The gathering offered members of the public a close-up look at the 63-acre property that is currently at the center of the land trust’s preservation efforts.

NFA President Bart Smith commanded the attention of the crowd as he recounted the history of the land’s agrarian past.

“The main part of the barns and the main house were built in about the mid 1700s,” he told guests. “This property has been farmed in some way, shape, or form continuously since then, which is pretty interesting because that’s not true of a lot of farms anymore.”

In 1972, the land came under the care of Dr Thomas Draper, who maintained its farming tradition until his passing earlier this year at the age of 96. Currently in the hands of the late doctor’s seven-person estate, the parcel has been offered to NFA for purchase in order to preserve its historic legacy.

NFA Executive Director Trent McCann discussed with guests the organization’s aspirations and the benefits the public would enjoy should they be realized.

“If we were to acquire this property,” he explained, “it would become — although privately owned — open space that would be open to the public. There would be access to trailheads.”

He even revealed that NFA leadership was actively considering upholding the agrarian legacy of the land by continuing to farm it in some capacity.

Smith stressed, however, that these efforts come with a large degree of urgency. According to him, almost $1 million has been raised thus far, but an outstanding balance of at least $300,000 needs to be made up before the trust can present its final offer.

“I have to emphasize that time is of the essence,” he said. “If we’re unable to raise the funds to preserve this amazing property, homes will be built on this property. I mean, there’s no doubt about it. These wonderful dirt roads will be paved. They’ll be gone.”

NFA hopes to be able to present its offer within a matter of weeks.

“They haven’t given us a firm deadline, but they’re not going to do this forever,” McCann confirmed, reinforcing Smith’s comments.

Meanwhile, conversations continue between NFA and Newtown officials regarding a public parking lot encroachment that was also discussed.

“They have, actually, a huge encroachment on this property,” said McCann. “The parking lot at Dickinson Park is 80 feet onto this property. So we’re talking with them about how do we handle that. We would have to do a revision to the property line.”

This issue is likely to be the subject of ongoing dialogue between the town and whoever comes to own the Deep Brook property.

With the time for action approaching, McCann made a heartfelt call for support to the Newtown community. As he explained, a strong final push of donations will be necessary to make the organization’s vision a reality.

“We’ve had about 300 individual people contribute to the campaign,” he said, “and I will be transparent with you: It has slowed. Up until 20 minutes ago, I don’t think we had gotten a donation for four days.

“There was a huge push, and a lot of people stepped forward — more than we have typically gotten in our annual appeals — but we now need to reinvigorate people and stress the importance of this. So anyone who hasn’t made a contribution will hopefully have their mind changed.”

Residents who wish to contribute to the preservation of Deep Brook Farm can do so through NFA’s new website at newtownforestassociation.org. Paper pledge forms are also available and will be distributed at upcoming NFA events.

Refundable pledges directed exclusively towards the acquisition of Deep Brook Farm have also been made available.

Holcombe Hill Bonfire Planned

Newtown Forest Association's next public event will kick off a year of planned programs and events in celebration of the trust's centennial in 2024.

A bonfire party is planned at Holcolbe Hill, another NFA property, on Friday, November 17, at 7 pm.

The celebration is for nature lovers of all ages with campfire snacks for everyone to enjoy. There will be cider and mulled wine, and the ingredients for s’mores and baked apples. Those planning to attend are also welcome to bring their own favorite snacks.

Holcombe Hill is at 65 Great Hill Road.

This is a completely free event, open to all. Reservations are requested by sending email to donna.vella@newtownforestassociation.org.

=====

Reporter Owen Tanzer can be reached at owen@thebee.com.