On Monday, June 29th, Ausbon Sargent closed on the purchase of an easement on the 100-acre Ohler property in New London. The protection of this property has created an almost 300-acre swath of contiguous conserved land, essential for wildlife habitat and forest resiliency. Both Red and White Brooks flow through the Ohler property as they empty into Pleasant Lake, and we are thrilled to share that these resources will never be impacted by future development on the property. The acreage is mostly forested with lovely woods trails for easy hiking, and add to future trail networks between the protected Messer Farm and Two Brook Woods properties, both owned by Ausbon Sargent.
The Ohler family has owned this property since the mid 1950’s when Dr. and Priscilla Ohler moved to town and raised their six children. We are grateful that the second generation of Ohlers have decided to protect this important property, and generously sold the easement to Ausbon Sargent for $225,000 below the appraised value. An amazing legacy has just been established by the Ohler family, and the Land Trust is honored to steward these 100 acres, forever.
This project was made possible by many generous private donations, leadership support from the Town of New London Conservation Commission and the Pleasant Lake Protective Association, a grant from the Fields Pond Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
