Woodland Trails and School Improvements
Funding
Our town was awarded a $139,000.00 grant from CT DEEP. As
you may recall, we applied nearly a year ago for the CT DEEP Trails Grant. It
took some time for the state to release funding for the various projects
proposed by many Connecticut towns. This
grant requires a 20% match, meaning we need to provide the equivalent of
$27,800.00 through volunteer work, and donations. The grant gives us up to four years to
complete the project though of course we hope to do so much sooner.
Woodland trails
Our project is creating and restoring a woodland trail
system connecting several town properties. Scotland Elementary School, the Firehouse,
Scotland Public Library and the historic Huntington House will all be
accessible from the trail for anyone looking to hike, bicycle or jog along the
pathways and explore these landmarks. A
good portion of the trail system is already in place, but since it was created approximately
20 years ago it is now in need of some serious refurbishing.
School improvements
The old outdoor classroom behind the elementary school will
be refurbished with raised garden beds added, providing a variety of new and
exciting teaching opportunities.
Additionally, a new trail leading from the school will access the
library and firehouse. This trail will
provide safe passage for the students in the case of an emergency.
How to get involved
We plan to hold our next
meeting in the Scotland library conference room on December 3rd
at 6:30. All are welcome to attend. We
welcome your ideas for fundraising and project implementation. No reservations are necessary to attend. Feel free to simply show up at the meeting.