The Branford Land Trust often uses the word “legacy,” which can mean different things to different people. For the BLT, it starts with making a positive impact on people and places that will last long into the future. Legacies connected to the BLT go back to our founding in 1967. The BLT now has several more stories to add to our shared conservation legacy. But these are not just stories – they are living examples of real people just like you who care about our earth and decided to make a difference. Each contribution is distinct in nature, reflecting the unique life situation of the given individual. Together they allow the BLT to protect the landscapes we all love. We miss our friends and value their powerful decisions to leave a lasting impact.
A Legacy of Service
Chet Blomquist (1926-2024) was a physical education teacher who had a unique ability to motivate and organize others and create enthusiasm and interest in outdoor activities. He served on the board of directors of BLT. Chet was a naturalist and found a passion in trails. He developed a 24-mile hiking trail around the perimeter of Branford and led hundreds of walkers on this trail for more than 20 years.
Louise LaMontagne (1943-2024) was an attorney and ardent believer in volunteer service and an enthusiast for preserving open space and natural resources. She was active in the Branford Land Trust, serving as President from 1990-1994, maintaining an advisor position until her death. Under her leadership, the BLT acquired a hard-won conservation easement on Beacon Hill Preserve, a one-of-a-kind Connecticut landscape where the Metacomet traprock ridge meets Long Island Sound.
A Legacy through Memorial Giving
Jon Grossman (1928-2025) worked with automobile franchises. He felt strongly about giving back to the Branford community and spent many years in public service. He had a passion for outdoor activities and loved skiing, sailing and tennis. The Grossman family requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the BLT in his name.
Jeffrey Meyer (1963-2025) was a judge serving the District of Connecticut. His childhood was spent roaming woods and fields. He inherited a tradition of public service and a deep love of animals and the natural world. He was a runner, and the BLT trails provided a place to run and recharge from his demanding career. Jeff’s family listed the BLT among the charities for memorial donations in Jeff’s name.
A Legacy of Land
Angelo DeLeo (1930-2024) was born in Italy and worked in the US as a toolmaker. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. Angelo donated eleven acres of prime land to the Branford Land Trust. This beautiful spot is one of the few remaining open fields in Branford. Named “DeLeo Field”, it is the trailhead for the Peiper and Queach preserve trails and is the site of numerous BLT events.
Nina Gambardella (1924-2025) loved music and completed piano and operatic vocal training. Her family lived in a house in Branford but always planned to build a house on their property in Stony Creek. Over the next 50 years, the family would enjoy swimming, picnics, cookouts, and camping there, but would never build on the site. In 2011, Nina and John donated the 10 acres to the BLT, which named this piece of land “Gambardella Woods.”
A Legacy of Financial Resources
In 2024, BLT received a donation that had been set forth in the estate plan of the family of Thomas Steitz (1940-2018). Thomas Steitz was a renowned scientist as is his wife, Joan. Tom loved being outdoors. He was a steady, powerful hiker and a determined photographer of wildflowers.
In 2025, the BLT received notice that it will be receiving a bequest from the estate of John Lewis Smith (1943-2023). John was an accomplished scientist who loved nature and being out-of-doors. He often hiked, biked and kayaked throughout the beautiful Branford area.
This year, the BLT received another donation from the Deirdre Baker Schiffer Fund. Deirdre (1943-2011) was a talented artist whose home on the Farm River estuary, brimming with natural life, was a bountiful source of expression in her work. Joe Schiffer and his sons, Paul and Jordan, established the fund through the Branford Community Foundation in memory of his late wife. The fund has a particular focus on environmental issues, education, and protection.
We are saddened at the loss of these wonderful neighbors and friends. But their passing reminds us that whether we are artists or attorneys, singers or scientists, teachers or toolmakers…each of us has something beautiful and incredibly valuable to contribute. We each have the opportunity to act out our values through a legacy of time, talent, or treasure.
To volunteer, donate, or to learn more about planned giving, go to branfordlandtrust.org/help.
Julie Wagner, President
