Deep in the heart of the Short Beach area lies a hidden treasure, a 40-acre parcel of land with rugged rock outcroppings, tall oaks, beeches, groves of mountain laurel, wetlands and a magnificent bluff offering spectacular views of Talmadge Pond (also known as Altmannsberger's Pond) and Long Island Sound.
 
Acquired:   35.7 acres donated by Foote Family Charitable Trust and two anonymous donors in 1999; 4.3 acres purchased January, 2001.
     
Acreage:   40 acres
     
Type:   Woodlands, wetlands and portion of Talmadge (Altmannsberger's) pond. An extensive trail system already in place, including an overlook of Talmadge (Altmannsberger's) Pond.
 

The Preserve was throughout much of the nineteenth century, divided into a series of privately owned wood lots. Ice harvesting at Talmadge Pond produced ice for shipment to New York City and beyond until the 1940's. The Pond has been a favorite ice skating area for local residents for more than a century.

LEARN MORE:

Short Beach Preserve Habitat Management Plan

Treasure in the Heart of Short Beach

Short Beach Preserve Trail Guide & Directions

Short Beach Preserve Trail Guide & Directions (PDF)
 

To visit the Short Beach Preserve follow Route 1 to Route 142 (Short Beach Road). Pass Branhaven Plaza on your right, continue 1.5 miles, and turn right onto Midwood Road. Continue to end of cul de sac where parking is available at the main entrance. Click here for details.

TRAIL MAP (PDF)
 
The Short Beach Preserve forms the boundary between the Short Beach and Branford Hills areas, bounded by Plymouth Colony on the west, Midwood Road and Granite Bay on the south, Briarwood Lane on the north and with access from Short Beach Road on the east. The dotted areas indicate high-density condominium complexes in the area. (Click on map for larger view.)