In Tribute

Stuart Chase (1888-1985)
Noted historian, author, economist, conservationist and long-time Redding resident, Stuart Chase is known as the father of the open space movement in Redding. His early vision of the benefits of protected open space laid the cornerstone for what we have and enjoy in Redding today.

Samuel E. Hill (1913-1994)
The first chairman of the Conservation Commission (1964-1976), Sam Hill was a passionate conservationist and is responsible for the momentum that put in place many of the laws and regulations that protect open space in Redding today. The 288 acre easement that the Redding Land Trust holds on the Hill family property, Warrups Farm, is the largest in the Land Trust's holdings.

Clois Ensor (1913-1998)
Musician and trail "blazer" who, with his wife Joan, literally created most of Redding's trail system, Clois Ensor served as vice-chairman of the Conservation Commission from 1985 to 1992. It is largely due to his indefatigable efforts that Redding has secured an integrated system of well-marked trails. His technical advice in the preparation of maps and descriptions was critical in the preparation of this guide.

John Behan (1919-1991)
Chairman of the Conservation Commission from 1976 to 1980, John Behan's greatest contribution was perhaps an unflagging determination to turn the Steichen property into Topstone Park. As we enjoy the long view from its higher reaches and walk around the lake, let us remember (and thank) this eloquent Irishman who won public support for preservation when others thought the cause was lost.

Reeve Biggers (1913-1992)
Chairman of the Conservation Commission from 1985 to 1992, Reeve Biggers brought his collegial good humor and corporate skills to land-use regulation. Reeve cut through the red tape and simplified the process. An architect by training, an artist by choice, he contributed his mapmaking skills to the second Book of Trails. Gardening and fishing were his great loves and so was his adopted town of Redding.

Jo Polseno (1924-1992)
Artist and author, Jo Polseno's paintings of the Redding landscape won recognition outside our border, most notably Secrets of Redding Glen, andhis art enhances The Book of Trails. Jo was no armchair naturalist. He prowled the back country, birding and sketching, our own Audubon. As a founding father of Redding Land Trust, he did much to save the wild woods he knew so well.