Mystic - The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and the Campaign to Save Coogan Farm announced Thursday that they have raised more than one million dollars towards the $3.5 million campaign.

“The support from generous local families so early is very exciting,” Steven Dodd, steering committee chairman for the effort, said in a news release. “We still have a lot of work to do in order to realize the vision of protecting Coogan Farm and transforming it into a nature and heritage park-like asset for Stonington.”

More than 60 area residents are participating in the effort to protect the 45 acre parcel that will complete a trail system from Mystic Seaport to Mystic Aquarium, Denison Homestead and the nature center, according to the news release. The group’s plans call for the farm property to be restored and transformed into an outdoor activity, nature and history educational center with free access for residents and visitors.

The group is working with the state to secure funds through an open space grant program.