Branford Land Trust

Animal Tracking Classes
2018-01-27 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Lake Saltonstall Preserve, Hosley Avenue, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Every year, dozens of families come out for the Branford Land Trust’s popular Animal Tracking classes led enthusiastically by naturalists Tom Cleveland and Chris Woerner. Come learn how to recognize animal footprints and other signs of their passage through the woods during two upcoming Animal Tracking Classes from 9:30 to 11 am on January 27 and February 24 at the Lake Saltonstall Preserve. We’ll hope for snow, but it will be fun even without it!
Please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. We’ll meet at the Regional Water Authority parking lot on the north side of Hosley Avenue, down Hosley Avenue 0.3 miles from Brushy Plain Road. Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and inclines, rocky underfooting. Parents should be prepared to carry younger children if they get tired.
Bad Weather dates: January 28 and February 25. Watch our Facebook page for possible schedule changes. For questions please call Tom Cleveland @ 203-981-9040.
The Branford Land Trust is a non-profit organization, celebrating 50 years of protecting Branford’s open space and natural resources. This annual event is free and open to the public. For updated information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.

Work Party
2018-01-20 09:00 - 12:00

New Year's Day Hike
2018-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Saltonstall Mountain Preserve, Lantern View Drive, North Branford, CT, 06473, United States
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 1:00PM
Start off the New Year on the right foot! Come out for a hike with the BLT! This year, we’ll explore the Saltonstall Mountain Preserve, part of a steep traprock ridge that reaches from west to east, straddling the Branford/North Branford border. Enjoy this 2+ mile hike, led by Bill Horne and Matt Reed, through stunning habitat with expansive views from some of the highest points in Branford.
We’ll meet at the Lantern View Drive at 1pm. (Follow Mill Plain Road to Twin Lakes Road, left onto Twin Lakes, left onto Summit Drive, right onto Lantern View Drive. Park at the end.) Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and steep inclines, rocky underfooting. Parents should be prepared to carry younger children if they get tired. Please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. Weather may change our plans, watch our website and Facebook pages for details.

(Location of red arrow is approximate.)

Winter Art Show
2017-12-08 17:00 - 20:00 | Branford Land Trust House, 26 School Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The Branford Land Trust is hosting a Winter Art Show on Friday, December 8 from 5-8 pm to be held at the Land Trust House on School Street in Branford. Artist who would like to submit a piece of work should contact Jay Babina at jbabina@snet.com.
The basic theme of the show is open spaces, and works should reflect the basic fundamental mission of the Land Trust: to preserve open space in Branford, and to promote our community’s appreciation of Branford’s diverse natural features. This could be realistic, abstract or anything that typifies the resources that the organization is so passionate about preserving. Obviously landscapes reflect this. Our space only allows one piece per artist. As the show is finalized, further information will be presented to the public and specific details to the artists.

Work Party: Stony Creek Limited Partnership Preserve
2017-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Stony Creek Limited Partnership Preserve , Wallace Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
We will continue the clearing of woody shrubs and trees from the field on the Stony Creek Limited Partnership Preserve to maintain the old-field character. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, and work gloves. Park on Long Point Rd or Wallace Rd (the far intersection of Wallace Rd with Thimble Island Rd, opposite Long Point Rd). See the website for location information and directions. 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 Hike at Van Wie Preserve
2017-11-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Van Wie Woods, 87 Red Hill Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Join the Branford Land Trust for its pre-Thanksgiving hike to explore the fields, woodlands, streams and granite outcrops of the 100 acres donated by two generations of the Van Wie family. 87 Red Hill Rd. off Leetes Island Rd. Park along road at #87. (Read More)

Work Party: Zielinski Farm Field
2017-11-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Zielinski Farm Field, 186 Brushy Plain Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
We will continue clearing woody shrubs and small trees from the edges of the Zielinski Farm field, 186 Brushy Plain Rd. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, and work gloves. One or two chainsaws would be welcome. Turn into the driveway and park along the side of the field, being careful not to block the driveway. 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.

Killam's Point: A Walk through Natural History
2017-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
A Walk Through Natural History
Killam’ s Point Events
Come take a walk with us through natural history led by Jimmy Goggin. Clad in fall colors, the raw beauty of Killam’s Point will be on display. Crisp air, the ospreys feeding for their long migration, the granite bluffs against the sparkling Sound, schools of bunker fleeing a bluefish frenzy, chipmunks and squirrels harvesting acorns, and through it all, the peace and order of an undisturbed ecological system—this is the Point in all its glory. Held at Killam’s Point on Shore Dr. For info, call 203-747-4184. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford.

Work Party: Sybil Creek
2017-10-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Sybil Creek, Block Island Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
We will return to the Sybil Creek tract next to the Bruce & Johnson marina to continue cutting bittersweet and other climbing plants that are strangling the trees on this important upland part of the Sybil Creek Preserve. Park next to the woods between buildings #3 and #4 on the left after entering the marina at the end of Block Island Rd. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, and 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.

Annual Branford River Parade
2017-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Branford High School, 185 E. Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Celebrate the beauty of the Branford River! Join kayakers and canoeists from Branford and surrounding communities as we paddle in a boat parade from behind the Branford High School to Branford Point on Saturday, September 16. (More Info)

22nd Annual Hands-on Environmental Day Camp
2017-08-14 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
The Branford Land Trust will hold its 22nd Annual Hands-on Environmental Day Camp on Monday, August 14, 2017. This camp, for children ages 5-9, is held at the Killam’s Point Conference Center in Branford. The event includes activities, presentations and games that help kids learn about such things as tide pools, woodland habitats, wildlife rehabilitation, nature crafts, and more. The cost of the camp is $45 for the day (additional children, same family $35.00), or $35 for BLT members. Scholarships available.
Registration deadline is Friday, August 10, 2017. Download the Registration Form, or contact Martha Rice at 203-314-7128, mhbrice@gmail.com.
The Branford Land Trust is a non-profit organization, celebrating 50 years of protecting Branford’s open space and natural resources.

Killam's Point: Exploring the Point
2017-08-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Tidal pools, stands of pitch pines, salt marshes, inland wetlands, an osprey nest, remains of a worked quarry, invasive species – Killam’s Point has something for all. The day is being planned so that young and old and everyone in between will experience the Point with newly opened eyes. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford.

Stony Creek Brewery Meet-Up
2017-06-27 17:00 - 22:00, 2017-06-20 17:00 - 22:00, 2017-06-13 17:00 - 22:00 | Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Avenue, Branford, 06405, United States
TUESDAYS IN JUNE!
June 13, June 20, June 27 • 5PM – Close
Stop by the Stony Creek Brewery Tuesday nights in June and help support the BLT! Have a beer, meet some BLT volunteers, and enjoy the evening knowing that $1 from every pint sold will be donated to the Branford Land Trust.

Work Party: Branford Festival
2017-06-17 | Branford Green, Town Hall Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Join us at the Land Trust booth to help set up, break down, 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. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Killam's Point: Horseshoe Crabs
2017-06-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Led by local naturalist Martha Rice. Horseshoe crabs may be our oldest and best friends. Come learn about the research program under way and help measure and tag some of these fascinating creatures. Co-sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Branford. Click here for more information.

Flora Walk at Vedder Preserve
2017-06-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Stony Creek Trolley Trail, West Point Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Lauren Brown will lead us on a late spring walk at the Vedder Preserve to observe and identify native plants and flowers. Meet in Stony Creek at the far end of West Point Road, which is across from the Willoughby Wallace Library. Click here for more information.

CT Trails Day Hike: Stony Creek Quarry Preserve
2017-06-03 09:30 - 11:30 | Stony Creek Quarry Trail, Quarry Road, Branford, 06405, United States
Walk the trails of the Stony Creek Quarry and Red Hill Woods Preserves in the heart of nearly 1000 acres of preserved land. Points of interest along the 3.5 mile hike include a small Native American rock shelter and evidence of historic quarrying. Click here for more information or call 203-514-8554.

BLT Annual Meeting
2017-05-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Come to the 50th Anniversary kick off at the Blackstone Memorial Library. Includes brief business meeting and guest speaker.

Work Party: Stony Creek Limited Partnership Field
2017-05-20 09:00 - 12:00
We will continue the clearing of woody shrubs and trees from the field on the Stony Creek Limited Partnership Preserve to maintain the old-field character. Meet at 9:00 am. Bring loppers, small handsaws, sturdy hand clippers, and work gloves. Park on Long Point Rd or Wallace Rd (the far intersection of Wallace Rd with Thimble Island Rd, opposite Long Point Rd). We will walk in along the private road that goes off to the right just as Wallace Rd starts to climb the hill. Take the first driveway on the left (where the road curves right) and look for some stepping stones going up the hill on the right side of the driveway with a BLT signpost at the top. Follow the red blazes to the field, bearing left at the point where the trail splits. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Nature Explorer: Spring Bird Walk
2017-05-07 08:30 - 10:30, 2017-05-06 08:30 - 10:30 | Stony Creek Trolley Trail, West Point Road, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Naturalist Chris Woerner leads our annual bird walks along the Trolley Trail and into the Vedder property. Come to one OR both!

Winter/Spring Lecture: A Place Called Hope
2017-04-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Join us for a close-up view of live birds of prey at the Blackstone Memorial Library. Learn each bird’s story of survival and ways to lessen conflicts with the wildlife in your very own backyard.

Branford River and Town Clean-up Day
2017-04-15 | Branford Green, Town Hall Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Watch for details!

Work Party: Red Hill Woods
2017-04-08 09:00 - 12:00
On April 8, we will begin the process of building a bog walk and two bridges on the Red Hill Woods stream floodplain. Help move the materials for the bog walk (210 12-ft long 2×8 hemlock planks, 350 cedar logs) from Red Hill Road to the project site. We will be joined by a large group of students from Quinnipiac University as part of QU’s annual Big Event community service day. Meet at 9:30 at the end of Red Hill Road. Bring work gloves and wear footwear that is waterproof or can get wet. For more information, call Matt Reed (203-376-6199).

Lecture: Long Island Sound’s Lobster
2017-03-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Learn about Long Island Sound’s Lobster from former fishmonger and commercial lobsterman Richard J. King at the Branford Land Trust’s March lecture.

Trees in Winter at Killam’s Point
2017-03-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Killam’s Point, Shore Drive, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Guided by local naturalist Lauren Brown, and co-sponsored by the Branford Land Trust and the First Congregational Church of Branford.

Work Party: Vedder Preserve
2017-03-11 09:00 - 12:00
NOTE CHANGE TO 2ND SATURDAY
We will clean up chronic party sites, do any needed trail maintenance and continue the removal of invasive plants, mostly privet, that has been the focus of our stewardship work on this preserve for several years, focusing on pulling the small seedlings that have sprouted in the previously cleared areas. Meet at 9:00 am at the pull-off on Pleasant Point Rd. just south of the Amtrak line. Bring work gloves, grub hoes, clippers and loppers. Call Bill Horne (203-488-6146) for more information.

Animal Tracking Class 2
2017-03-04 09:30 - 23:00 | Lake Saltonstall Preserve, Hosley Avenue, Branford, CT, 06405, United States
Learn to recognize animal footprints and other signs of their passage through the woods during the two Animal Tracking classes sponsored by the Branford Land Trust’s Nature Explorer Program from 9:30 to 11am on Saturday, February 25. These fun and interesting classes will be led by naturalists Tom Cleveland and Chris Woerner at the Lake Saltonstall Preserve. We’ll hope for snow, but it will be fun even without it! Classes are free and open to the public.
