County Road Fields

The effort to conserve 25 acres on the east end of County Road is an example of what neighbors can accomplish when they work together. This effort also demonstrates the importance of a local land trust with the agility to meet the needs of its community. Protection of these contiguous acres began in 1991 when GLCT received four acres on the south side of County Road from the estate of Charles M. Fenner. Mr. Fenner, an original member of the GLCT Board of Directors, lived with his wife Elinor on County Road for many years. 

Then, in 2004, a 13-acre property came up for sale. Caroline and Knox Chandler, whose children had grown up running all about these fields and woods, recognized what was at risk. They reached out to GLCT and gathered neighbors to consider options. What ensued was one of the most creative arrangements GLCT has ever been a part of. Ultimately, the Town of Guilford purchased the properties that had been for sale and GLCT contributed by purchasing conservation easements on them. The Chandlers donated conservation easements across their two smaller parcels along County Road. Then, their next door neighbors, Eric and Sandy Glover conveyed to GLCT the right to place a conservation easement across their 5-acre property in 2020. GLCT acted on this option with the new owners of that land. The end result is 25 acres of conserved land, much of it managed as open field habitat, along one of Guilford’s most scenic roads. The cost was divided roughly in thirds between the Town of Guilford, GLCT and neighbors who contributed $120,000. 

There are no formal trails on these properties but the public is permitted to walk on the GLCT and Town of Guilford land. Parking is available at the Shoreline Outdoor Education Center at 730 County Road.