{"product_id":"wellner-family-conservation-area-trails-avon-land-trust-map","title":"Wellner Family Conservation Area Trails","description":"HISTORY OF THE LAND\r\n\r\nIn the 1800's, Isaac and Maria Baldwin owned a 60 acre farm in this area.  Evidence of the fencing they erected to contain their cattle is still apparent on the Nancy Nation trail.  The Baldwins grew rye and oats on their farm.\r\n\r\nSouth of here, many descendants of the Chidsey family farmed the land, starting with Abraham Chidsey in 1797.  In subsequent generations, Bartholomew, Anson, and Jacob Chidsey owned 340 acres of land near here.  The Chidseys grew abundant crops, including rye, corn, oats, and potatoes.  They also harvested wool and produced butter and cheese from their dairy cows.\r\n\r\nWELLNER FAMILY CONSERVATION AREA TRAILS\r\n\r\nThe 15 acre Wellner Family Conservation Area, also known as the Wellner Preserve, was donated to the Avon Land Trust in 1997.  Dr. Murray and Susan Wellner of West Hartford donated the land, so it could be preserved in its natural state to support native wildlife.\r\n\r\nShortly beyond the kiosk, the Blue Trail passes near a stone marker showing where the towns of Avon, Canton and Simsbury all meet.  The trail then leads into a beautiful fern-lined valley, called the 'Cathedral Valley', which is a natural amphitheater that affords peaceful solitude despite its proximity to Route 44.\r\n\r\nThe Yellow Trail leads from the start of the Cathedral Valley up to the ridge that follows the perimeter of the Wellner Preserve.  On the north side of the perimeter trail is evidence of a sand quarry from long ago.\r\n\r\nThe Nancy Nation Trail is accessed from the Wellner Preserve's perimeter trail.  Shortly past the start of the trail is a scenic viewpoint looking east to the Metacomet Ridge and the Heublein tower.  \r\n\r\nNancy Nation, a member of the Avon\/Canton Rotary, dedicated her life to helping others in the town of Avon.  In addition to heading up the Youth Activity Council for the West Avon Congregational Church, she started up Safe Rides of Avon and donated generously to Gifts of Love.  Guided by her faith, Nancy motivated others to be kind, forgiving and encouraging.  She once said: \" I have loved and been loved; is there anything greater?\"\r\n\r\nEnjoy your time on the trails.","brand":"Avon Land Trust","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45000217002140,"sku":"1704823","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/7850\/5884\/files\/avon-land-trust-wellner-family-conservation-area-trails-map-1704823-preview-0.jpg?v=1748028559","url":"https:\/\/store.avenza.com\/products\/wellner-family-conservation-area-trails-avon-land-trust-map","provider":"Avenza Maps","version":"1.0","type":"link"}