Imagine losing a Southington treasure, a geological puzzle called the "Great Unconformity" where ancient bedrock lies strangely beneath younger stone along Roaring Brook. Back in 1972, this unique site faced the threat of development. But a group of passionate folks from the Southington Conservation Commission, led by Luis J. Lozano, weren't about to let that happen.They reached out to experts and  neighboring land trusts, determined to find a way to protect this natural wonder. While outright donation seemed unlikely, an ingenious solution emerged: a conservation easement. This meant the landowner, a conservation-minded builder named Gerald J. Griffin would still own the land, but agree to keep it undeveloped, thanks to some helpful tax incentives discovered by attorney Russell Brenneman.To hold this easement, the Southington Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) was born in January 1973, with Luis Lozano at its helm. By 1974, the IRS officially recognized SLCT as a non-profit, and they proudly accepted the easement for the Great Unconformity. This remarkable geological site, a favorite of visiting geologists, showcases a massive gap in Earth's timeline, carved by the persistent flow of Roaring Brook over millennia.

For a while, SLCT rested quietly. Then, in the winter of 2006, a developer clear-cut every single tree and bush on a property at the corner of Hart and West Streets, which ignited a spark. Bonnie Sica, a concerned mom, witnessed the devastation and the distress of neighborhood
children who had lost their familiar wildlife. This spurred her to action, and she discovered the dormant land trust. A meeting with the original SLCT officers – Carl Sokolowski, Lou Lozano,and Bert Beauchemin – was a joyful reunion of dedicated conservationists. They
enthusiastically handed over the reins to Bonnie, and a new chapter began.

 

With renewed energy, SLCT held meetings at the historic Marion School House, attracting a dozen passionate individuals. The Land Trust has since moved their headquarters to 76 North Main Street. Wildlife biologist Peter Picone took on the role of President, lending his expertise and respected reputation. Soon, a wonderful opportunity arose. James Putnam of Mt. Vernon, Inc., considered donating a significant 16.86-acre property on Wedgewood Drive. This became SLCT's first deeded property in August 2007, a sanctuary of diverse trees, including rare finds like the White Swamp Oak and an old-growth American Elm. Now known as Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, its trails and vernal pools, complete with Scout-built bridges and an entrance kiosk crafted by Eagle Scout Michael Bernard, opened to the public in October 2017. 

More land followed. In 2011, Bill and Karen Joyce donated an 8.57-acre portion of their Pond View Drive property, preserving a vital pond habitat. That same year, a generous bequest from the Estate of Lester Harris provided crucial funds, some of which helped expand the then
known Mount Vernon Songbird Sanctuary, and the rest for future SCLT property purchases. A significant addition came in 2013 when New Haven Trap Rock-Tomasso Brothers, Inc. gifted 17.28 acres, including a rare glacial kettle pond bog discovered decades earlier by naturalist
Robert E. Kuchta. This unique bog, a "poor fen" teeming with specialized flora like pitcher plants and cranberry, remains a valuable site for research due to its delicate ecosystem.

In October 2017, SLCT made its first land purchase, acquiring the biodiversity-rich Trap Rock Ridge, home to the fascinating Jefferson salamander. Today, the Southington Land Conservation Trust proudly manages close to 150 acres across eight environmentally valuable
parcels in the town. The most recent property donations being the 4.5-acre aforementioned Mount Vernon Bird Sanctuary in 2020, now called the Neville-Harris Wildlife Sanctuary, the remaining 30 acres of the Johnson family farm in 2021, also a wildlife sanctuary, and a 60-acre parcel on Welch Road, gifted by Mark Lovley and Lovley Development in 2025.

Over the years, dedicated volunteers, including past presidents Lou Lozano, Peter Picone, Bonnie Sica, Al Fiorillo, William Knoegel, and Val Guarino, have shaped SLCT's impact. From creating a logo, building an on-line presence, and increasing membership to countless hours of land management, their efforts have been tireless. Fundraisers like a community cookbook, parking cars at the Apple Harvest Festival and the Southington Drive-In, as well as an annual Christmas tree recycling have supported their mission. SLCT has also been deeply involved in the community, running Nature Day’s for families and nature lovers alike, leading annual Trails Day hikes, and partnering on initiatives like the Quinnipiac River storm drain marking project. They've hosted fun runs, organized field trips to local kettle bogs, led annual Earth Day cleanups, and established a community garden. The SLCT is also one of the local sponsors for the Southington portion of the Pollinator Pathway.

SLCT has actively collaborated with the town, contributing to the Crescent Lake forest management plan, and participating in the creation of the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development. From a small group determined to save a geological wonder to a thriving
organization protecting diverse habitats, the Southington Land Conservation Trust's story is one of community spirit, dedication, and a deep love for preserving and conserving the natural beauty of Southington.

This document was created by John Fusari in May 2025. It uses edited and updated information from a history prepared by S. Bruzik in 2019 with references and extensive correspondence from 1973 to 2007 collected by Luis Lozano as the first President of SLCT. Additional information was also provided to S. Bruzik’s history by Bonnie Sica in 2023