Estuaries
around the world are rapidly dying, but fortunately grassroots organizations
like the Friends of the Farm River Estuary are making a change.
Portions of the Farm River estuary have been saved.
Beacon
Hill consists of 70 acres including a small portion of tidal
wetlands and a steep forested traprock ridge that rises 80 feet
above the Farm River Estuary. Dramatic vertical rock cliffs and
the remains of a small quarry operation mark the southern tip. From
the top one has breathtaking panoramic views of Long Island Sound,
the New Haven skyline and the tidal wetlands.
The
61-acre Farm River State Park consists of two contiguous
parcels, with pristine marsh, dramatic rock outcroppings, woodlands,
and open space with facilities that will be used for outdoor education,
research, wildlife management, community boating and other activities.
In
2004/2005, FFRE was a primary sponsor of a collaboration to purchase
Saltonstall
Mountain, which is part of the largest contiguous area of
undeveloped remaining open space in the area. It abuts Pisgah Brook
Preserve and several open space areas, thereby integrating them
into a single 800-acre nature preserve of vital environmental importance
to the entire region.
Saltonstall
Mountain, Beacon Hill, and the Farm River State Park are critical
habitats that perform important environmental functions. Their development
for any other purpose (e.g. houses) would result in erosion, contamination,
and increased flooding along the Farm River corridor.
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Friends
of the Farm River Estuary's mission is to facilitate access
to, and environmentally sound use of, the lower Farm River watershed,
and to educate the public about its ecosystem.
There
is a great deal of work to be done: education, habitat testimony
and documentation, research, mapping, community relations, literature,
brochures, programs, events and activities.
We
hope you share our enthusiasm and become a fellow friend. Your joining
is vitally important. You will become part of a local network of
dedicated citizens, receive important informational mailings, and
play a unique role in determining the fate of our precious river.
To
become a Friend, simply send us an email
and well send you a new member information packet.
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