Twenty five years ago actress Carmen Mathews formed New Pond Foundation so that her property could remain undeveloped. In 1995 she gave a conservation easement on 80 acres to the Redding Land Trust.  A devoted steward of the land, she wanted her beloved property to serve as a model for enlightened land use.  We can be proud of what has been accomplished over the last 25 years as Carmen’s dream became a respected environmental center. Each year countless school children and inner-city campers are exposed to freshwater ecology, bee keeping, maple sugaring, the rhythms of a working farm because of her foresight.

 

Carmen believed “small is beautiful” and so do we. New Pond makes the most of its 102 acres by keeping our livestock, pastures, gardens in balance. Here chickens are free-range, cows graze beyond the barnyard and sheep browse the hillside. Through its programs and Shared Harvest initiative, New Pond has inspired a new generation of stewards to care for the land. We thank all who made this possible. This will be a year not just to look back in gratitude but forward as we expose all who come here to the joys and responsibilities of living close to nature.

 

Carmen Sylva Mathews was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and made her professional debut with the Stratford-on-Avon Shakespearean Company. Early on, she performed many classical parts with Maurice Evans including Ophelia in Hamlet and Queen to his Richard II. Her busy acting career spanned 55 years and she starred on Broadway, regional stages, and in countless television plays and movies.

 

Carmen’s passion for the theatre was matched by her enthusiasm for protecting the land around her. She was committed to environmental education.  For the past twenty-five years her property has been the home of New Pond Farm Education Center, and its outdoor classrooms have helped people of all ages to gain an appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

 

 

Sally Trippe was instrumental in the founding and evolution of New Pond Farm. An active environmentalist and former teacher, Sally helped to guide the organization’s mission for two decades. Her great interest in Native American heritage is responsible for the authentically recreated encampment on the property as well as the beautiful Gathering Place, which houses an impressive collection of living Eastern Woodland artifacts. Sally served as the Foundation’s president for ten years during which time she spearheaded the successful Capital Campaign and the creation of the Indoor Learning Center which is such an integral part of our programs.

 

Carmen and Sally’s foresight and generosity brought New Pond Farm to where it is today. The responsibility to ensure its future rests with all of us who care about the land and the Center. Now that our Founders have left the center in good hands, it is our turn to give generously, so the mission of New Pond Farm can live on.