Woody Visits 'His' Center

The Ridgefield Press

Vol. CXIV, No. 36 - Thursday, Sept. 7, 1989

by MOLLY GINTY

(This article has been abridged for brevity.)

J. Mortimer Woodcock's smile still sparkles with elfin charm.

The 85-year-old former first selectman grinned widely during a morning visit to his namesake Woodcock Nature Center Thursday, Aug. 31...

The 143-acre Woodcock Nature Center, located at 50 Deer Run Road in Wilton, is part of Woody's legacy.

He convinced the state government to lease the undeveloped property to Ridgefield in 1972 — despite the fact that most of the land is in the town of Wilton.

"I made quite a few visits to Hartford," he reminisced. "I convinced them that it wouldn't cost the state anything and would do some good.

"It seemed to me a nice piece of land that hadn't gone to use."

Mr. Woodcock said he worked to "stir up" interest in the center.

"I think it's just amazing that someone would look at all this land and say 'we ought to keep it,'" said Board of Directors President Kay Miller, admiring Mr. Woodcock's foresight.

The lake, the rustling trees, and the waving grass remained untouched. However, the center's facilities and programs have transformed since Woody's last visit several years ago.

Summer camps, wilderness survival, studies in animal tracking, art classes, birthday parties, hiking and canoeing are offered. A computer, a copy machine, a new chain saw...

"Unless you're a millionaire, you probably couldn't buy a piece of land like this anymore."

Mr. Woodcock said he has seen Ridgefield undergo many changes. "It's a city now. It was only 4,000 then."

Mr. Woodcock spends the winter in Florida but returns [to Ridgefield] during warm weather.

Fondly attached to the town he helped build, he lives on Huckleberry Lane with his wife

Anne.

Mortimer J. Woodcock played an integral part in Ridgefield's history since he moved to the area in 1933. His involvement has earned him a long list of titles: first selectman from 1969 to 1971, former Republican Town Chairman, former Board of Finance member, and former parks commissioner. 

Photo by Molly Maureen Ginty