The City of Groton/Groton Utilities participated in the Atkinson Preserve Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting held by the Avalonia Land Conservancy this past weekend. Groton Utilities donated $159,945 back in 2019 to assist in the purchase of the Atkinson Property, which will help protect the Great Brook Watershed that feeds water into our reservoirs. Protecting the watershed is the first line of defense in guaranteeing the quality of drinking water at Groton Utilities, and having the Avalonia Land Conservancy responsible for the protection of this portion of the watershed is a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Speaking at the event were Dennis Main (Avalonia President), Fred Allyn (Mayor of Ledyard), Keith Hedrick (City of Groton) and David Atkinson (prior landowner). The proceedings were hosted by Terri Eickel, the Director of Development & Programming for Avalonia.
The ceremony was followed by a hike through the property, with David Atkinson serving as the guide.
