A fall view of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Nearly 50 acres in Lyme, Conn., will become part of the Whalebone Cove Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, thanks to collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy. The conserved parcel almost doubles the total acreage of the division, bringing it up to 116 acres.

The Nature Conservancy originally purchased this property in 1999 as an addition to its Whalebone Cove Preserve. The Conservancy transferred the property to the Service, who acquired the parcel through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which for 50 years, has provided money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands.

“Nations are defined by the natural and cultural heritage they choose to preserve, which is why the Land and Water Conservation Fund is such a vital conservation tool,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “It’s fitting that as we mark the 50th anniversary of this conservation milestone, we do so by protecting important habitat at Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and across the nation for current and future generations of Americans to enjoy.”

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve native plants, animals and their habitats in the 7.2 million acre Connecticut River watershed that stretches across four states. It is the only refuge in the country dedicated to a river’s entire watershed.

Transfer of this property follows the successful partnership between the Conservancy and the Service in August of last year, when 26 acres were acquired from a private landowner.  The Service also acquired the 26-acre parcel through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Together with 40 acres donated last summer from the Conservancy, those properties established the new Whalebone Cove Division of the refuge.

“The Silvio O. Conte Fish and Wildlife Refuge and the Conservancy share the same goals for Whalebone Cove: protecting the area’s ecological integrity and the habitats and species embedded within it,” said Sarah Pellegrino, land protection and strategies specialist for The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. “Our colleagues at the Refuge have repeatedly demonstrated their conservation expertise up and down the Connecticut River, and we’re extremely happy to add Whalebone Cove to the record of successful conservation collaboration between the Refuge and The Nature Conservancy.”

The Whalebone Cove Division protects freshwater tidal marshes at the head of the Connecticut River, as well as other habitats including mature forest, floodplain forest and upland meadows. Whalebone Cove offers biologically significant feeding ground for migratory waterfowl, and serves as wintering area for bald eagles and black ducks.

September 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the LWCF. Lands purchased through the fund are used to provide recreational opportunities, protect clean water, preserve wildlife habitat, enhance scenic vistas, protect archaeological and historical sites and maintain the nature of wilderness areas.

The Service and The Nature Conservancy are meeting with residents to discuss the refuge with nearby communities. The Service anticipates the formation of a Friends group to support and promote the mission of the new addition to the refuge.

“These investments contribute toward the refuge purpose established by Congress and enrich our quality of life by expanding conservation, education and recreation opportunities for the public. The permanent protection of this property was possible because of the Service’s long standing partnership with The Nature Conservancy and support from the Congressional delegation, the Administration, and the public,” said Andrew French, project leader at the Conte Refuge.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web atwww.nature.org/connecticut

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Shannon Palumbo rides “Just Chance” at a previous year’s Lyme Horse Trials.

The public is invited to come to beautiful Lord Creek Farm in Lyme, Conn., today, Aug. 17, and watch close to 100 local riders of all ages compete in the equestrian competition known as Eventing. One of the fastest growing equestrian pursuits, it is the ultimate challenge for horse and rider, testing their partnership and athletic prowess in three disciplines: the grace and harmony of dressage; the rigors and thrills of cross-country jumping over natural obstacles; and the power and pageantry of show jumping.

Founded by Lord Creek Farm owner, Janie Davison, 14 years ago, the Lyme Horse Trials offer both an opportunity for beginner and intermediate riders to compete, and to support High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and the Connecticut Valley Pony Club, and the Lyme Trail Association, three locally based nonprofit organizations, who share the proceeds.

A new component to the horse trials this year is the formation of the Lyme Trail Association, which is a 501(c)3 membership association that allows anyone who joins to hike or ride on Lord Creek Farm.

This is an opportunity for the public to watch an exciting competition from key vantage points at a private estate along a course that winds through woods and fields with spectacular views of the Connecticut River. Food will be available from local vendors or bring a picnic. It’s sure to be a fun family day. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, visit www.lymehorsetrials.com.

Lyme Horse Trials is organized entirely by volunteers and is generously supported by local business partners, including Northstar Wealth Partners, Reynolds Garage & Marine, BA Brooks Associates, SeaSide Wine & Spirits, Drs. McAraw, Cantner, Cantner, Foise and Barasz,and Essex Savings Bank. Proceeds from the Trials will benefit High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Connecticut Valley Pony Club and the Lyme Trail Association.

The mission of High Hopes is to improve the lives of people with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.

The Connecticut Valley Pony Club is a volunteer organization that fosters the development of thoughtful, responsible and knowledgeable young riders in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Connecticut Valley Pony Club is a member of the United States Pony Clubs. To learn more, visit cvponyclub.wordpress.com

The Lyme Trail Association is a non-profit membership association dedicated to the maintenance, stewardship and enjoyment of trails in Lyme and the surrounding area. It supports a community of horseback riders and non-riders who appreciate the rural character of Southeastern Connecticut and understand the importance of preserving the area’s rustic nature.