Basic Project Information
Site Name
Avery Farm
Habitat Types
| Habitat | Acres | Miles | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisitions/Easements | 298.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| TOTAL | 298.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Completed
Photo Gallery
Aerial view showing extent of the Avery Farm property acquisition. Photo Credit: CTDEEP
Avery Farm wetlands with forest in the background. Photo Credit: Groton Open Space Association (GOSA)
Prime habitat within the Avery Farm property for New England Cottontail rabbit. Photo Credit: Groton Open Space Association (GOSA).
Funding
Funding Sources
| Funding Organization | Funding Program | NFWF-LISFF Funded Amount | Amount Awarded | Amount Spent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groton Open Space Association | ||||
| Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection - Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program | ||||
| United States Fish and Wildlife Service - North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant |
Specific Project Information
Project Partners
Partners Organization
Groton Open Space Association
Partners Organization
Town of Groton
Partners Organization
Town of Ledyard
Partners Organization
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection - Wildlife Division
Partners Organization
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection - Office of Long Island Sound Programs
Cause of Degradation
Development Risk
Degradation Description
An 80-acre farm that straddles the Groton-Ledyard town line was purchased by Latham Avery in 1929. He gradually purchased additional abutting properties amassing nearly 300 acres in all. The property is dominated by forested land, but also contains some meadows and about 50 acres of wetlands. Recently the farm had come under some development pressure, putting this pristine wildlife habitat at risk.
Project Description
The current owners of the farm chose not to sell to developers, deciding instead to preserve the land in perpetuity as open space. In December, 2013, the family agreed to sell 152 acres of their property in Ledyard and donate 146 acres in Groton to the Groton Open Space Association (GOSA). Combined with GOSA's 91-acre Candlewood Ridge property, and 28-acres of open space owned by the Town of Groton, the purchase of the Avery Farm creates over 400 acres of contiguous protected open space for people and wildlife to enjoy. As home to many species of plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including rare and protected species such as the New England cottontail rabbit, the Avery Farm is "...one of the most biologically diverse and valuable sites for conservation in eastern Connecticut." Dr. Robert Askins, Katherine Blunt Professor of Biology, Connecticut College.
Restoration Technique
Land Acquisition
Waterbody
Ed Lamb Brook
Haleys Brook