Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust is the largest land trust in Northeastern Connecticut, protecting more than 4,000 acres of land from development. With 70 preserves spread across Windham and Tolland Counties in 14 towns, Joshua’s Trust lands feature extensive marked trails for walking plus other passive recreation, free and open to the public. It also maintains two historic sites: the Gurleyville Gristmill and the Atwood Farm in Mansfield, where its headquarters are now located.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this organization, which was incorporated in 1966. Named for Joshua, son of Uncas, Mohegan Sachem who bequeathed his eastern Connecticut hunting grounds to a group of colonists in 1676, Joshua’s Trust was founded through a grassroots initiative by the Mansfield Historical Society, the Mansfield Conservation Commission, and a number of area residents.

Joshua’s Trust is notable for being nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This independent organization determines if land trusts meet the highest possible standards of public trust and best practices for land conservation. With its recent renewed accreditation this August, Joshua’s Trust belongs to a small and distinguished group across the country. “It’s our goal to maintain this accreditation every year,” says Executive Director Michael Hveem. “It means we have the capacity and the understanding to take on the commitment of preserving this open space forever. This perpetual commitment is a huge obligation.” “It’s a big year for us,” says Hveem of the Trust’s 50th anniversary activities. “We’ve always done walks and events, but not in this volume before. Practically every weekend there’s something going on.” Anniversary events included a kick-off book signing in April of 50 Years of Trust by local author and former UConn professor Rudy Favretti, who chronicled the history of Joshua’s Trust in his book. On Sunday, October 9 from 2-4 p.m., an Art Exhibit and Cider Pressing will be held at Atwood Farm on Wormwood Hill Road in Mansfield. Open to the public, this event features work by plein air artists who have been painting at the farm, a display of fiber art by Chaplin artist Cathy Smith, and cider pressing with apples from the Atwood Farm’s trees. Anniversary events culminate in the Gala & Annual Dinner (for Trust members) on Saturday, October 15 at Camp Horizons in South Windham.

A regular annual feature, the Trust’s “Passport Walks” this year include over 25 free guided walks on Trust properties. Collect 18 passport stamps from walks now until November to earn a commemorative 50th anniversary Joshua’s Trust string backpack. They have also added children’s trail walks in Mansfield, partnering with the Town’s Department of Early Childhood Development. “This has brought a whole new group of people to the Trust,” says Hveem, who appreciates getting kids excited about the outdoors and enjoying the benefits of open space at an early age.

Another fun family activity on the Trust lands is letterboxing. This outdoor pastime combines exploring with puzzle-solving and can be traced back to the mid-1800s. Letterboxing involves using clues to search for weatherproof boxes hidden in public places, getting a passport-like stamp and leaving a note in the location’s visitor book. The 2016 Joshua’s Trust Town of Mansfield Letterboxing Challenge is to discover eight letterboxes hidden on Joshua’s Trust properties. Kids can get a specially-designed flip booklet to record their finds; instructions are on the Trust website. “It’s a great new way to reach out to the community,” says Hveem.

One reason for the success and growth of Joshua’s Trust over 50 years is its volunteers. “We have about 160 active volunteers, which is just an amazing number,” says Hveem. “It’s somewhat taken for granted from within, but when I talk to other land trust directors, the strength of the organization is seen from the outside in this amazingly active and engaged group.” Volunteers do everything from maintain trails and signage, lead walks, help with new property acquisitions, serve on the board, work in the office, and more. “It’s not organized in a formal way,” says Hveem. “Organically it happens and it works. We offer many opportunities for people to help where their interests lie and they can also migrate to where they are satisfied with what they are doing.”

Vern Beausoleil is a recent volunteer who loves nature but because of an injury started helping out with the organization’s IT, his former career. “I’ve always been an outdoor person and like to do volunteer work,” says Vern. “I had been on some of the trails and thought Joshua’s Trust was a good match for my interests.” In his brief 10-month tenure, Vern has also helped marking boundaries on Trust lands, with trail maintenance and creation, and become co-steward of a parcel near his Coventry home. “As the state gets more populated I think it’s important to set aside land that doesn’t get developed and offer people a place to get out and enjoy exercise and nature.”

“Superstar volunteer” Gary Griffin has been with Joshua’s Trust for 20 years. The Willington resident started by serving on the board and since then has done everything from boundary work to building bridges and painting signs. “It gives me an opportunity to work on projects outdoors and interact with other like-minded people. We live in an age with a lot of negativity. It’s always good to realize and experience good efforts and good people.” Griffin has seen a recent influx of people from outside the area who learn about the Trust and come to enjoy it. “Joshua’s Trust is important because it offers places where people can enjoy scenery and natural resources. It impresses on people the desirability to keep some places open and undeveloped.”

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For more information, including how to donate or volunteer, about trails and preserves, plus a schedule of guided walks and events, visit joshuastrust.org or call 860-429-9023. Joshua’s Trust office at the historic Atwood Farm is located at 624 Wormwood Hill Road, Mansfield and open Tuesday and Thursday, noon-5 p.m.