The Stamford Land Conservation Trust (SLCT) has acquired its 47th nature preserve, located on the corner of Scofieldtown and Chestnut Hill Roads in North Stamford, which will be named in honor of the Oscar-nominated comedy actor/writer/director Gene Wilder.
The 5.2-acre property is a combination of wetlands and forest and is in proximity to the Chestnut Hill Bird Sanctuary, over which the SLCT holds a conservation easement from the City of Stamford. The property was donated by Karen Wilder, the actor”™s widow, and will be known as the Gene Wilder Preserve; the couple lived in Stamford and Wilder died there in 2016.
“We are so very appreciative of the donation of this parcel and are pleased to fold the 5.2 acres into our stewarded properties,” said SLCT President Harry Day. “Ensuring this land remains in its natural state means it will provide a home for a wide range of plant and animal species in perpetuity. In addition, maintaining wetlands is important in helping to improve water quality and aiding water filtration in the region.”
Photo: Gene Wilder in a scene from “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
