Since 2019, New Canaan’s Ned Monaghan has restored more than 400 feet of historic stone walls at a nature preserve along the Fivemile River.
Ned Monaghan with a contraption he devised to help move larger stones. Photo courtesy of Robin Bates-Mason
Even creating his own tools to move heavier boulders, Monaghan has worked without fanfare at the New Canaan Land Trust’s Donaldson & Maloney Preserve, according to the nonprofit organization’s executive director, Robin Bates-Mason, who nominated him for this series.
Invited by the Monaghan family to see his handiwork, Bates-Mason said she was “amazed by both the scale of what he had accomplished and the dedication behind it.”
“Those who know Ned also know his love of poetry—it’s easy to imagine him reciting a bit of Yeats as he works, stone by stone,” Bates-Mason said in an email. “Just as meaningful, Ned incorporated small openings in the walls to support local wildlife, including weasels he has spotted nearby. The Land Trust is deeply grateful to Ned, who has quietly and independently helped restore these beautiful structures—preserving a tangible link to New England’s past—as well as to the SLOBs and all the volunteers who contribute to this important work.”
Ned Monaghan stands near a repaired stone wall on a NCLT preserve near the Fivemile River. Photo courtesy of Robin Bates-Mason
Many of the stone walls that Monaghan has restored date to the 18th and even 17th centuries, “when forests were cleared for farmland and stones pulled from the soil were stacked to mark boundaries and contain livestock,” she added.
“While many people picture these properties as dense woodlands, they also contain miles of historic stone walls—some intact, others reshaped by time, frost and reuse,” Bates-Mason said, adding: “As agriculture declined and forests returned, these walls remained as lasting reminders of that earlier landscape.”
Today, the Land Trust—whose “Preserving the Future” land conservation campaign is currently underway—protects more than 400 acres of open space. The nonprofit organization puts together volunteer efforts to restore and preserve them, often partnering with groups such as the SLOBs, who helped rebuild walls on North Wilton Road and are now working at Browne Preserve.
[Editor’s Note: This is a new installment of our periodic “Quiet Heroes” series. We’re accepting nominations for it, see guidelines here and ignore the COVID reference.]
So appropriate to recognize Ned in this heroes series arduously working over years to preserve not only the renovation of stonewalls but added artistic flair. Let’s also remember the thousand of beautiful daffodils he’s planted adding quiet serenity while walking the paths.. Poet at heart. A true Renaissance man in his time.
Stone walls, daffodils, and poetry are essential components that define Ned; but the list is not complete without the addition of his skill as a squash player, having enjoyed the number one national ranking in his age group.
More stories like this, please. Thank you for celebrating and bringing attention to the individuals who give so much of their time, energy, and talent to make this community the special place it is.
Renaissance man indeed, and also an absolute gentleman and delight. Thanks for all you and Val have done to enrich this little piece of heaven.
So nice to see Ned recognized as the true treasure that he is.
He and Valerie have contributed so much to the quality of life in
our wonderful town. Thank you!