Habitat Restoration & Protection Database
Project Details
Acquisition of the Merritt Family Forest
Project Name
Acquisition of the Merritt Family Forest
City/Town/Village
Groton
Site Name
Merritt Family Forest
Waterbody
Eccleston Brook
Habitat View
| Habitat | Acres | Miles | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisitions/Easements | 75.90 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| TOTAL | 75.90 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Degradation Description
Known as the Fort Hill Farm in the 1800s, this site was used primarily for grazing by young cattle. Today, the mostly wooded Merritt Property has concentrations of non-native invasive plants in its forested and meadow areas. Species include Russian olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), bittersweet vines (Celastrus orbiculatus), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). The nearly 80-acre Merritt Property had also been under very strong development pressure by a private developer for more than 5 years prior to the purchase by GOSA.
Cause of Degradation
Development Risk
Invasive Species - vegetation
Removal of Vegetation
Restoration Technique
Invasive Species Control - Vegetation
Land Acquisition
Project Partners
Partners Organization
Groton Open Space Association
Partners Organization
Private Landowners
Partners Organization
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Completed
Project Urls