On March 26, the Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) completed the purchase of 17 new acres in Westwoods. This is the trust’s second purchase in central Westwoods in three years. Both acquisitions are 17 acres in size and are adjacent to each other in the forest.

In 2012, GLCT embarked on the three-year acquisition of the Heart of Westwoods, at the geographic center of the Westwoods forest. The most recent purchase had a much shorter time frame, just six weeks, and the trust is asking the community’s support in raising the funds.

Red Erda, GLCT’s chair of Land Acquisition, explained, “There are many variables that affect our ability to purchase a property. Timing and price are large factors, but when we have money in the bank from contributions and grants, we are able to craft a good and fair arrangement for the next opportunity. This strategy has been key to our success.”

The newly purchased land contains trails that are well known to many Westwoods visitors: the White Circle and Red Triangle trails. These foot trails have been maintained by the Westwoods Trails Committee of GLCT since 1968, when the trails were first opened.

“We are grateful to the former landowners for permitting the trails for so many years, and we are pleased to ensure that they can remain as they are going forward,” said GLCT President Sarah Williams.

The Guilford Land Conservation Trust turns 50 this year. The community is invited to celebrate this milestone at an outdoor gathering with food, drinks, music, and family activities at its Olmsted Outlook property overlooking the West River on Saturday, June 6 from 2 to 5 p.m.