THE SANTACROCE WOODS.

The protection of this property celebrates the life and contributions of Lisa Santacroce, an ardent Branford environmentalist who worked tirelessly for Branford and the State of Connecticut. Lisa would have agreed that this land is important for many reasons:

Continuity. This land connects the Quarry and the Hoadley Creek Preserves and adds to a contiguous 800 acre open space area in Branford and Guilford that covers much of the Hoadley Creek and Jarvis Creek watersheds, increasing its ecological value.

Recreation. This land will enhance our famous Branford Trail, enjoyed year-round by many Branford hikers and their families, as it winds through the Hoadley Creek and Quarry preserves.

Protection. This land provides outstanding upland and wetland habitat for sensitive birds such as horned owls, ovenbirds, wood thrushes, and many warblers. Flying squirrels, otter, mink and other uncommon mammals will benefit from this habitat as well.

Waterways and Wetlands. A pure fresh water brook crosses a corner of the property, far from upstream human houses and roads. The brook feeds into a beautiful pond and fresh water marsh. Seasonal wetlands loved by salamanders and tree frogs are here, too. All of the property filters runoff headed for Long Island Sound.

The Santacroce Woods property is indicated in green. Branford Land Trust properties are shows in darker blue, with surrounding protected open space shown in light blue.

OPPORTUNITY DEMANDS QUICK RESPONSE

This important addition to the Hoadley Creek Preserve cost $243,000, almost $15,000 per acre. The Branford Land Trust had indicated an interest in this vital property for many years. Negotiations ebbed and flowed, but when the owner was ready to sell on short notice, we were ready to respond. Due to the generosity of the Branford community, we have been able to maintain a reserve account for use if we ever needed to acquire a property before we could complete a fund raising campaign. With the purchase of the Santacroce Woods, that reserve has been spent.

Now, we need your help to re-fund the reserve account so that we can act quickly when the next piece of important open space becomes available.

Lisa Santacroce and long-time Land Trust member Erskine Crosley enjoy an afternoon hike on the nearby Medyln parcel.

The purchase of the Santacroce Woods increases the area of protected natural land between Branford and Guilford that extends from the salt marshes of Long Island Sound to I-95. So large a natural area close to Long Island Sound is an unusual resource for both people and wildlife. The diverse topography is an interesting background for an extensive recreational trail system. The old stone walls threading through the woods remind us of our history. The area provides the varied habitat that wildlife require in order to flourish. Protecting this area from development creates an important legacy for future generations of Branford residents.

Please send your tax deductible contribution, marked "Santacroce Memorial," to:
Branford Land Trust, P.O. Box 254, Branford, CT 06405

 

SUMMER/FALL SANTACROCE WALK WOODS SCHEDULE

We are eager to show you the Santacroce Woods and have scheduled free public walks throughout the summer. Each walk will start at 2:00 p.m. and will have a long and short option. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Quarry Road.

Saturday, August 20, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 3, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 17, 2:00 p.m.

For updates and new walks, please call (203) 483-5263 or visit our online Calendar of Events.

DOWNLOAD a copy of the Santacroce Woods Brochure

PHOTO GALLERY