The Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) is pleased to announce the purchase of 7 acres directly on West Lake for $225,000. The property off Gina Lane, is a subdivision off West Lake Avenue that contains woodlands and wetlands. The land also connects to another 7.5 acres, including a small pond, which the Trust received in the summer of 2011 as a part of the subdivision process. In addition, to the south and heading west across West Lake Avenue, it links to 59 acres from the Gina Lane and Chestnut Grove subdivisions and then into the 90-acre Kampmeyer Preserve. The Kampmeyer Preserve is named for Preston Kampmeyer who bequeathed his home to GLCT in 1991. GLCT used the revenue from the sale of the home to purchase the backbone of the preserve.

“This was an unexpected opportunity. We looked at the most recent open space set aside, including land around Little West Pond, and realized that by adding these two bank-owned lots, we could do even more to buffer West Lake,” said GLCT President, Sarah Williams. In addition to protecting the water quality in West Lake, the high scenic ridgeline will remain intact and now the corridor for walkers in the area will include a spectacular view of West Lake. “This is quite a beautiful area of Guilford, with ecological values that have been priorities since Guilford first started mapping areas for conservation. We hope to protect even more land in the area over time.”

The land trust plans to offer walks on this newest acquisition over the coming months. Williams explained, “This special opportunity came together in an unconventional way, so we are appealing to the community for donations to help pay for this significant acquisition after the closing.” Stay tuned for dates to come and see the property.

Donations can be made on-line via this web site.