Press Release, Branford Land Trust

Come out and enjoy a walk with the Branford Land Trust as we explore the Quarry Preserve and learn about Connecticut’s state flower with Stony Creek resident Joseph Inguanti on Saturday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Inguanti is a garden designer who focuses on native plants and sustainable horticultural practices. After earning a Ph.D. in History of Art from Yale University, he continued his education in the Department of Horticulture and Urban Design at Farmingdale State College (SUNY). Dr. Inguanti has taught the History of Landscape Architecture and Garden Design at Farmingdale State College and at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Quarry Preserve is part of the larger Stony Creek & Hoadley Creek Preserve, and is located in one of the wildest natural areas in Branford that stretches more than 480 acres from Route 146 north to I-95. A granite quarry has operated on this site since the late 19th century, but in the early 1970s when the business was declining, a proposal came forth to use the site as a garbage dump. Peter Neill, then president of the BLT, was horrified by the idea, and led the effort for the Town to acquire the property as open space instead, leasing a 50 acre area in the center for continued quarrying operations as we know today.

Meet at The Quarry parking lot, on Quarry Road off of Route 146. The walk will leave from the trailhead on the east side of the parking lot. We will have an option for a short, gentle walk through some groves of mountain laurel. Those who want to can continue on a longer walk down a steep slope to cross the footbridge over the creek to see more mountain laurel on the other side. Both options are out-and-back.

The event is free and open to the public. Families are welcome, but no dogs please. Wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. For more information, please visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.

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 manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford.