Harry Day Preserve

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The 64-acre Harry Day Preserve was acquired by the
Land Trust in 2024 through a bargain purchase from the
Stephen Altschul and Margaret Lang trusts (descendants
of Helen and Frank Altschul). This beautiful property
adjoins the Helen Altschul and Chuck Scarborough
Preserves, together known as the Riverbank Complex –
a vast 216 acre expanse of pristine forest preserved
forever.

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The preserve consists of Altschul Pond, marked walking trails and even the abandoned foundation of a bootlegger’s mansion from the 1920s. The main entrance is on Riverbank Road across from the City of Stamford’s Newman Mills park and includes a small parking area off the road. Additional entrances are available on Den Road and from the Helen Altschul Preserve. A full trail map for the Riverbank Complex is available here.

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The acquisition process took nearly 3 years and included surveys, landscape modifications to comply with funding requirements, and significant legal and planning work. This herculean effort was generously supported by funding from the State of Connecticut Open Space and Watershed Acquisition fund, the City of Stamford, the bargain sale arrangement, and generous private donations. Robinson and Cole donated substantial legal services, and Redniss and Mead donated planning and survey support to complete the effort.

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The preserve even includes a dam and bridge, both of which offer stunning views.

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About Harry Day

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Harry Day was President of the Stamford Land Conservation Trust from 2016 to 2025, and served on its Board of Directors for over a decade previously. A giant in the community, he was Stamford’s Citizen of the Year in 2025, reflecting his significant contributions leading the Land Trust, as an elected member of the City of Stamford Board of Representatives, as President of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, on the Board of Stamford EMS and many other nonprofits. He successfully led the acquisition of the preserve that bears his name and was a significant financial backer of the effort.

 

In addition to his many volunteer efforts, Harry Day is a successful attorney and developer of golf courses.