Press Release, Branford Land Trust

Join the Branford Land Trust (BLT) on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. for its annual November hike at the Van Wie Woods. Explore and enjoy the extensive trails of the 100-acre preserve — fields, woodlands, streams, and granite outcrops — donated by two generations of the Van Wie family. Walks of varying lengths will be offered, as well as a tree identification walk to be led by Branford native, UCONN graduate student Christian Bjork.

We’ll gather afterwards at Thimble Island Brewery, 6 Business Park Drive, Branford, for food, drinks, and conversation.

Meet by the trailhead near 100 Red Hill Road. Directions: From Exit 56 on I-95, go south on Leetes Island Rd. for 0.1 mile, and turn left (east) onto Red Hill Rd. Proceed to #100, which is on the left, and park on the right side of the road or at the pull-off by the pond.

There are two trail choices. The full walk is approximately three miles long (90 minutes) and of moderate difficulty with two or three short steep stretches — best suited to people feeling sure of foot. Walkers will also have the option of a shorter (one mile) walk.

Please wear appropriate dress and sturdy shoes for uneven and hilly terrain. Bring water. The event is good for kids as young as six or seven. Parents of younger children should use their discretion and be prepared to carry them for parts of the route. Dangerous or severe weather will cancel. If in doubt, check our Facebook page (branfordlandtrustCT).

No dogs are allowed on this walk. The event is free and open to the public. Food and beverage not included.

The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, established in 1967 to protect Branford’s open space and natural resources. Run by volunteers and supported by member families and businesses, the Land Trust maintains more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford. For more information, visit branfordlandtrust.org.