Groton ― The town announced in a news release the purchase on Wednesday of the “Wolfebrook property,” a 161-acre parcel on Noank Ledyard Road that will be preserved as open space.

“There was a lot of effort that went into acquiring this land,” Groton Town Manager John Burt said in a statement. “We are proud to have strong partnerships with GOSA and the Parks and Recreation Foundation to help support this purchase and to preserve many acres for open space and passive recreation.”

Dan O’Connell, president of the Groton Open Space Association, said in a statement that GOSA is proud to contribute to the property and looks “forward to participating in the effort to make the property a great resource for our town.”

The town received $352,000 from the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and received support from the Town Council for an additional $220,000, while the Groton Open Space Association donated $210,000, according to the release. “The remaining funding was secured through private donations made to the Groton Parks Foundation.”

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts between the Town of Groton, state, and our conservation friends, we have protected in perpetuity the 161-acre Wolfebrook property, representing the largest open space acquisition in town history this millennium,” State Representative-elect and Groton Town Councilor Aundré Bumgardner said in a statement. “Now and forever, Eccleston Brook watershed and vernal pools supporting both flora and fauna, intact mature forests, and stone walls of Native American origin will be cherished by future generations.”

Groton Town Mayor Juan Melendez, Jr. said in a statement: “The preservation of over 160 acres of open space will ensure natural habitats are protected while at the same time, with the addition of a hiking trail, provide recreation for the community. All in all, it's a huge win for Groton.”

The property will accessible “for non-motorized passive recreation,” and in the future, a small parking and picnic area and new trails may be added, according to the news release.