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Nestled in the Last Green Valley are the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers, seven state forests, 16 state wildlife management areas and five state parks composed of thousands of acres and more than 130 miles of trails, including the East Coast Greenway and a National Millennium Trail.

These wild places provide habitat for moose, black bear, fishers and sea lamprey — animals that are returning to the Last Green Valley for the first time in generations. People benefit, too, from the Last Green Valley's contribution to clean water and healthy air quality. Tons of carbon that would otherwise remain airborne are filtered by this natural resource. As host to two of the most scenic and productive river systems in New England, the Last Green Valley has an abundance of clean water, including the largest aquifer in Connecticut.

Securing the long-term health and vitality of the Last Green Valley requires eternal vigilance over land use planning and policy. Most of the corridor’s 35 towns have no professional planners, and three towns have no zoning requirements. Development pressure grows exponentially annually, especially to build large-lot subdivision and potential resorts that are not subject to local or state zoning and environmental protections.

Sierra Club, in concert with other local conservation groups, is working to ensure that land use decisions protect the historic and scenic nature of the area. By conducting anti-sprawl presentations, the Connecticut Sierra Club brings attention to local resources, why they are threatened environmentally, and the importance of preservation through land use planning.

Find out how you can get involved by contacting John Calandrelli at Connecticut.chapter@sierraclub.org or 860-236-4405.