Newtown Forest Association

The Newtown Forest Association (NFA) is dedicated to preserving forests, agricultural lands, meadows, watersheds, and other open spaces in Newtown, CT for the benefit of plants, animals, and human residents of our town.

The NFA proudly holds the mantle of Connecticut’s oldest private land trust. Formed in 1923 by a group of Newtown residents, original annual dues were $1. In 1924 the Town Forest became our first preserve, thanks to donations totaling 15.5 acres, including a 7 acre donation from Dr. Howard Peck. This parcel became the first Town Forest anywhere in the United States. 

The absence of records suggest a period of dormancy through 1937 when Paul Cullens and Paul Smith convened to reorganize the Association. In 1939 the NFA was legally incorporated and the Town Forest expanded with the addition of 3 adjoining parcels. Then, in 1940 the NFA obtained its determination letter that it was a tax-exempt charitable organization. In 1955 the organizations by-laws and charters were updated.

The organization then entered another period of relative dormancy until 1970 when former board member Henry Schnakenberg donated 7 acres on Great Hill Rd to the NFA. Through 1997 the NFA operated on a shoestring budget with very little operating costs, relying largely on the efforts of volunteers and neighbors to maintain properties. 

In 1997 Josephine Holcombe passed and willed the NFA 86 acres now known as the Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve at 65 Great Hill Road, nearby the existing Holcombe Memorial of 76 acres on Birch Hill Road. The Holcombe Preserve is the highest point in Newtown and home to our headquarters, with sweeping views in all directions. 

The NFA has had over 100 board members in our rich history, who have shepherded the organization into the 21st century. Today, the NFA preserves over 1,400 acres throughout Newtown, across 76 different parcels of land. We continue to work tirelessly to maintain open spaces for the benefit of the plants, animals, and people who call Newtown home.