The placid woods that line the eastern end of Route 4 near I-84 in Farmington will remain undisturbed thanks to the Farmington Land Trust and a gift from residents Stephen and Liz Kendrick. The Land Trust announced Thursday that the Kendricks have donated a nearly 2-acre woodland property to be preserved as green space. “This donation ensures that the parcel will remain open space in perpetuity, safeguarding wildlife and leaving a legacy of conservation for future generations,” the nonprofit organization said.
“The land’s prime location enhances its significance to the community.” The property is along a stretch of Route 4 well-known for traffic backups, especially on the westbound side during the afternoon rush hour as thousands of motorists leave the highway headed to homes in Farmington, Burlington or Litchfield County. Keeping that section unspoiled is important, said Evan Cowles, vice president of the Land Trust.
“My goal is to keep the gateway rural-looking with open space,” Cowles told The Courant on Thursday. “There’s some development past there going out toward the flood plain, but that’s being built slowly and surely we’d like to keep this section undeveloped.” The land at 8234 Farmington Ave.
is part of a nearly unbroken woodland strip at the northern side of Route 4 that begins near the I-84 interchange and runs beyond Mountain Spring Road. The opposite side of Route 4 has a few patches of trees, but most of the view is the open lawn and fi.