State Program To Fund 2 East Haddam Open Space Projects

EAST HADDAM, CT— East Haddam is one of 14 communities across the state that will receive a total of $3.7 million in state grants to preserve 1,025 acres of open space and create five new community gardens, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont.

There are two projects that will receive funding in East Haddam. One is the town's purchase of 95 acres next to East Haddam Middle School. Twenty acres adjacent to the school to be reserved for future development and the remaining 75 acres to be dedicated open space.

Public access and parking will be on North Moodus Road and at the Middle School. The walking trails will expand upon the school’s already extensive trail network. The project will cost $243,100.

The other project is the purchase of 123 acres of property on the north side of Honey Hill Road. This will cost $321,100. This acquisition contributes to a large open space corridor in southeast East Haddam.

The East Haddam Land Trust will develop a land management plan to enhance the property’s tree stands for a variety of habitats, such as shrubland for New England cottontail rabbits. The property’s rolling terrain will be available for hiking, snow shoeing, environmental education, and other passive recreational uses.

Across the state, the selected projects will receive funding through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program, which are both administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

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