Protecting Land
& Preserving Heritage–
Forever.
About Joshua's Trust
Brief History
Joshua’s Trust was incorporated in 1966 to help conserve property of significant natural or historic interest, ensuring protection from development forever.
Joshua’s Trust acquired its first property, Bradley-Buchanan Woods, in 1970. This was followed by the Wolf Rock property, the Ashford Oak and others, including in 1978 the historic Gurleyville Gristmill and miller’s cottage, birthplace of Wilbur Cross, the 56th governor of Connecticut. Many of these early trust properties now abut other conserved lands, significantly increasing the size of the protected habitat.
In 2005, the executive board voted to adopt practices consistent with Land Trust Alliance guidelines, and Joshua’s Trust was officially granted accredited land trust status in February 2011. This designation recognizes a land trust for its commitment to the highest ethical standards in its practices and stewardship of entrusted properties.
The Joshua’s Trust service area extends throughout fourteen towns in Windham and Tolland counties where, on many of our properties, we maintain walking trails for the public to appreciate and enjoy. In addition to land, we also maintain two sites of historic significance: the Gurleyville Grist Mill and the Atwood Farm, our headquarters, in Mansfield.
