The state has just awarded grants to several communities to preserve important open space – the Benedict Family Farm in Monroe is one of them.

It's part of a $14 million state grant to protect over 2,000 acres of open space in Connecticut.

"This property has been in our Benedict family for over 100 years," said Rebecca Benedict Bottomly. Bottomly and her brother Bruce Benedict stood before a crowd of people on Monday morning at their family farm. The land is now being preserved for future generations. "We're very proud to be part of this. This is a great tribute to the town, to the Aspetuck Land Trust, to the family – and I think it's going to be a great benefit to the townspeople," said Bruce Benedict. The state is giving Monroe $1.8 million to protect the 68 acres. "This property will offer some advantages. Possibly dog friendly. Possibly a lot more trails for people to enjoy with their children and have events and picnics," said Monroe First selectman Terry Rooney. The land will add to the open space Monroe has already preserved at Wolfe Park. It brings town-owned open space to over 1,000 acres being protected from future development. "We'll connect Wolfe Park and the Pequonnock River Trail which is a multi-use trail that goes 16 miles and connects Monroe to Bridgeport,” said Adam Goodman with the Aspetuck Land Trust. “People, animals and the environment will be better off because of this project."

The state also awarded a $500,000 grant to preserve open space in Weston. These grants will service 18 towns throughout the state.