Karen Reddington-Hughes

Annual Conservation Fundraiser Highlights New Land Acquisition, Protecting More Open Space

This past weekend I attended the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy's Midsummer Party for Conservation. Held annually, this event serves as an important fundraiser and opportunity to highlight the group's efforts to protect and maintain open space in our area. Their work is instrumental in ensuring these areas remain a place for residents to explore, wildlife to flourish, and where generations of visitors can come to enjoy our beautiful state. NCLC is currently working on four new nature preserves - Milde Farms Preserve in Litchfield (652 acres), Surdan Mountain Preserve in Sharon (108 acres), Ridgeline Preserve in Sherman (259 acres), and McEver Nature Preserve in North Canaan (245 acres). These preserves will total more than 1,100 more acres of protected space.

Rep. Reddington-Hughes Tours Newly Renovated Historical Hotel

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of seeing the incredible transformation of the Charles Belden House into the Belden House & Mews, a 31-guest room hotel in Litchfield that features fine dining, a bathhouse, heated 50-foot swimming pool, and lawn club for those interested in leisure activities like croquet or bocce. The Belden House & Mews were also recognized with a Connecticut Preservation Award of Merit, one of 15 throughout Connecticut to receive this distinction. These awards recognize outstanding local achievements in protecting, restoring, and revitalizing historic buildings, landscapes, and community projects. If you haven’t seen the transformation in person, I’d encourage you to come and explore this incredibly beautiful location for yourself. Visit their website here .

DoAg Announces Partnership with US Dept. of Ag for $52.9 Million in Recovery Funds for Connecticut Farmers

The CT DoAg partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant for farmers who experienced losses in 2023 and 2024 due to severe weather events that impacted the state during that period. 1. Under this grant, farmers making at least $1,000 in farm income who have at least $500 in documented losses from weather events in 2023 and 2024 will be eligible. 2. Payments may cover up to 95% of losses, not to exceed $1 million per year per category. 3. Any previous crop insurance or third-party payments will be deducted. 4. Farmers will have two opportunities to apply, with the first anticipated in September and a second round in late fall. 5. Farmers are strongly encouraged to submit information in the first round. Payments will be issued at the close of each round. Farmers who experienced losses are encouraged to start gathering documentation now and sign up for updates to stay informed when the application portal opens. Additional information, including FAQs, fact sheets, eligibility guidance, and the signup form for updates, is available at portal.ct.gov/FRS .

Rep. Reddington-Hughes Receives 100% Voting Record for 2026 Legislative Session

"I’m proud to have achieved a 100 percent voting record for the 2026 regular legislative session," Rep. Reddington-Hughes said. "You deserve a voice who is present, engaged, and committed to fighting on behalf of our district and I remain dedicated to ensuring you and your family have a seat at the table for every issue brought before the legislature."

Flanders Nature Center Receives Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant

The Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust have been awarded a $422,500.00 Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant to preserve approximately 23 acres of open space. The ‘Grzesiak Property’ abuts the Van Vleck Farm and Flanders Nature Center. These preserves will be connected with the addition of a new scenic trail system on this property and its preservation will provide tremendous educational benefits through increased programs along with expanding other passive recreational activities