Sleeping Giant State Park To Expand By 28 Acres After Acquisition

HAMDEN, CT — Sleeping Giant State Park is set to expand by 28 acres after the Sleeping Giant Park Association announced it has acquired the long-sought Doolittle Property on the northern side of the park.

The association said the conservation of the 28 acres marks the “protection of the largest inholding within the park.”

“This achievement ensures that more of our beloved Giant remains wild and accessible for generations to come,” according to a post on the Sleeping Giant Park Association’s Facebook page.

The Sleeping Giant Park Association first expressed interest in acquiring the “Doolittle Property,” which honors the Doolittle family who were among the earliest settlers in the region, in 1986, according to a post on the association’s website.

The association described the property as a “diverse and ecologically valuable piece of land,” according to the post. “It includes 4 acres of open meadow, 20 acres of upland hardwood forest, and 4 acres of wooded wetland.”

“As the current owner, SGPA is committed to the stewardship of this special property,” officials wrote in the post. “Under the guidance of the Environmental Stewardship Committee and with support from the Trail Crew and contractors, invasive plants and overgrown vegetation have been cleared. Native meadow plants have been seeded in bare soil patches, and the old, eroded driveway has been stabilized for long-term access. Planning is underway to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the meadows and surrounding areas.

“Eventually, SGPA envisions trails extending through the Doolittle Property and connecting to existing routes on the Giant, offering visitors a new way to experience the mountain’s natural diversity.”

Officials said the entrance to the property remains gated to prevent unauthorized access, and there is no formal parking at the site.

“The acquisition of the Doolittle Property marks a historic victory for conservation at Sleeping Giant,” officials wrote. “SGPA remains committed to its thoughtful care and looks forward to integrating this gem into the broader park landscape.”

Read more at the Sleeping Giant Park Association’s website here.