Washington CT: From Industrial Roots to Leadership in Land Conservation, Thurs., March 20, 2025

Centennial Virtual Speaker Series – Washington CT: From Industrial Roots to Leadership in Land Conservation

Until the early 1900s, Washington CT was a busy industrial town on the banks of the Shepaug River. Today, the town is a regional leader in conserving its natural beauty for the public benefit. Two individuals—Frederick Gunn and Ehrick Rossiter—were instrumental in the town’s transformation. In this engaging presentation, Edwin Matthews traces the industrial history of Washington leading to the founding of Steep Rock Association and includes the influence of writings of Emerson, Thoreau, Marsh, and others who have influenced land conservation in our town over the past century.

For thirty years Edwin Matthews has led the fight to restore water flows in the Shepaug River.  He was responsible for the footbridge at the entrance to Hidden Valley named for Henry Thoreau. His engagement with the natural world began as a boy in Idaho.  He went on to study the history of science and to law school.  For many years he practiced law in Paris, New York and San Francisco.

He was a founder of Friends of the Earth now in 75 countries and is a trustee emiritas of Steep Rock and Earthjustice, a non-profit law firm for the environment.  He has published a book of essays on wildness around us entitled “Litchfield Country Journal”.

He lives on an old farm in Hidden Valley with his wife, Patricia, and their dog, Sable.

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Steep Rock’s Centennial Events are made possible by the support of Platinum Sponsors Chipman Mazzucco Emerson, LLC; Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC; Litchfield Distillery, New Morning Market; William Raveis Lifestyles Realty; and Gold Sponsors Arbor Services of CT and Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance & Risk Management.