Guilford Adds Nearly 27 Acres Of Open Space

GUILFORD, CT – Guilford’s East River Preservation Inholding was selected to receive funding through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program.

The East River Preserve Northern Holding received a grant of $174,2000.

The 26.8-acre property is forested, and about 10 acres are inland wetlands, including a natural spring. A new trail cutting across the property is under consideration, and the property can host spotted, wood and eastern box turtles.

Governor Ned Lamont announced his administration is awarding about $3.7 million in state funding aid in purchasing and protecting more than 1,025 acres of open space in 14 communities throughout Connecticut.

“These state grants will increase the availability of open space and protect our natural resources, moving us closer to meeting our overall goal of permanently protecting 21% of Connecticut’s land base,” Lamont said. “The Urban Green and Community Gardens grants address needs within urbanized areas of the state, creating more equitable access to outdoor green spaces and promoting fresh, locally grown food. Both programs significantly improve the quality of life for our residents, attract visitors and businesses to the state, and make Connecticut a great place to live and work.”

The purchase of the East River Preserve Northern Holding secures an inholding. It complements open spaces and trails at the town’s adjacent 583-acre East River Preserve and Guilford Land Conservation Trust’s 95-acre Eastwood property.

The public can access the property and the extensive popular trail network from the Leatherman Road cul-de-sac.

The New England Trail, which traverses the northwest corner of the property, relies heavily on this preserve for a great distance as it approaches its end at Guilford’s shoreline.

Swamp white oak, a very uncommon tree species, was documented during a vegetation survey by a licensed forester with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.