The Vincent Blakely Forest Preserve is the Litchfield Land Trust's sixth preserve.

"This 162 acres of core forest is protected in perpetuity, forever," Executive Director Dean Birdsall says, calling the acquisition very exciting. "There's over a thousand acres, and with that we're protecting the water, the wildlife—and really, enhancing human well-being."

Director Emeritus Richard Heys says the hard work to save parcels of land really pays off, "I mean, our preserved preserves are our forever. It can't be undone."

"I think there's something very invigorating about—and stress relieving to—come out into nature," said Marcia Fowler, president of the Litchfield Land Trust. She says the new Vincent Blakely Forest Preserve connects many of the trails and preserves creating many choices for an amazing hike. "Time in the woods is not only relaxing, but it's bucolic as well—to be able to see wetlands and ferns and highland forests. And it's just a great way to be out in nature."

Linda Blakely is a friend and supporter of the Litchfield Land Trust. This new preserve is named in honor of her father. "To me, it's a no-brainer. And anybody that doesn't want to conserve and protect land, what are they thinking?"

Michael Sikora is the manager of communications at the CT Land and Conservation Council. He says the state has a lot of great places to get out and enjoy nature. "If you want a great place to go hiking, take a trip up to the northwest part of the state. I mean, you can literally spend all day on a different preserve. "