A community event will be held on Oct. 5 to celebrate the restoration of property that is owned by the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy.

Benches in Wojan Woods. Courtesy of Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy

By Ronni Newton

A celebration will be held on Oct. 5 to mark the extensive restoration of property acquired by the West Hartford Land Trust – which is now part of the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy – in December 2020.

What’s known as Wojan Woods is a 2.75-acre parcel that was donated by the Wojan-Steenburgh family. The 134 Davenport Road property is now a “secret woodland gem hidden in the Elmwood section of West Hartford,” the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy said, but when donated in its “natural state,” it was in need of restoration.

“The property needed extensive cleanup to remove debris and invasive plants,” the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy said. “In 2022, restoration funding from the West Hartford Small Business and Non-profit Recovery Grant Program (funded by the American Rescue Plan Act) allowed for study on ways to improve and support the natural diversity of the site.”

A stream runs through Wojan Woods. Courtesy of Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy

The restoration included the planing of more than 200 native trees, shrubs, and plants. According to the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, Tall, old, keystone species trees, such as American Beech and Black Walnut, have been cataloged and marked with signs that identify the trees and how they support other wildlife. The Rockledge Brook on the west side of the property adds natural beauty, while two short trails provide a path for nearby Wolcott School students and neighbors to enjoy.”

Members of the community walk dogs in Wojan Woods. Courtesy of Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy

Volunteers from the community, as well as various organizations, assisted in the restoration. They include the West Hartford Garden Club, West Hartford Tree Project, The Nature-based Solutions Working Group of the Sustainable West Hartford Commission, Connecticut Master Gardeners, Westmoor Arboretum at Westmoor Park, West Hartford Public Works and Leisure Services Departments, and Ironwood Community Partners.

The celebration, hosted by the Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, will include light refreshments and be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. A presentation will take place at 1:30 p.m., and there will also be guided walks through the property.

Parking is available at Wolcott School, and the property address is 134 Davenport Road, near the connection of Davenport and Red Top Drive.

More information can be found on the website www.trlandconservancy.org.

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