Branford Land Trust

New Year's Day Hike - Red Hill Woods
2017-01-01 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Red Hill Woods, Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Join us for a peaceful start to 2017 with a hike at the Branford Land Trust newest acquisition, Red Hill Woods.
Red Hill Woods is a stunning 29-acre parcel at the end of Red Hill Road, just north of 950 acres of protected open space currently protected by the Branford Land Trust, the Guilford Land Conservation Trust, and the Town of Branford.
Walkers should expect moderate terrain, with some sloping trails and inclines. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome.
To get there, take I-95 to Exit 56 and head south on Leetes Island Road about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Red Hill Road and continue past Van Wie Pond to the very end of the road. Some short-distance carpooling may be required if there is significant snow.

Work Party: Stony Creek Partnership
2016-12-03 09:00 - 12:00
We will continue the clearing of woody shrubs and trees from Stony Creek Limited Partnership field. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, work gloves. Park on Long Point Road or Wallace Road. The work parties offer a chance to get to know BLT properties and to spend a little time with some great people. If you have school age kids, this is a chance for them to pick up some community service credits. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Van Wie Walk
2016-11-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Van Wie Woods, 87 Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Our traditional pre-Thanksgiving hike will explore the fields, woodlands, streams and granite outcrops of the 100 acres donated by two generations of the Van Wie family. 87 Red Hill Road off Leetes Island Road. Park along road at #87.

Work Party: Van Wie Field
2016-11-19 09:00 - 12:00
We will clear the edges of the field of woody shrubs and saplings that are interfering with the mowing. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, work gloves. Park on Whitewood Drive near Flat Rock Road. The work parties offer a chance to get to know BLT properties and to spend a little time with some great people. If you have school age kids, this is a chance for them to pick up some community service credits. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Trail to Tavern Event at Trailblazer/Denali
2016-11-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Trailblazer, 1004 Main Street, Branford, 06405, United States
Join the Branford Land Trust for a special Trail to Tavern event hosted by Trailblazer/Denali on Thursday, November 3, starting with an optional 5pm hike at the Red Hill Woods preserve, and a wine tasting provided by Votto Vines of Hamden from 6-8pm. This great night out, sponsored by Toad&Co, is open to the public and includes light snacks, a raffle, and free wine glasses for the first 50 people. A $5.00 donation gets you in the door. All proceeds benefit the Branford Land Trust’s Red Hill Woods/Spectacle Island fundraiser. (Read More)

Killam’s Point Fall Foliage Walk
2016-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Guided trail walk with Martha Rice featuring the Point’s trees decked out in reds, oranges, yellows and brilliant rusts. The forest is healthy, despite vicious hurricanes, and provides excellent habitat. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford.

Work Party: Lower Sybil Creek Preserve
2016-10-15 09:00 - 12:00
We return to the Sybil Creek property next to the Bruce & Johnson Marina to continue cutting bittersweet and other climbing plants. Park next to the woods between buildings #3 and #4 after entering the marina at the end of Block Island Road. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, work gloves. The work parties offer a chance to get to know BLT properties and to spend a little time with some great people. If you have school age kids, this is a chance for them to pick up some community service credits. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Red Hill Woods: Public Walk
2016-09-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2016-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Red Hill Woods, Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Red Hill Woods is a stunning 29-acre parcel at the end of Red Hill Road, just north of 950 acres of open space. The Branford Land Trust is working to raise $200,000 to preserve and protect this stunning property, along with Spectacle Island, for generations to come! See for yourself in a series of public walks scheduled this summer. The walks are approximately one mile in length, and will take about an hour. Walkers should expect moderate terrain, with some sloping trails and inclines. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. Directions: From Leetes Island Road, turn onto Red Hill Road and continue past Van Wie Pond to the very end of the road. Park along the gravel lane.

Killam’s Point Shore Birds
2016-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Shore birds’ migration begins early with the many species moving to their winter homes. Have you ever heard an oyster catcher laugh? An osprey shriek? Seen an eagle snag a bunker? Watched the dabbling and diving ducks eat lunch?
Join us on Saturday, August 27 at 10am for this exciting new Killam’s Point event led by local naturalist Martha Rice. The event is co-sponsored by the Branford Land Trust and First Congregational Church of Branford.

Red Hill Woods: Public Walk
2016-08-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2016-08-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2016-07-23 10:00 - 11:00

Environmental Day Camp
2016-08-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The Branford Land Trust is pleased to announce that the 21st Annual hands-on Environmental Day Camp will be held on Monday, August 22. Children ages 5-9 will enjoy hands-on activities, including touch tanks, woodland and Long Island Sound exploration, nature crafts, and more. The day will run from approximately 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Work Party
2016-08-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2016-07-16 09:00 - 12:00
Watch for details.

Our Useful Neighbors, the Horseshoe Crabs
2016-06-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Led by Martha Rice. Come to Love’s Beach and learn about some of Earth’s oldest creatures, their spawning and birth on Killam’s Point beaches and how their blood makes our vaccines safe. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford. Held at Killam’s Point on Shore Drive just west of the Orchard House Adult Day Care Center (see page 6 for details). Please drive SLOWLY to the end of the road to the parking area. For details, call 203-747-4184.

Work Party: Branford Festival
2016-06-18 07:15 - 16:00
Join us at the Land Trust booth to help set up (7:15 am), break down (3:30 pm) or for an hour or two during the day to tell your friends and neighbors about how you’re helping the Land Trust protect Branford’s open space for future generations.

Nature Explorer: Flora Walk
2016-06-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Stony Creek Trolley Trail, West Point Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Lauren Brown will lead us on a June walk on Vedder to see and identify native plants and flowers. Meet in Stony Creek at the far end of West Point Rd., which is across from the Willoughby Wallace Library. Expect moderate terrain, with sloping trails and inclines, and rocky under footing. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. For details, call 203-415-1571.

CT Trails Day Hike: Hammer Woodlands & Sliney Family Property
2016-06-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Hammer Woodlands, Cherry Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The 26-acre Hammer Woodlands and Sliney Family Property includes a pond, traprock ridge, and a meadow. Expect one moderately steep stretch. Park in parking lot behind Jalapeno Heaven Restaurant at the corner of North Main St. and Cherry Hill Rd. Expect moderate terrain, with sloping trails and inclines, and rocky under footing. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. (Rain Date: June 5, 9:30am)

Annual Meeting: Sex and the Suburban Frog
2016-05-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Our Annual Meeting, held at the Blackstone Library, will feature a brief business meeting and guest speaker David K. Skelly, Director of the Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Frank R. Oastler Professor of Ecology at the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies at Yale University.

Open House at Supply Ponds Fishway for World Fish Migration Day
2016-05-21 10:30 - 15:00 | Supply Pond Fishway, 32 Short Rocks Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The Branford Land Trust is hosting an Open House at the Supply Ponds Fishway on Saturday, May 21, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, in honor of World Fish Migration Day. This Open House will be one of thousands going on around the world and will help educate Branfordites about the benefits of migratory corridors for fish like alewifes, blueback herring and American eels. Click here for more information.

CFPA Spring Trail Workshop
2016-05-21 09:00 - 15:30 | Van Wie Woods, 87 Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The BLT and the Town Parks & Open Space Authority will host Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s Spring Trail Workshop in Van Wie Woods. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about all aspects of trail management, from trail blazing to bog bridge and boardwalk construction. Experienced CFPA professionals will lead a variety of activities, providing the necessary materials and equipment. The day ends with refreshments for all! Contact Matt Reed for details, mwreed81@gmail.com.

Natural History of Killam’s Point
2016-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Led by Martha Rice. Walk the beautiful trails through upland forest, by productive marshes and enjoy breath-taking views of the Sound. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford. Held at Killam’s Point on Shore Drive just west of the Orchard House Adult Day Care Center (see page 6 for details). Please drive SLOWLY to the end of the road to the parking area. For details, call 203-747-4184.

Nature Explorer: Spring Bird Walks
2016-05-08 08:30 - 22:30, 2016-05-07 08:30 - 22:30 | Stony Creek Trolley Trail, West Point Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Chris Woerner leads our annual bird walks along the Trolley Trail and into the Vedder property. Come to one OR both! Meet in Stony Creek at the far end of West Point Rd., across from the Willoughby Wallace Library. Expect moderate terrain, with sloping trails and inclines, and rocky under footing. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. For details, call 203-415-1571.

Nature Explorer: Wildflower Walk
2016-05-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Van Wie Woods, 87 Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Join Sam Saulys, an avid and expert botanist, as she walks on the Van Wie Preserve to see and identify spring wildflowers. Expect moderate terrain, with sloping trails and inclines, and rocky under footing. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. Meet at the trailhead at 87 Red Hill Rd. welcome. For details, call 203-415-1571. (Rain date: May 8, 1:00pm)

BLT Lecture: “How to Watch Birds”
2016-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
This illustrated talk will feature Robert’s artwork and writings which have appeared in national publications and exhibits. Robert teaches bird watching classes and leads conservation projects which included a 25-year Bluebird Nestbox Project which fledged over 5,000 Eastern Bluebirds. His wood bird sculptures have won numerous awards and have been exhibited nationally. The event is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford.

Branford River and Town Clean-up Day
2016-04-23 08:00 - 12:00
Sign in at the Green starting at 8:00 am and pick a site to work. Collected trash and debris (not your household trash!) can be dropped off at the Green until noon. Please be on the lookout for areas that especially need attention and report them to Maryanne Hall (203-488-4272 or mlhall511@comcast.net) before the day of the clean-up. For more information, contact Maryanne. (Rain date: April 30)

Work Party: Van Wie Woods
2016-04-16 09:00 - 12:00
Weather permitting, we will continue the clearing of fallen trees and limbs and woody shrubs and saplings that have grown out into the edges of the field and are interfering with the mowing. Meet at 9:00 am. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, and work gloves. Park on Whitewood Drive near Flat Rock Rd. We will walk in across the end of the driveway at #32 Flat Rock Rd (across Flat Rock from Whitewood). Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.
