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03/20/2024 04:22 PMPress Release from Branford Land Trust
On Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m., join naturalists from the Branford Land Trust on a walk to welcome the signs of spring!
As we hike around the Goss and Vedder properties and over the historic Trolley Trail, we can expect to see ospreys recently returned to their nests in the tidal marshes, spring wildflowers in bloom, and trees newly in leaf. We’ll meet in Stony Creek, near the ball field at the far end of West Point Road across from the Willoughby Wallace Library.
The Trolley Trail has long been a favorite among Branford residents, offering an intimate view of the tidal wetlands and a chance to observe osprey nesting on one of the many platforms established by the Branford Land Trust. It is complemented by the 15-acre wooded Goss Preserve (west) and the Vedder Preserve (east) along Pleasant Point Road. From the Vedder monument, you’ll have remarkable views of Long Island Sound, the salt marsh, the Trolley Trail, and the Thimble Islands.
There will be two options for this walk. There is a longer walk on the white trail loop over Pleasant Point Road following the Trolley Trail across Tilcon Road to the red trail loop around Goss Preserve and back. If there’s time, we might explore Snake Island, as well, for 2.7-mile walk. For shorter options, walkers are welcome to skip the Goss and Snake Island portion of the hike or can turn around at any time.
The event is free and open to the public. Families are welcome, but no dogs please. Please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. While the Trolley Trail section of the walk is on even ground, both the white trail and red trail loops tend toward rocky under-footing with some hills. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome.
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. For more information, please visit the new Branford Land Trust website at branfordlandtrust.org.