Lamont Announces Grants to Improve Recreational Trails Across Connecticut

$10.5 Million Awarded Through Connecticut’s Recreational Trails Grant Program

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the award of approximately $10.5 million in grants supporting 50 projects that will plan, build, expand, restore, and improve multi-use trails across Connecticut. Investments will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, strengthen connections between communities, improve public health, and support Connecticut’s growing outdoor recreation economy.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program following a competitive review process conducted by DEEP in partnership with the Connecticut Greenways Council. The funding for the program was previously allocated by the State Bond Commission.

This year’s awards support a wide variety of projects, including new trail construction, trail rehabilitation, bridge replacements, accessibility improvements, trailhead and parking enhancements, planning and design efforts, and long-term maintenance of Connecticut’s statewide trail network. All projects enhance or expand public access to trails.

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Governor Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work. I’m proud that we’re continuing to invest in projects that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.”

“Trails connect people with nature, strengthen communities, and provide opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and healthy living,” DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said. “Whether someone is hiking, bicycling, paddling, horseback riding, or simply enjoying time outdoors, these projects will improve access to safe, high-quality recreational experiences across Connecticut. We are grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued commitment to investing in our statewide trail system and expanding opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

Since its creation, the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program has helped communities, land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies expand and improve Connecticut’s trail system. These investments strengthen recreational opportunities, promote environmental stewardship, encourage active transportation, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the state. Together with Connecticut’s state parks, forests, greenways, and recreational trails, these investments continue building a connected statewide network which supports recreation, conservation, tourism, and alternative transportation while improving residents’ quality of life.

Twenty-five of the fifty awarded projects occur within, or serve, Connecticut’s distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities, which will improve equitable access to outdoor recreation.

Connecticut’s trail network continues to experience record use. According to the Connecticut Trail Census, managed by the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), more than 2.7 million trail users were recorded at 27 monitored locations statewide during 2025. Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy also continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation contributes approximately $6 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy, supports more than 50,000 jobs, and generates approximately $2.8 billion in wages and salaries.

The following table contains the list of projects receiving grants under this round of DEEP’s Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program:

PRESS RELEASE: New Date Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Rescheduled for November 14 in Ansonia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2026

Contact:
NVCOG
(203) 757-0535
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

New Date Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Rescheduled for November 14 in Ansonia

Do you have paints, cleaners, and other chemicals in your home that you need to dispose of? The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and participating municipalities will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection event on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The new collection event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ansonia Transfer Station, 1 N Division Street, Ansonia, CT. This will be the last event of the year.

This event replaces the previously canceled collection event from September 26.

The collection is open to residents of the following communities: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. There is no charge to residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entry. There is no need to line up before the 9 a.m. start time.

Hazardous waste consists of poisonous, flammable, and corrosive materials that are harmful to human health if not disposed of properly. The only waste that will be accepted is hazardous waste produced by households. Materials generated by a commercial enterprise or non-profit entity will not be accepted. A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be viewed at nvcogct.gov/hhw.

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include: oil- and latex-based paints and stains, thermometers and thermostats containing mercury, drain and oven cleaners, upholstery cleaners, wood cleaners, strippers and varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool and photo chemicals, automotive cleaners and fluids, gasoline and motor oil, grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted include: auto batteries, propane tanks over 1 lb., compressed gas cylinders, asbestos, smoke detectors, explosives, radioactive or medical waste, grout, joint compound, lead paint chips, and empty containers of any kind. Aerosol containers will not be accepted unless they contain a paint or chemical. Empty aerosols that contain food products can be recycled. Full or partially full food products and empty chemical and paint aerosol containers can be placed in the trash. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.

Up to 50 lbs. of residential waste will be accepted per vehicle. Residents should leave materials in the original container whenever possible. If you think you might exceed this limit, send an email with your name, address, and type of waste to hhw@nvcogct.gov at least one week in advance of the collection. When arriving at the collection site, residents must remain in their cars at all times. Trained waste handlers will remove materials from the cars. All liquid-based products, including gasoline and motor oil should arrive in a sealed container. For safety reasons, containers used to transport hazardous materials will not be returned. Residents are advised to use containers that do not need to be returned and ensure they are securely sealed.

Unacceptable materials will be returned or left in the vehicle and information, if known, will be provided on how to dispose of them. For further information, please contact hhw@nvcogct.gov or call (203) 757-0535.

NVCOG Recognizes Winners of the First-Ever Regional Photo Contest

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is excited to share the winning photos from our first-ever regional photo contest. Our 19 municipalities hold many attractions that bring visitors to the region, but the residents who call those communities home know the little things that make them truly special. The contest gave residents an opportunity to showcase the small-town favorites, notable landmarks, colorful sceneries, and meaningful sights that reflect what home means to them.

The winning photos will be used in NVCOG’s first Regional Plan of Conservation and Development, a 10-year planning document that outlines how our 19 municipalities will grow and improve over the next decade. The photos will also be featured on our website, across our social media platforms, and in other official NVCOG planning documents.

Each winner received a gift card to a local establishment in the community where their photo was taken.

As a regional planning agency, NVCOG works with municipal officials to acknowledge the voices and needs of the residents in our outreach to incorporate their lived experiences in our planning.

From buildings and parks to animals and scenic views, everyone has something that makes their community special. That is why we wanted to spotlight the places and moments that make each municipality unique, and the things that residents appreciate best.

For more information about the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development, visit https://nvcogct.gov/project/current-projects/plan-of-conservation-and-development/.

View the winning photos below. (Click photos for full captions)

A Bald Eagle diving into the Naugatuck River for dinner. (Photo by Eileen K., Ansonia)

⁠Bernard Matthies Summer Home on Carrington Pond in Matthies Memorial Park. (Photo by Michael K., Beacon Falls)

⁠Reaching with all his strength, Ozzie Gray picks an apple from the apple orchards at March Farm on Oct. 19, 2025. (Photo by Mya G., Bethlehem)

A beautiful lake showcasing the vegetation and water, with Lake Compounce in the distance. (Photo by Iniabel P., Bristol)

Wooded scenery at Lock 12 Historical Park along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. (Photo by Bill D., Cheshire)

Commuters along the Naugatuck River. (Photo by Ian Schroeder, Derby)

Middlebury Congregational Church & Middlebury Town Hall in October 2024. (Photo by Katrina M., Middlebury)

Mural in downtown Naugatuck. (Photo by Desira B., Naugatuck)

Oxford Memorial Day Parade 2026. (Photo by Sal D.F., Oxford)

An aerial view of the Route 8 on and off ramps onto Route 67 in Seymour near Webster Bank and Henny Penny. (Photo by Anthony B., Seymour)

Across the water, a train trestle frames Derby's historic steeples and rooftop where echoes of the Valley's past rise with calm current on the Housatonic River Greenway. (Photo by Eileen K., Shelton)

Winter feeding station provided for Cardinals at Audubon Center Bent of the River. (Photo by Bill D., Southbury)

A train operated by the Railroad Museum of New England travels along the scenic Naugatuck River Valley. (Photo by Sal D.F., Thomaston)

A flock of ducks at Hamilton Park during the winter. (Photo by Suzanne D., Waterbury)

Spring time at the Watertown Town Hall. (Photo by Lauren D., Watertown)

Mill Pond Way Trail at Woodtick Reservoir. (Photo by Rob P., Wolcott)

A nice trail walk ending in a beautiful sunset at Three Rivers Park. (Photo by Suzanne D., Woodbury)

Other photos were selected as honorable mentions for their exceptional skill and unique portrayal of their towns.

View the honorable mention photos below. (Click photos for full captions)

Sunset. (Lori M., Thomaston)

Naugatuck State Forest, Seymour Reservoir #2. (Dana L., Oxford)

The historic Rimmon Schoolhouse. (Michael K., Beacon Falls)

Focused on extracting honey, Camden Gray looks determined as he spins the honey extractor during NEST's Community Honey Harvest and Free Food Distribution on November 15, 2026, at the North End Recreation Center. (Mya G., Waterbury)

Reflecting on the beauty of brotherhood: Ozzie and Camden Gray, standing in the apple orchards overlooking March Farm (Mya G., Bethlehem)

Flags for Heroes Ceremony at Shelton Riverwalk on June 13, 2026. (Linda G., Shelton)

Large American flag displayed for the 250th Anniversary of the United States. July 4, 2026. (Bill D., Cheshire)

Staff member at the Audubon Center Bent of the River banding a Warbler during its spring migratory stop on May 23, 2025. ( Sal D., Southbury)

World War I Monument on the Watertown Public Green. (Lauren D., Watertown)

American flag placed at French Park for Independence Day. (Anthony B., Seymour)

Double rainbow appears over Holy Rosary Church. (Photo by Patricia V., Ansonia)

Band performer on the Derby Green. (Anthony M., Derby)

Wolcott Town Hall. (Karen M., Wolcott)

St. Michael's Church and the Soldier's Monument from the perspective of the Memorial Fountain. (Chris M., Naugatuck)

My family's first "Quassy Night" at Lake Quassapaug. (Martin S., Middlebury)

PRESS RELEASE: Public Meetings to Discuss Route 64 Corridor Study Proposed Recommendation Alternatives

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2026

Contact:
Richard Donovan
Assistant Director/Transportation Planning Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
rdonovan@nvcogct.gov

In-Person & Virtual Public Meetings to Discuss Route 64 Corridor Study Proposed Recommendation Alternatives

Middlebury, CT – The Town of Middlebury and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) invite residents, business owners, and stakeholders to attend a public meeting for the ongoing Route 64 Corridor Study. The purpose of this meeting is to present the proposed recommendation alternatives, prepared by the project’s consulting team, BETA Group, Inc., and to gather public input. The meeting will take place on October 15, 2026, at 6 pm, in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and Zoom participation.

The meeting will provide an array of options to promote safe and accessible connections for all road users along the corridor, including pedestrians and bicyclists. BETA Group, Inc., will present the proposals through a slide presentation, followed by opportunities for questions and public comments.

Meeting Details:
• Date & Time: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6 pm
• Location: Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Rd, Middlebury
• Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83858666353

NVCOG, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Town of Middlebury, began the assessment of safety along Route 64 in Middlebury in January 2025, focusing on enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist connections and access throughout the corridor. The Corridor Study is nearing completion, with expected conclusion in December 2026. Public input will help guide the final recommendations.

For more information about the Route 64 Corridor Study and to view the Existing Conditions Report, visit https://nvcogct.gov/middlebury-rt64.

Language assistance is available to the public at no cost. For language assistance requests contact Desira Blanchard, Communications and Community Engagement Director with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov or at 203-757-0535. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting.

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People Behind the Plans: The Interns Making a Difference at NVCOG

Happy National Intern Day! This summer, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is hosting six interns who are making a meaningful impact across the region. From supporting environmental initiatives to contributing to transportation, mapping, and planning projects, our interns are gaining hands-on experience while helping to improve our 19 municipalities. Join us in celebrating their hard work and the difference they are making this summer!

Jacob Bartel

Jacob Bartel was first introduced to the NVCOG through his Sustainable CT Fellowship Program, where he supported climate change and recycling efforts within the agency’s region. Witnessing how impactful his work was, Bartel is interested in all aspects of regional planning, and is working towards a career as a transportation planner.

A second-year graduate student in the Master of Regional Planning program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bartel, a two-time NVCOG intern, is spending his summer working with the communications team. Bartel assists each division with outreach initiatives and ensures that the public is aware of the agency’s plans. Furthermore, he is also using what he’s learning to curate his capstone project that focuses on public outreach for the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

While interning on the communications team, Bartel is experiencing a piece of each division. “I get to learn strategies on reaching the public, the importance of town meetings and how to navigate them, which is something I would not have fully experienced in a classroom,” he shared.

As a fellow, after leading a project that collected the public’s thoughts about a climate plan, Bartel read through and compiled all responses that were then included in the project’s finalized plan. He also helped a town with a volunteer recycling initiative that gained popularity and is still in existence. “These were small things, but once I saw that even as an intern, I could directly help people and towns in this field, I was hooked.”

When he’s not doing public outreach or working on his capstone project, Bartel coaches fencing, using skills he learned from competing in Division 1 fencing at Sacred Heart during his undergrad years.

Grace DiTunno

Sustainability is a dynamic practice that builds vibrant and inclusive communities for all, and that’s why Sustainable CT Fellow Grace DiTunno places it at the forefront of her work. As a fellow, DiTunno is helping municipalities in the Naugatuck Valley to get certified with Sustainable CT.

Sustainable CT is a voluntary certification program that recognizes thriving and resilient Connecticut communities and provides a wide range of actions designed with flexibility to meet the varying needs of each municipality. In addition to sustainable certification efforts, DiTunno is using her internship to build her communication, project management, and collaboration skills through the day-to-day operations of local municipalities.

“I am passionate about sustainability because, to progress and create a future for all, we need to do it in a manner that preserves what we have available now and find new methods to solve pressing problems,” DiTunno shared. As a rising junior studying political science and applied data analysis at the University of Connecticut, DiTunno is using her academic and professional experiences to become an environmental lawyer. “We cannot keep waiting for someone else to solve the climate crisis, so I am empowered to find ways myself and others can contribute and help make progress forward.”

Outside of NVCOG and Sustainable CT, DiTunno is an undergraduate researcher at the Energy and Elections Lab at her university, where she looks at the electoral implications of the development of wind and solar across the U.S. Soon, she will also be interning at the UConn Office of Sustainability to set and achieve sustainable university-wide goals.

Evan Watson

Growing up, Evan Watson enjoyed making, studying and sharing maps. Now, he uses that passion as a Geographic Information Science Technician (GIS) intern, helping to transform the region within the NVCOG through compliance efforts with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Watson is a second-year graduate student at Central Connecticut State University studying geography with a focus on GIS. For the summer, he’s working alongside NVCOG professionals on the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), a 25-year vision for transportation in the agency’s region. Watson’s main tasks include mapping existing pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, signals, and more across all 19 municipalities. Watson helps to curate and update maps, including ones depicting historic locations, farmers’ markets and agri-tourism spots, electric vehicle chargers, and many other visual representations of the region’s resources.

Watson’s GIS work of mapping existing pedestrian infrastructure is giving NVCOG planners an easy way to identify areas that need improvement. “It’s rewarding to know that the work I do behind a computer today can eventually contribute to safer, more accessible communities,” he said.

Striving for a career in land and spatial data, Watson shares how his work at NVCOG is preparing him for his aspiration. “My internship has given me a much better understanding of how regional government and the planning process work,” he said. “I’ve been able to see how professionals with different areas of expertise collaborate to support municipalities and improve communities. My perspective has broadened, my technical and professional skills have strengthened, and I’ve gained valuable real-world experiences.”

Other than his GIS work, Watson is an active member of the Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society, which promotes excellence in geographic education and research while encouraging professional development and a greater understanding of geography and its applications.

Paige Gregory

As a rising senior studying environmental and political sciences at the University of Connecticut, Paige Gregory is spending her summer identifying vacant land for urban farming with the NVCOG.

Serving on the five-year Vacant Lot Activation Project, Gregory’s multifaceted internship spans three entities: the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, UConn Extension, and three Councils of Governments in Connecticut. The internship stems from the UConn Extension program, which connects university research, knowledge, and resources with communities across the state to collaborate on developing new solutions that help families, businesses, and communities thrive.

With NVCOG, Gregory is tasked with identifying vacant and undeveloped pieces of land to see if they are well-suited for urban farming. The project will connect urban farmers with municipal land that they can lease, resulting in better access to fresh and locally grown produce.

Hailing from a family of farmers, Gregory knows firsthand the hard work and patience that goes into growing crops, as well as the importance of having access to healthy agricultural land. What she experienced growing up has made her passionate about creating sustainable communities where improved access to green spaces, local food systems, and environmental resources are readily available to every resident.

After earning her degrees, Gregory aspires to use her skills in environmental science and planning, public policy, and government to create more sustainable communities.

“I am passionate about my work because I believe that everyone should have access to fresh, local foods, and I’m honored to be part of a project that makes a difference in the region,” shared Gregory. “This project will have lasting benefits for the Naugatuck Valley region and the residents who call it home.”

During the school year, Gregory serves on the Environmental Studies Student Advisory Board and is treasurer for the Soil and Water Conservation Society. She also works as a Sustainability Outreach Intern for the UConn Office of Sustainability and is an active member of EcoHusky, a university organization that gathers students passionate about environmental-related issues.

Gregory is slated to earn her bachelor’s in 2027 and her master’s in public policy in 2028 through UConn’s Fast-Track program.

Tommy Rak

A study abroad opportunity focused on coastal resilience in two Caribbean Islands is what made Tommy Rak grow a passion for environmental conservation. That passion brought him to the NVCOG, where he is learning how to map the Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4) and support its public outreach throughout the region alongside environmental planning experts.

Rak’s interest in environmental protection and the coastline has brought him to several countries and states. He has worked on projects aimed at protecting and maintaining the New Hampshire coast, travelled across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to establish resilience systems such as mangrove forests, and is now exploring the stormwater system in NVCOG’s 19 municipalities. He also actively monitors the horseshoe crab population in Narragansett Bay with the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.

“I am interning at NVCOG because I strongly connect with the mission of the environmental team and want to learn more about the planning and organizational side of environmental protection,” said Rak. Additionally, he is also learning how local governments, regional organizations, and communities work together to support conservation efforts and protect natural resources. “This internship is also helping me build practical skills while also giving me a better understanding of the policies and decisions involved in environmental planning.”

Rak says those experiences continue to strengthen his interest in environmental conservation, showing him how critical planning, collaboration and sustainable practices are when addressing environmental challenges. “For my future career, I would like to continue working in a similar field, either with a government agency or a nonprofit organization,” he said. “I believe it is important to preserve the natural world so that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities and experiences that I’ve had.”

Outside of his environmental work, Rak is also a summer camp counselor in his hometown of Rhode Island. He also trains and competes in several martial arts disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts.

Rak will be entering his final semester as a biology major at the University of New Hampshire.

Daisy Everingham

A recent graduate of Southern Connecticut State University’s Master’s in Coastal Resilience program, Daisy Everingham is spending her summer working alongside environmental planning experts at the NVCOG, supporting efforts to maintain the Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4).

Everingham’s MS4 tasks consist of desk and field work to understand how the stormwater systems operate, and whether the 19 municipalities in the NVCOG region are meeting mapping, outreach, and water quality standards listed in the MS4 General Permit.

Working side-by-side with environmental planners, Everingham is gaining hands-on experience on a wide range of projects, something she says is prepping her for her future. “I’m interested in a career in planning at the regional level and seeing how NVCOG planners work day-to-day, understanding the decisions they make, and processes they go through to create safer, healthier, more resilient places, is great.”

Passionate about climate change, Everingham explains how stormwater planning is a key part of it. “As more intense rainfall increases pressure on the system, the likelihood for negative impacts to occur rises,” she said. “There’s an opportunity to have a real tangible impact on the local communities and ensure they are future- proofed, particularly in the face of climate change and its effects.”

“The process of reducing impervious surface cover and limiting opportunities for pollution to enter the system is critical. It’s this end-result – safer, healthier, more resilient, indeed more joyful places – that gets me excited about this work and the possibility of a career in planning.”

When Everingham is not tending to the stormwater system, she’s exercising her green thumb by growing her own food and planting flowers for pollinators. She is also an avid cyclist and writer.

NVCOG Earns 2026 Special Chapter Award for Statewide Housing Analysis

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) received the 2026 Special Chapter Award, presented by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA) at its Annual Hot Topics in Land Use Law and Practice conference on May 22, 2026.

The CCAPA, whose mission is to advance the practice of good planning in Connecticut by providing members with up-to-date information on current planning issues and techniques, holds its annual Hot Topics conference to discuss industry trends and issues and the best ways to navigate them. The CCAPA recognized NVCOG for its service in developing a summary analysis of Public Act No. 25-1 with the Connecticut Association of Councils of Governments (CTCOG) Housing Work Group. The summary is meant to guide municipal compliance and implementation of housing growth in the state of Connecticut. It was conducted in a multi-stage, statewide collaboration between all nine Councils of Governments (COGs), which were tasked with producing a clear, consistent, and practical resource that reflects a shared understanding of Public Act No. 25-1.

Public Act No. 25-1, an act concerning housing growth, was first introduced during the Connecticut General Assembly’s November 2025 Special Session and was signed into law the following month, in October. The regional housing growth plan within the Act allows NVCOG to develop and adopt a plan that addresses housing growth policies for each municipality in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, while acknowledging areas where the underlying legislation is open to interpretation.

To read more about Public Act No. 25-1, click HERE.

The CTCOG Housing Work Group paired two members from each COG and assigned them several sections of Public Act 25-1, organized by theme, to analyze and summarize. The process was done in four steps: pairing COGs for initial review, rotating sections for secondary review, compiling and formatting the full draft, and addressing comments and ensuring consistency.

The two NVCOG staff members who were a part of the Housing Work Group were Lana Harrison, Supervising Community Planner, and Demetre Coles, Housing & Community Planner. Tucker Beckett, Senior Community Planner, also worked on the analysis during his time at Western Connecticut Council of Governments before joining to NVCOG.

“Public Act No. 25-1 is a hefty piece of legislation with significant impacts on both Connecticut municipalities and the nine COGs,” said Harrison. “Understanding and analyzing that legislation demonstrates a commitment among COG planners to practice thoughtful and thorough planning that serves our respective communities and regions well.”

“We recognized that our municipalities were facing significant changes and were looking to us for clear, consistent guidance,” shared Coles. “By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, the collaborative approach not only strengthened our recommendations, but also helped ensure our municipalities received consistent and reliable information.”

The 2026 Special Chapter Award reflects NVCOG’s commitment to its region by responding to state, regional, and local policy changes, aiming to foster collaborative decision-making that aligns short, medium, and long-term municipal and regional goals.

NVCOG Launches New Integrated Mobility and Community Planning Team to Elevate Regional Outreach

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is strengthening its regional outreach efforts after merging its Community Planning and Transportation divisions into the newly established Integrated Mobility and Community Planning (IMCP) team. The change took effect on July 1 and came after staff and organizational leaders realized that transportation and community planners shared a vision of community revitalization and strengthening reliable transportation to benefit every resident across the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.

As the first merger of its kind among all the Councils of Governments in the state of Connecticut, the IMCP reflects NVCOG’s intention to closely monitor the interactions between transportation and land use in its plans, projects, and programs implemented across the 19 municipalities it serves.

Equipped with a new understanding of the need for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in communities, NVCOG enhanced its IMCP team by appointing a IMCP Administrator to focus on articulating the connections between TOD, brownfields, the agency’s transportation work, and state efforts such as the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA). Minimizing environmental impact is also an important part of the work NVCOG does, and the development of TOD’s will also help reduce vehicle miles traveled and harmful emissions.

“The intent is to make sure that we’re avoiding the mistakes of the past, where the concerns of community planning have been excluded from transportation planning conversations and vice versa,” said Rich Donovan, Deputy and IMCP Director.

Before merging, the Community Planning division primarily focused on comprehensive housing planning and providing technical and capacity support to facilitate informed decision-making. Meanwhile, as a federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Transportation division spearheaded road safety audits, Vision Zero preparation to end fatal and serious traffic crashes, supported communities with mobility through funding applications, crafted Metropolitan Transportation Plans, and addressed a handful of other transportation-related needs. The IMCP merger decreases the technical separation between transportation and community planning issues and prioritizes the connection between living, working, shopping, accessing services, and getting to those destinations with the help of reliable transportation.

Community revitalization is at the forefront of quality-of-life issues for residents. Factors such as living conditions, social unity, economic growth, and more all play a significant role in how the residents of our region thrive, the visitors we attract, and the potential permanent residents we gain. Thoroughly aware of that, NVCOG revitalizes communities holistically and carefully considers opportunities for social interaction and reducing the impacts of the loneliness epidemic. Now, communities across our region can partner with NVCOG to strengthen historic Main Streets, attract businesses, expand mixed-use housing, improve transit, reduce congestion, and create safer, more vibrant places to live.

Minimizing environmental impact is also an important part of the work NVCOG does. The development of transit-oriented communities will also help reduce vehicle miles traveled and harmful emissions.

Moving forward, each of our 19 municipalities can expect the projects and plans that NVCOG undertakes will increasingly incorporate expertise from both transportation and land use planners working on the IMCP team. In every regional plan NVCOG produces, holistic and efficient planning that considers the integrated impacts of transportation and land use will serve as the foundation for creating stronger, more resilient, and more connected communities throughout the Naugatuck Valley.

PRESS RELEASE: CTDOT Wins Regional Award for Route 34 Reconstruction in Derby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2026

Contact:
NVCOG
203-757-0535
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

CTDOT Wins Regional Award for Route 34 Reconstruction in Derby

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced it received a regional 2026 America’s Transportation Award for its reconstruction of Route 34 (Main Street) in Derby.

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America’s Transportation Awards recognize projects that deliver meaningful community benefits. CTDOT on Tuesday received the Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium Project award for the Route 34 reconstruction, which was selected as a regional winner in the Northeast.

The $18.7 million project improved traffic flow, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle safety, modernized intersections and traffic signals, expanded parking and opportunities for housing development, and created a safer, more accessible streetscape. Construction began in spring 2022 and was completed in 2025.

“Rebuilding downtown corridors creates safer streets, spurs the local economy, and makes our communities more vibrant,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “This recognition of a locally driven project reflects the outstanding work of CTDOT employees and the strong partnership with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and the City of Derby to deliver a project that will benefit the community for generations.”

“For almost two decades, the America’s Transportation Awards has highlighted the innovative work state DOTs do to improve communities and enhance the lives of the people who live and visit them,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “AASHTO is proud to recognize the diverse and forward-thinking projects that are improving safety, mobility, and quality of life in communities across the country.”

All nominated projects first compete at the regional level against projects of their own size: “Small” (projects costing up to $10 million), “Medium” (projects costing between $10 million and $100 million), and “Large” (projects costing more than $100 million).

Following the regional competitions, the top three scoring projects from each region will advance to the America’s Transportation Awards top 12, which will be announced in early September 2026. Those projects will then compete for the national Grand Prize, selected by an independent panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, determined through online public voting. The winners will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in November in Louisville, Kentucky.

To learn more about the America’s Transportation Awards, visit americastransportationawards.org.

PRESS RELEASE: Governor Lamont Announces State Grants To Preserve 1,243 Acres of Land at 14 Properties and Improve 15 Urban Green and Community Garden Spaces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2026

Contact:
NVCOG
203-757-0535
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

Governor Lamont Announces State Grants To Preserve 1,243 Acres of Land at 14 Properties and Improve 15 Urban Green and Community Garden Spaces

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is awarding $9.4 million in state grants to support the purchase and protection of more than 1,243 acres of open space through 14 properties in 15 communities. Additionally, $2.4 million is being awarded to support the improvement of 15 urban green and community garden spaces.

Funding is provided through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG), both of which are administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“Open space provides benefits to residents across Connecticut and makes our state a great place to live,” Governor Lamont said. “These community assets provide free recreational opportunities and connect our residents to all the health benefits that come from spending time outdoors.”

Recent statutory changes to these programs have made them more accessible and equitable and have led to sharp upticks in the pace of conservation recently. Within the OSWA program, underserved communities are now eligible for reimbursement of the incidental costs associated with land conservation. These statutory changes also included adding Environmental Justice Communities to the eligible locations for projects for UGCG and for increased funding for OSWA. This opened the door for more than 40 additional municipalities to benefit from both programs.

Additionally, nonprofits were also added as eligible entities for UGCG, which has increased participation. As a result of these changes, UGCG received the most applications and biggest demand for funding that it has seen since the program’s inception in 2007.

“The Lamont administration, our partners in the state legislature, and land conservation stakeholders remain focused and committed to protecting open space and realizing the recreational and environmental benefits it provides as we continue to work toward Connecticut’s open space goal,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “DEEP is proud of the recent statutory changes made in conjunction with advocates and the state legislature that have increased access and equity in these two programs. DEEP is excited to work with all these wonderful partners to bring tangible benefits to more communities across Connecticut.”

Since OSWA began in 1998, more than $199.6 million in Community Investment Act and state bond funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies to assist in the purchase of more than 49,000 acres of publicly accessible land. Since 2019, almost $66 million has been awarded through OSWA to protect almost 14,000 acres. Additionally, since 2019, $4.4 million has been awarded for 36 projects through UGCG, with 2.4 million and 15 of those projects coming in just this award year alone thanks to recent statutory changes.

The grants awarded today are the 28th grant round under both programs. The application period for the 29th grant round of both programs is now open. Applications for OSWA and OSWA appraisals will be due by November 6, 2026, and OSWA appraisal reviews and UGCG applications will be due by December 4, 2026. For application materials and instructions, visit portal.ct.gov/deep/open-space/open-space.

The grant recipients approved in the 28th grant round of both programs is as follows:

Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grants

(listed alphabetically by town)

Project Name: Frank’s Field
Sponsor: Cheshire Land Trust (CLT)
Location: East Johnson Avenue, Cheshire
Grant Amount: $722,800.00
Size: 18.5 Acres
Description: CLT aims to acquire and protect this land, on the southerly side of E. Johnson Avenue and the easterly bank of the Quinnipiac River. The current agricultural use, which takes up a majority of the property, will continue, in keeping with Cheshire’s rural heritage. The remainder of the property will be improved to encourage public access along the river by way of a hiking trail, fishing spots, and a boat/kayak launch. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility features, as well as programming on the property, will render the field a destination for visitors of all backgrounds, ages and ability levels. The property is within an Aquifer Protection Area, a Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) area, and contains 100% Prime and Important Farmland Soils. Two of the property borders abut existing, protected open space. The project enjoys strong support from the Town of Cheshire, the Regional Water Authority (RWA) and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government (COG). The land is high priority for conservation and will make an outstanding environmental and recreational amenity for generations to come.

Project Name: New England Scenic Trail (NET) Pistapaug Mountain
Sponsor: Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Middlesex Land Trust (MLT)
Location: Stagecoach Road, Durham
Grant Amount: $520,000.00
Size: 80 Acres
Description: The NET spans more than 200 miles through Connecticut and Massachusetts, connecting 41 communities and bringing millions closer to nature. Much of the trail crosses private land, relying heavily on informal agreements which are vulnerable to land use change and future property sale. To ensure long-term access and ecological health, the TPL and MLT seek to permanently protect two forested parcels totaling 80 acres. One parcel is on the northwest side of New Haven Road (Route 17) and the other is on the southeast side of Stage Coach Road, in the Town of Durham, along the Mattabesett section of the NET, at the base of Pistapaug Mountain in the Parmalee Brook Valley. The land features rocky hardwood forest and freshwater wetlands that support sensitive species. The parcels also strengthen the NET’s role as a wildlife corridor from Long Island Sound to New Hampshire and connect existing protected areas including the Wallingford Water District property. TPL and MLT will work with the National Park Service and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association to re-route the trail off the road, improving the off-road safety and hiker experience. These parcels protect nearly three-quarters of a mile of the trail and offer critical benefits for trail continuity, recreation and wildlife.

Project Name: Ilewicz Property
Sponsor: Wyndham Land Trust, Inc.
Location: Tucker District Road, Roth Road, Cutler Road & North Road, Killingly
Grant Amount: $1,194,000.00 plus up to $38,700 for incidental costs
Size: 312 Acres
Description: This property contains farmland and large tracts of forestland and is part of a large core forest extending into Rhode Island. Core forests are important breeding areas for many forest dependent birds like Scarlet Tanagers and various warbler species. Several vernal pools are present on the property, providing breeding habitat for salamanders and frogs. A portion of the property contains a rare Atlantic White Cedar swamp, a habitat that supports many rare plant species. There is an existing trail network on the property, good for bird watching, hiking and horseback riding. The farmland will continue to be hayed.

Project Name: Farm River Open Space
Sponsor: Trust for Public Land (TPL) and North Branford Land Conservation Trust (NBLCT)
Location: Southeast side of Middletown Avenue and west side of Farmington Drive, North Branford
Grant Amount: $611,000.00
Size: 25.81 Acres
Description: This parcel, formerly known as Amatrudo Farm, is near the Farm River headwaters and is a vital ecological, recreational and public health asset in a critical riverine corridor. Much of the watershed in this area of south-central Connecticut faces growing threats from nutrient runoff, aging wastewater systems, and habitat fragmentation. This purchase represents a key opportunity to preserve a continuous green corridor in an increasingly developed landscape. The parcel is surrounded by open space, water company lands, and Ceccarelli Farm, which is protected through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program. This unique property contains a confluence of ecosystem types, from mixed hardwood forest to riparian and grassland habitats. The property supports a diversity of key native species including the wood turtle, northern long-eared bat, and native fish populations. The Farm River feeds into Lake Saltonstall, a public water source for the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, highlighting the critical nature of its protection. This acquisition will unlock public access to the Farm River for kayaking, hiking, birding, and fishing.

Project Name: McEver Preserve
Sponsor: Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, Inc. (NCLC)
Location: West Main Street, North Canaan
Grant Amount: $1,452,000.00 plus up to $100,745 for incidental costs
Size: 241.7 Acres
Description: This property is in the scenic Weatogue Valley, along the east bank of the federally designated National Wild and Scenic Housatonic River. It represents a critical link in a larger landscape of conserved lands. Across the river in Salisbury, extensive portions of the valley have been OSWA protected, including Tom’s Hill and Miles Mountain. The McEver Preserve will be a pivotal milestone toward safeguarding the east bank of the Housatonic River, ensuring that both sides of this ecologically and visually outstanding corridor remain preserved for generations to come. This purchase protects more than one mile of the Housatonic River and over one-half mile of the Blackberry River, conserving the largest contiguous tract of unfragmented riverine and interior forest habitat on the east side of the Housatonic River between the Massachusetts border and the Great Falls in Salisbury. According to DEEP’s NDDB, ten state-listed species occur on or near the property. The site supports three endangered, two threatened, and two special concern plant species, as well as prime and statewide important farmland soils, underscoring its exceptional ecological and agricultural value. The project provides public access to nature for the residents of North Canaan, a distressed municipality and community with limited open space opportunities. It overlaps an environmental justice census block and is within walking distance of downtown, making it ideally suited for community recreation and nature exploration. Its gentle terrain, open woodlands, and existing woods roads make it highly accessible for all ages and abilities. NCLC plans to add around three miles of public access trails, including an ADA-accessible trail and boardwalks and bridges.

Project Name: Nelson Property
Sponsor: Roxbury Land Trust (RLT)
Location: Route 317 and Lower County Road, Roxbury
Grant Amount: $531,050.00
Size: 65.79 acres
Description: RLT seeks to permanently protect this critical parcel that supports biodiversity and natural resources and enhances community access to open space. It lies within the Shepaug River watershed, an area of high ecological importance and features 34.8 acres of core forest, wetlands, vernal pools, and headwater streams that contribute to water quality and climate resilience. It is adjacent to RLT’s Baldwin, Gavel, Lily, Hurlburt Woods and Van Deusen Preserves, making it a key link in an expanding network of protected open space. Its conservation will strengthen wildlife corridors, safeguard habitats and wetlands, preserve the scenic rural character of Roxbury, enhance ecological connectivity and promote environmental stewardship for future generations. RLT will manage the property for sustainable recreation, education and passive recreational enjoyment, strengthening community engagement in conservation efforts. RLT will establish necessary infrastructure for stewardship and facilitate environmental education programs to foster awareness of the benefits of intact ecosystems.

Project Name: White Hollow
Sponsor: The Salisbury Association Incorporated (SA)
Location: Route 7 and Route 112, Salisbury
Grant Amount: $124,150.00
Size: 34 Acres
Description: SA will acquire 63 acres (34 acres to be OSWA preserved), where Salmon Kill Creek flows into the Housatonic River. The property adjoins and is part of the Appalachian Trail corridor. It is across from SA’s Belter Lime Rock Preserve, which connects to other SA preserves and the Housatonic State Forest. The property is almost entirely floodplain and mostly used for agriculture (hay and corn) providing meadow habitat. There are 53 acres of prime farmland soils and 2 acres of statewide important farmland soils. There is a pond and about ten acres of forest. The NDDB documents 11 state-listed species at or near this property. The project will greatly improve public access to the Housatonic River. Currently, the public puts boats into the Housatonic River at the Route 7 bridge, but that access is steep. SA will add an off-street parking area on Route 7 with a public access trail leading to a better (non-motorized) boat launch where the Salmon Kill Creek enters the Housatonic. The new trail and river access will add a convenient and attractive option for recreation.

Project Name: Hewat Property
Sponsor: The Salisbury Association Incorporated (SA)
Location: Lincoln City Road, Salisbury
Grant Amount: $468,000.00
Size: 96 Acres
Description: This mostly core forest property is adjacent to SA’s Yoakum Preserve, extending protected land from Centennial State Forest eastward almost to the Appalachian Trail. Two cold-water headwater streams (Burton Brook and Pettee Brook) traverse the property before draining into Factory Brook, then to Salmon Kill Creek, and ultimately the Housatonic River. The property contains a northern transitional forest of hardwoods and conifers, and complex terrain including ravine and ridgeline, rock outcrops and coarse, woody debris. The NDDB documents five state-listed species on or near this property, and DEEP fisheries data show that two special concern species of fish are present just downstream from the property. The site has prime, statewide and locally important farmland soils. The property is ideal for hiking. SA plans to extend its Yoakum Trail to this property, looping through the woodland, leading to Burton Brook, adding a convenient, attractive option for recreation.

Project Name: Whitetail Forest
Sponsor: Sharon Land Trust, Inc. (SLT)
Location: Gay Street, Sharon
Grant Amount: $243,750.00
Size: 64.5 Acres
Description: This property slopes from the heights of Red Mountain down to Beardsley Pond, a town drinking water reservoir. Surrounded on three sides by conservation properties, the parcel is connected to thousands of acres of protected land, including SLT preserves, Housatonic State Forest, Sharon Water Land, the state’s Sharon Mountain Wildlife Management Area and Sharon Audubon’s Miles Wildlife Sanctuary. The property is nearly all core forest with slopes, rocky outcrops, and a long ridgeline. There is an old field containing early successional habitat. The parcel drains to nearby Beardsley Pond, an important waterbody for wildlife and Sharon’s drinking water. The property has prime, statewide important, and locally important farmland soils and provides habitat for forest-dwelling wildlife that rely on shrublands. NDDB documents three state-listed species at or very near the property. Many species of fish, including anadromous and catadromous fish and fish of greatest conservation need, have been found in Beardsley Pond. The property is in an exceptional area for birdlife, adjoining three National Audubon Society-designated Important Bird Areas spanning thousands of acres. SLT will extend its existing Red Mountain public access trail to this property.

Project Name: DuPont Farm
Sponsor: Southbury Land Trust, Inc (SLT)
Location: Hulls Hill Road, Southbury, and Thorson Road, Oxford
Grant Amount: $1,293,500.00
Size: 148 Acres
Description: This property has been a top strategic goal of the Town of Southbury, the Town of Oxford, and conservationists for over a decade. It is a critical link in an emerging greenbelt of preserved open space and farmland, connecting Southbury’s eastern priority area of preserved open space (many with OSWA funding) with Oxford’s recent purchase of 340 acres of open space. Adjacent to the DuPont property is Southford Falls State Park and the Connecticut-designated Eight Mile Brook Greenway. It is in the middle of a large core forest tract. The property contains significant state-listed wildlife habitat and protects high-quality natural waters, including four vernal pools, perennial springs, and the headwaters of a stream that feeds Eight Mile Brook. It offers exceptional opportunities for public passive recreation, protects a ridgeline view, contains prime and statewide important soils, and has historic value, including a Native American site authenticated by experts from the Institute for American Indian Studies.

Project Name: Popple Swamp
Sponsor: Steep Rock Association, Inc. (SRA)
Location: Upper Church Hill Road and Popple Swamp Road, Washington
Grant Amount: $790,400.00
Size: 40 Acres
Description: This is a long-term and strategic SRA priority acquisition. It features active agriculture on excellent grasslands, 65% farmland soils (13% prime and 12.5 acres statewide importance), picturesque open space with a 0.6-mile level, mowed public access trail winding through a meadow and skirting a hayfield that accommodates a range of user groups, mobility levels and interests. It contains key habitats for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, particularly those used by early successional, grassland, meadow, shrubland, woodland with wetlands and a cold-water stream. Protecting the resources on this site will contribute to climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.

Project Name: Plummer Addition
Sponsor: Aspetuck Land Trust, Inc. (ALT)
Location: Honey Hill Road and Wampum Hill Road, Wilton and Weston
Grant Amount: $578,500.00
Size: 15.84 Acres
Description: The Plummer Addition contains high-quality wetlands and uplands that contribute to the ecological integrity of ALT’s 750-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve (WWFR) assemblage. This acquisition will complete a vital segment of the WWFR’s main hiking loop and enhance a regional trail corridor spanning state, municipal, and land trust lands. The parcel links protected open space to the north and south, including access to the Norwalk River Valley Trail, making it a valuable public resource for passive recreation, outdoor education, and community wellness. The property supports extensive wildlife habitat and contains wetlands that feed Mayapple Brook, a Class A watercourse sustained by cool groundwater discharge which flows to the Norwalk River, a downstream coldwater fishery. The WWFR is large enough to support area-sensitive wildlife like forest interior birds and to strengthen regional climate resilience by preventing habitat fragmentation. With open space in southwestern Connecticut rapidly dwindling, preserving this parcel addresses ecological, community, and climate priorities. It enhances public access to nature, improves trail connectivity, protects clean water resources, and provides lasting benefits for local residents and future generations.

Project Name: Stone Road Open Space
Sponsor: Town of Windsor
Location: Miller and Stone Roads, Windsor
Grant Amount: $455,000.00
Size: 79 Acres
Description: The Town of Windsor seeks to protect this natural habitat in the Farmington River watershed which drains toward West Brook, a tributary of the Farmington River. The site provides significant water-quality, flood-mitigation and climate-resilience benefits. Wetlands and riparian buffers on the property filter stormwater before it reaches the Farmington River system. The land supports diverse habitats – meadow, wetland, and forest that function as a local wildlife corridor. Conservation will protect core habitat and advance regional greenway objectives identified by the Farmington River Watershed Association and Windsor’s Greenway Plan, linking preserved open spaces in northwest Windsor with the Lower Farmington River Greenway. There will be a small off-street parking area on Stone Road and a loop trail for passive recreational uses, such as walking, birdwatching, and nature study.

Project Name: Grzesiak Property
Sponsor: Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust (Flanders)
Location: Cowles Road, Woodbury
Grant Amount: $422,500.00
Size: 23 Acres
Description: This parcel is 100% forested and bestowed with superior farm soil, documented wetlands and mature diverse trees, healthy understory with rocky ledges and outcrops. The acquisition advances Flanders’ mission of preserving valuable forest habitats and promoting nature education. It contributes to a 250-acre block of protected land, meeting the Follow the Forest initiative, as well as State of Connecticut and Town of Woodbury conservation goals. Two popular preserves will be connected with the addition of a new scenic trail system on this property. Expansion of an Audubon-endorsed bird-friendly maple syrup program will be realized, as well as opportunities for teaching environmental and agri-science programs to grades K-12 and adult students from a 30-town radius. The community impact will increase student engagement, community groups, urban outreach, trained volunteers, healthy outdoor activities, community service projects, field research and habitat conservation.

Urban Green and Community Garden Grants:

(listed alphabetically by town)

Project Name: East Side Community Garden Refresh
Sponsor: Groundwork Bridgeport
Municipality: Bridgeport
Grant Amount: $31,000.00
Description: Groundwork Bridgeport proposes to rejuvenate four active community garden sites and one green space that serves as an outdoor classroom, all located within the East Side neighborhood of Bridgeport. All sites are well stewarded and represent important neighborhood assets, but require repairs and improvements to increase accessibility, usability, and overall functionality. Proposed improvements include the repair, replacement, or installation of new garden sheds, repairs to existing garden beds, installation of additional garden beds, landscaping trails and community gathering places, pollinator gardens, habitat zones with pollinator-friendly plantings, composting systems, irrigation, gardening, and stewardship supplies.

Project Name: Chaplin Arboretum Extension and Pollinator Garden Project
Sponsor: Town of Chaplin
Municipality: Chaplin
Grant Amount: $96,214.84
Description: In 2024, unstable root systems led to the removal of a significant number of trees outside of the Town of Chaplin’s Town Hall and Arboretum. The town, with assistance from UGCG, proposes to expand the Chaplin Bicentennial Arboretum, one of only two municipally-operated arboretums in Connecticut, into this recently cleared one-acre space, establishing a pollinator garden and walking paths. This installation will enhance biodiversity, provide educational opportunities, and serve as a passive recreational green space for residents and visitors.

Project Name: Restoring Tarrywile Park’s Beauty Through Art, Community, and Biodiversity – Phase II
Sponsor: Friends of Tarrywile Park
Municipality: Danbury
Grant Amount: $173,416.00
Description: Tarrywile Park, owned by the City of Danbury, preserves approximately 722 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and national historic structures, making it one of the largest municipally owned parks in Connecticut. The Friends of Tarrywile Park group intends to continue ongoing improvement efforts at Tarrywile Park. Phase II of this project includes the installation of fencing, selective tree removal, invasive plant management, native plantings, and landscaped picnic and reflection spaces. These improvements will build on previous improvement projects and continue to expand and enhance public use, ecological health, and long-term stewardship at Tarrywile Park.

Project Name: Bicentennial Square Park Final Design and Phase I Construction
Sponsor: Town of East Hartford
Municipality: East Hartford
Grant Amount: $105,350.00
Description: Bicentennial Square Park is a 2.3-acre passive recreation space developed in 1983 in honor of the town’s 200th birthday. It was intended as a space to honor the casualties of the Vietnam War, with a sugar maple tree for each of the 19 servicepeople who died. Currently, no trees survive on site, and the area has fallen into disrepair. This project represents a concerted effort by the town to restore this park to its intended purpose and former beauty, with native tree and pollinator plantings, and master-planning efforts underway to redevelop the park.

Project Name: Great River Park Improvement Project Amenities
Sponsor: Riverfront Recapture
Municipality: East Hartford
Grant Amount: $571,275.00
Description: Riverfront Recapture has embarked upon a bold endeavor to restore and improve Great River Park in East Hartford, securing almost $3 million in funding to restore and improve this landmark park along the Connecticut River.

As an important addition to this project, the UGCG award will be applied to three designed and permitted planned amenities within the park:

Refurbishment of the Bulkeley Bridge Overlook: Removal of invasives and dead trees, riverbank erosion repair, restoration of masonry components, refurbishing existing benches, painting, planting grass and groundcover.
Refurbishment of Stairs and Ramp: ADA connection between the park and Founder Bridge walkway to Hartford. Includes the repair of damaged concrete, steel repairs to hand and guardrails, and painting of all metal surfaces.
New Signage and Bulkeley Bridge History Exhibit: Signage throughout the park to display entryway, conduct/rules, park amenities, and wayfinding signs. Additionally, the fabrication and installation of the Bulkeley Bridge History Exhibit to display and celebrate the world’s largest stone arch bridge, and one of the nation’s oldest bridges still carrying interstate traffic.

Project Name: Barnes Boat Launch Activation and Riverfront Access
Sponsor: Town of Enfield
Municipality: Enfield
Grant Amount: $250,000.00
Description: Barnes Boat Launch is currently a 1.12-acre paved, flood-prone, and underutilized parcel within the Thompsonville neighborhood in the Town of Enfield. This project aims to convert the launch into an ADA-accessible, resilient, and welcoming waterfront park, where the public can safely enjoy the Connecticut River while continuing to support small boat access. The project proposes to create a community beach zone, with gentle slopes and natural surfacing, to facilitate access and enjoyment of the water’s edge. Terraced hillside seating will enhance passive recreation and prevent erosion. New benches, trash receptacles, and interpretive signage will complete the site’s transformation into a new, safe, and welcoming riverfront park.

Project Name: Enhancing the Thomas Chapel Community Gardens
Sponsor: Southwest Conservation District
Municipality: New Haven
Grant Amount: $24,000.00
Description: The Thomas Chapel, located within the Hill Neighborhood in New Haven, currently functions as an open space meeting area and small community garden. This project, supported by the Southwest Conservation District, plans to improve the area by installing new perimeter fencing, expanding the existing community garden with additional beds, installing a food forest with perennial fruit and nut tree plantings, and installing new benches for public enjoyment of the space.

Project Name: Enhancing Common Ground’s Urban Greenspaces to Nurture Environmental Education and Recreation for All
Sponsor: New Haven Ecology Project
Municipality: New Haven
Grant Amount: $53,300.00
Description: The New Haven Ecology Project (NHEP), also known as Common Ground, was founded in 1992, and since 1997 has been responsible for 20 acres of abandoned city park land located adjacent to West Rock Ridge State Park in one of New Haven’s lowest income neighborhoods. Since then, NHEP has cleaned up the space and developed an environmental education community center, an urban farm, and the Common Ground High School, the nation’s longest-running environmental charter high school. To continue their mission of public enrichment and outdoor accessibility, NHEP, with the help of this UGCG award, will pave an ADA accessible pathway along an existing pollinator pathway, widen existing pathways, replace a pergola roof over sanitary facilities, add a deck to the farmhouse patio (an important public gathering area), purchase critter-proof trash receptacles for the facility, and conduct various other improvements to public amenities and areas in the facility.

Project Name: Towers Accessible Community Garden
Sponsor: Towers Foundation
Municipality: New Haven
Grant Amount: $63,750.00
Description: Founded in 1971, the Towers at Tower Lane is a 328-unit affordable housing complex located in the Hill Section of Downtown New Haven. Originally cut off from the rest of downtown by highway, recent progress has been made in reconnecting this neighborhood to the rest of New Haven through development projects. Currently, the area is within a food desert and contains little or no green space within walking distance. The Towers Foundation aims to combat this inequity through the Towers Accessible Community Garden project, transforming a 13,300 square foot, unused basketball court into an accessible green space and community garden area. Phase I of the project has been completed, and this UGCG award will fund Phase II of the project. Phase II includes the purchase and installation of a permanent shade structure, sprinkler system, water feature, garden equipment, and native pollinator plantings.

Project Name: West River Neighborhood Connectivity Trail and Barnard Nature Trail
Sponsor: City of New Haven
Municipality: New Haven
Grant Amount: $334,500.00
Description: West River Memorial Park totals 196 acres, with more than seven thousand residents living within a ten-minute walking distance. Most pedestrian means of access to the park are underdeveloped and unsafe. Completed in 2006, the Barnard Nature Center, located within West River Memorial Park, serves as an ecological education hub as well as a community activity center. Similar to the rest of the park, pedestrian access issues prevent easy or safe access to the center, contributing to its underuse.

The proposed project aims to address these inequities through the following improvements:

Planning and designing a nature loop and cross-park trail section to enhance intra-park accessibility and increase traffic to the Barnard Nature Center.
Constructing one recreational trail, including an accessible path and elevated boardwalk within the Barnard Nature Center section of West River Memorial Park.
Adding trail amenities including an entry plaza, elevated boardwalk, interpretive signage, and accessible picnic tables.
Improving an existing rooftop garden at Barnard Nature Center.
Installing two pedestrian crossing light beacons at the park’s south entrance.

Project Name: Union Square Courtyard
Sponsor: Town of Putnam
Municipality: Putnam
Grant Amount: $246,373.16
Description: The Town of Putnam intends to convert a currently vacant lot in a high-traffic portion of their downtown area into a landscaped, ADA-accessible courtyard and gathering place. The space will feature benches, picnic tables, and plantings throughout. The newly minted Union Square Courtyard will provide residents and visitors a comfortable open-space area to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors as they explore the bustling downtown Putnam.

Project Name: Pollinator Outdoor Classroom by Hart Elementary School & Mill River Park Collaborative
Sponsor: Mill River Collaborative
Municipality: Stamford
Grant Amount: $48,000.00
Description: Hart Elementary School’s rear lot, originally used as an outdoor classroom space, was recently reconstructed into a public greenway corridor, constructed through a recent citywide transportation infrastructure project. While the initiative provided valuable public access, funds were not allocated for additional planting or use of remaining space in the corridor. The Mill River Collaborative, in partnership with Hart Elementary School, aims to reclaim the leftover and unutilized space from that project, and convert the vacant space into a pollinator habitat, native food forest, and functional outdoor classroom. Students and volunteers will assist in the planting program, creating different food zones and maintaining the area. Outside of school hours, the site will be available for public use and enjoyment, with benches, trails, and plans for future public events.

Project Name: Urban Fresh Gardens Community Green Space and ADA Accessibility Improvements
Sponsor: Urban Fresh Gardens
Municipality: Waterbury
Grant Amount: $25,000.00
Description: Urban Fresh Gardens, inc., with assistance from UGCG funding, intends to revitalize a currently underused community garden site at 77 Hill Street in Waterbury. Improvements include tree removal, site leveling, new garden beds, and installation of an irrigation system. The local community will participate, with youth groups participating in all non-hazardous construction activities such as assembling raised garden beds, material handling, and organization. The revitalization of this site will increase use and enjoyment of this community green space.

Project Name: Hayden Homestead Park Renovation
Sponsor: City of Waterbury
Municipality: Waterbury
Grant Amount: $360,328.00
Description: Hayden Homestead Park is the former home of mid-19th century industrialist Hiram Washington Hayden. In the 1920s, his granddaughters commissioned plans for this property to be a public park and transferred ownership to the City of Waterbury. This public open space is in the heart of downtown Waterbury, in the Willow Street Neighborhood, and immediately adjacent to affordable housing and community centers. The park has fallen into disuse in recent years, with overdue tree work, crumbling retaining walls, and overgrown landscaping.

With aid from UGCG and community involvement, the City of Waterbury plans to entirely renovate this historic park, including:

Extensive tree removal and pruning for safety, aesthetics, and open space.
Removal of invasive plants and overgrown vegetation.
Repairs to retaining walls and stairs.
Replacing sidewalks, benches and trash cans.
Repair and replacing park lighting systems.
Install Wifi hotspots and security cameras for public safety and enjoyment.

Project Name: Community Garden Improvements and Walking Trail
Sponsor: City of West Haven
Municipality: West Haven
Grant Amount: $17,493.00
Description: The West Haven Community Center at 255 Meloy Road is the city’s first municipal community center with indoor and outdoor amenities for seniors, veterans, and the local community. The site currently features an indoor senior center, art rooms, media/cinema room, public meeting and gathering space, and a fenced outdoor community garden. The community garden, already in use by the public, currently has no formal access path or route, and access to the site is dangerous in inclement weather, as the slope becomes slick. The current proposed UGCG project addresses this need by creating an ADA-accessible path from the community center to the community garden. Raised gardening beds will be added to allow greater accessibility for those who need or prefer them. Additionally, a walking trail and several picnic tables will complement the garden and provide additional passive outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

Connecticut’s open space goals:

Connecticut General Statutes Section 23-8 establishes a goal of protecting 673,210 acres—approximately 21% of the state’s land base—as open space. The goal calls for 320,576 acres (10%) to be held by DEEP as part of the state’s system of parks, forests, fisheries and natural resource management areas, and 352,634 acres (11%) to be acquired by DEEP’s partners, which include municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations and water companies.

As of December 31, 2025, DEEP estimates that its partners held approximately 256,568 acres, 72.7% of their share of the state’s open space goal, and that DEEP held approximately 265,830 acres, 82.9% of its share of the state’s goal. In total, 522,398 acres have been preserved (77.6% of the total goal), leaving an additional 150,812 acres remaining to meet the 21% open space goal.

PRESS RELEASE: Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, July 18 in Southbury

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2026

Contact:
NVCOG
203-757-0535
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, July 18 in Southbury

Do you have paints, cleaners, and other chemicals in your home that you need to dispose of? The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and participating municipalities will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection event on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main St S., Southbury, CT.

The collection is open to residents of the following communities: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. There is no charge to residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entry. There is no need to line up before the 9 a.m. start time. This event will be held rain or shine.

A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be viewed at: nvcogct.gov/hhw.

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include: oil- and latex-based paints and stains, thermometers and thermostats containing mercury, drain and oven cleaners, upholstery cleaners, wood cleaners, strippers and varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool and photo chemicals, automotive cleaners and fluids, gasoline and motor oil, grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted include: auto batteries, propane tanks over 1 lb., compressed gas cylinders, asbestos, smoke detectors, explosives, radioactive or medical waste, grout, joint compound, lead paint chips, and empty containers of any kind. Aerosol containers will not be accepted unless they contain a paint or chemical. Empty aerosols that contain food products can be recycled. Full or partially full food products and empty chemical and paint aerosol containers can be placed in the trash. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.