Envisioned in the early 1990s when the Whitbeck family donated open space to the Town, the creation of the 50-acre-plus Branchville Preserve may never occur because of development pressure on two key parcels of land near Route 7. These parcels are located next to abandoned and pristine State properties that the RCC is attempting to acquire. Owners of both the Binn and the recently cleared Candee’s Pond land are in discussions with Town agencies concerning their development. The RCC hopes that large, contiguous portions of these parcels will be preserved as open space.

Conservation tip! Be Lazy, Don’t Rake. If you want to encourage beneficial wildlife to surround your house, please leave alone as many spent flowers, seed heads, and leaves as possible. These dead bits of organic material provide life and shelter to a wide variety of creatures, insects, and eggs.

You can remove them safely in early Spring.

MCKEON FARM IN THE LATE SUMMER