| August 12, 2007 - Holcombe Memorial Garden Dedication The NFA wants to remember Mrs. Josephine Holcombe who, upon her passing in 1997, generously left to the NFA her 89 acre property and her primary residence located at 55 Great Hill Road, known as the Holcombe Wildlife Preserve. In addition to this gift Mrs. Holcombe previously donated to the NFA 62 acres in 1987 and 14 acres in 1966, collectively referred to as the Holcombe Memorial Trail. This was a sacred place to Mrs. Holcombe where all of her pets were laid to rest. As a token of respect for Mrs. Holcombe the NFA has planted a memorial garden to honor this 10 year anniversary on Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 4-6pm at our offices. We hope all members will attend and get a chance to help the NFA Board of Directors celebrate Mrs. Holcombe’s life and her legacy gifts. In the event of rain the dedication will be rescheduled to Sunday September 23, 2007 from 4-6PM. Our offices are located at this preserve in the leftmost building as you go up our driveway. Please contact us with any questions you may have at 203-270-3650. The NFA envisions the Holcombe Memorial Garden as an exterior landscape project at our Newtown Forest Association headquarters that will celebrate Mrs. Holcombe’s legacy. The current NFA Board, under the direction of our president Martha Wright, was presented with a visionary plan by Bob Eckenrode that achieves the current and future goals of the NFA. These goals include: Preserving the legacy of 86 acres entrusted to us by Josephine Holcombe know as Holcombe Hill; Sharing the natural resources of our properties with all of our neighbors from Newtown and the surrounding communities; Providing opportunities for environmental education, including guided hikes and activities geared toward explaining the value of the natural world around us. In essence, the Holcombe Memorial Garden will become a showcase for the environmental and aesthetic value of landscaping with native plants. Complete with species and tree identification, the design concept is based on Saturn and its rings. The NFA office represents Saturn, while the radiating planting beds symbolize its rings. The design is both engaging and accessible, drawing the community in to our properties and all they have to offer. Phase 1 of our project—the landscape design and initial planting—is nearly complete. Phase 2 will include further plantings to create the informative garden, as well as an outdoor patio with a pergola and seating areas. Although the NFA office does not maintain hours this area will be open to the public to enjoy along with the remainder of the preserve. Click to see some pictures Back to News Index |
Whispers in the Forest
Newtown Forest Association
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
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