Press Release, Branford Land Trust

Come explore the Jarvis Creek Farm and its panoply of both wildflowers and invasive plant species during two guided walks, approximately 1.5 hours each, hosted by the Branford Land Trust from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 and Thursday, Aug. 1. Choose one walk or come to both!

In 2021, the Branford Land Trust added the Jarvis Creek Farm to its Jarvis Creek Preserve. Jarvis Creek Farm encompasses more than 20 acres of salt marsh, wooded uplands, rocky outcrops, and farmland on the southern side of historic Route 146. Over the years, the area had been used for a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural purposes and is now being restored by the BLT.

INVASIVE PLANT IDENTIFICATION

Tuesday, July 30, 5:30 p.m.

Invasive plants are becoming an increasing problem in native ecosystems. Have you ever wondered if you have some on your property and if so, how to control them? Join Patrick Sweeney, chair of the Branford Conservation and Environment Commission, and Lauren Brown, botanical author and board member of the Branford Land Trust, as we explore the area, learn to identify invasive plants, and discuss methods of control.

LATE SUMMER WILDFLOWERS

Thursday, August 1, 5:30 p.m.

The open land around the parking area at the Land Trust Jarvis Creek Farm Preserve supports a robust and diverse display of late summer wildflowers. Many of them might be considered “weeds,” but they are still also wildflowers that can bring us pleasure. Join Lauren Brown, botanical author and board member of the Branford Land Trust, to learn about these species that have popped up on their own since the Land Trust acquired this preserve.

Patrick Sweeney and Lauren Brown are the founding leaders of the Native Plant Protection Corps, sponsored jointly by the Branford Land Trust and the Town Conservation and Environment Commission. The NPPC is a group of volunteers who coordinate regular work parties to control the spread of non-native invasive plants on both Branford Land Trust and Town-owned conservation lands.

Both walks are free and open to the public. Jarvis Creek Farm is located on the south side of Route 146, across from 734-738 Leete’s Island Road, look for the entrance sign. The terrain is flat and little walking will be involved since the plants of interest are not far from the parking area. Bring water; long pants are advised. Families are welcome, but no dogs please.

For more information, call (203) 483-LAND or email info@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.