Uncertainty and the Spirit of Community
The rapidly shifting political landscape has put conservation programs that Steep Rock Association relies on at significant risk. Changes at the federal level—budget cuts, staff removals, and agency eliminations—are gutting programs we depend on for funding and technical expertise. The ramifications of these decisions, far from the Litchfield Hills, are very real here in Washington, Connecticut.
Steep Rock’s partnerships—with federal and state agencies and our local community—have enabled us to protect the lands and waters that sustain us. Whether it’s U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service funding to conserve critical habitat or U.S. Department of Agriculture support to protect prime agricultural soils and offer technical advice on land management—these resources matter. Their loss makes our work harder and jeopardizes our ability to acquire and protect land, create safe and accessible trails, and maintain habitats for the species that call our preserves home.
Given these very uncertain times, the most powerful thing we can do is stand together. We are grateful to and inspired by the Steep Rock community. For 100 years, conservation at Steep Rock has been driven by folks like you—who treasure these landscapes, explore our trails, cherish our wildlife, and fight for their future.
This month, we’re celebrating that spirit of community. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference, join us. Walk the trails. Lend a hand. On March 19th, gather with us at our Spring Equinox Firepit and Volunteer Celebration to connect, share stories, and strengthen the ties that hold us together. We’ve weathered storms and cleaned up debris before—so no matter what comes, we’ll keep protecting this land with you on our team.
See you on our Trails,
Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Celebrating Our Volunteers
Join us on March 19th as we celebrate our incredible volunteers with our Spring Equinox Firepit Gathering! Enjoy refreshments, great company, and a warm fire behind the Steep Rock Association House. Before the festivities, community members are invited to a brief info session at 5 PM to learn about exciting volunteer opportunities. We look forward to celebrating our volunteers and welcoming those interested in getting involved!
100 Miles in 100 Days – Are You Up for a Challenge?
You love a challenge. You love the great outdoors. And maybe—just maybe—you love a little bragging rights. This is your chance! In honor of 100 years of conservation, we invite you to join Steep Rock’s Centennial Hiker’s Challenge. From April 1 – July 9, 2025, hit the trails, track your progress, and claim your spot among Steep Rock’s most dedicated trailblazers. No race bib. No time clock. Just you, the trails, and 100 days to make it happen. Are you ready?
Upcoming Events
Thanks to our generous sponsors for making Steep Rock’s Centennial Events possible.
- 3/19 – Volunteer Info Session and Volunteer Appreciation Firepit Celebration
- 3/20 – Washington CT: From Industrial Roots to Leadership in Land Conservation with Edwin Matthews, A Centennial Event
- 4/1 – Centennial Hiker’s Challenge: 100 Miles in 100 Days begins!
- 4/5 – Camp House Education Center & Museum Opening, A Centennial Event
- 4/12 – Trail Manager Training
- 4/12 – Newcomer’s Hike at Steep Rock Preserve
- 4/13 – Judea Garden Early Spring Planting Day
- 4/15 – Archaeological History of the Washington Area with Craig Nelson, A Centennial Event
- 4/19 – Trail Work Party
SAVE THE DATE!
The 5th Annual Rossiter Run 5K at Steep Rock Preserve is Sunday, May 18!
Evergreen
You subscribe to things every month—internet, magazines, music. They add to your life. Evergreen, our monthly giving subscription, adds to the world around you. For just $20 a month, you’ll be part of something bigger—protecting the forests, rivers, and trails that make the Litchfield Hills so extraordinarily special. Small, steady support. Big, lasting impact.
Our Contact Information
Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279
Washington Depot, CT 06794-0279
860-868-9131
www.SteepRockAssoc.org
