January 2026 Newsletter

Year In Review

As 2026 unfurls, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share Steep Rock Association’s 2025 Year in Review—a reflection on our Centennial year and the legacy of conservation your support continues to advance. In 1925, our organization began with a gift of 168 acres of land from Ehrick Rossiter that included the iconic Steep Rock Summit. Through the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers, that initial act of conservation has grown into 6,000 acres of irreplaceable lands in and around Washington.

Our Year in Review recounts a Centennial shaped by your commitment to keeping wild lands intact, trails open, and history alive in our community. Donations helped fund the meticulous fieldwork needed to study wildlife and rivers and implement habitat improvements that advanced conservation efforts across the region.

Just as importantly, your support brought people together—young and old, local and visitor—as we reflected on our accomplishments, celebrated our collaborative spirit, and opened new facilities to meet the growing demand for conservation in the 21st century.

Because of what you value, our sense of place and community has been strengthened within these beautiful hills. Thank you for being part of it.

See you on the trails,
Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D.
Executive Director

You Voted – Thank you, Litchfield County

We’re excited to share some wonderful news from the 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards by Litchfield Magazine! Steep Rock Preserve was voted First Place – Favorite Hiking Spot, Steep Rock Association was honored with First Place for Nonprofit Organization and Second Place for Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hidden Valley Preserve earned Third Place for Favorite Hiking Spot. This recognition belongs to the community – to everyone who hikes the trails, brings friends and family, volunteers their time, supports conservation, and casts a vote. Your connection to these trails is what makes this place so special. You can see all of this year’s Litchfield County Reader’s Choice winners here. Congratulations to the many wonderful local businesses and organizations recognized this year. We’re honored to be in such great company.

Apply Now: 2026 Summer Internships

Steep Rock Association is now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Internship program. Our 10-week, part-time internships offer high school and college students hands-on experience in conservation work, trail and preserve stewardship, gardening and sustainable agriculture and community engagement. For more information and to apply >more