"This grant exemplifies the state's commitment to preserve open space and protect the environment. The benefits of protecting this property are countless," said Sen. Herlihy. "What makes the open space program so beneficial is that it allows a local interest like the town or land trust to determine the property that should be preserved. This is great news for the town of Simsbury."

"This grant continues the state's support of Simsbury's efforts to preserve open space," Representative Heagney said. "I applaud The Ethel Walker School in joining Simsbury in pursuing this funding. Preserving the Ethel Walker Properties will be a tremendous asset to the residents of this town and others who want to enjoy its natural beauty."

Nearly $6.5 million was awarded in this eighth round of open space grants to municipalities, private nonprofit land conservation organizations and a water company. These latest land acquisitions awarded this round increase open space in Connecticut by 1,247 acres. In the first seven rounds of grants almost $44.6 million was awarded to 178 open space projects, totaling 12,095acres.

Earlier this year, the State Bond Commission approved $80 million for the conservation of 15,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land that includes money that will be used to purchase 26 acres of open space off of Westledge Road. That land is home to wildlife, such as deer and several types of birds.

The grants, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), are awarded to projects that add to a community's open space, enhance recreation in the area, protect unique geographical features or assist long-term acquisition plans. All applications are judged on the basis of the criteria and scoring system established for the program by the DEP and the standard established by the Natural Heritage, Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Review Board.