July 8, 2025
By Erik Ofgang
For more than half a century, the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust has been dedicated not only to preserving open space but also to sharing the experience with as many people as possible. They do so through a variety of programs, ranging from one-day nature-themed events, to camps and educational academies that incorporate curriculum-aligned STEM lessons.
The trust operates Van Vleck Farm and other conserved properties and nature preserves in Woodbury, Bethlehem, Southbury, and Middlebury. In all, the trust cares for more than 2,000 acres across multiple properties.
“So many people come here just to walk on the Van Vleck campus, because we’re free and open to the public, every day,” says Vincent D. LaFontan, executive director of Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust. “Many people will come and just walk over by the animal barn, to see our goats and pigs and the chickens and so on.”
Six of the Flanders properties are open to the public for hiking; they also maintain sanctuary space. The mission of sharing these natural spaces with people of all ages is only possible thanks to the support of the community. Each summer Flanders hosts two major fundraisers. The first is the Flanders Field & Forest 5K, an all-age walk or run in June through Flanders’ picturesque woods and fields.
Flanders’ second big fundraiser of the year takes place at the end of summer, on the Sunday before Labor Day. Farm-to-Flanders is a gourmet picnic and auction that allows participants to enjoy the culinary creations of the best chefs in Connecticut in an idyllic setting. “We’ve been really lucky. We have a lot of support from restaurateurs and chefs in the area,” LaFontan says. Past participants have included John Bourdeau of Sparrow Bar and Restaurant in New Milford; and Christopher Prosperi, chef/owner of Metro Bis in Simsbury; and Kate Truini and Zachary Redin of New Curds on the Block and To the Gills in Oakville. The auction features trips, artwork, flower arranging, and more.
Fans of the preserve and trust can also help the organization by purchasing a Flanders membership, or making donations earmarked for specific programs. The Flanders Campership, for example, provides camp and academy tuition for children who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend. “Flanders has been very dedicated to making sure that if a child has an interest in going to summer camp or to our summer academy, we’ll find a way to have their tuition covered if needed,” he says. “It’s a way in which a person can truly feel like they’re making a difference in a child and in a family’s life.”
Beyond that, LaFontan says, people should take advantage of the opportunities right here.
“We’re really lucky where we live, all of us who live in western Connecticut. There are some great nonprofit land trusts in our area, and they all have beautiful spaces,” he says. “That’s why so many people from around the world come to visit New England and Connecticut.”
