OPEN SPACE

Open Space is a term that we hear quite often and is very much in the news these days. Open space is a broad term for undeveloped land which can include areas of natural, historic, ecological, and economic value. The question often arises as to why we should protect open space, and the answer has been found in communities across the nation. By preserving open space, we can preserve community character, protect water resources which may be needed in the future for drinking, enhance the community and make it more attractive, protect habitats which in turn preserves biodiversity, provide areas for passive recreation, and keep property taxes down. It's obvious that the benefits of protecting land are far reaching and significant.

College Farms

Acreage:        5.43
Location:       29 Cambridge Drive
Parking:Public Access and on street parking available at the end of Yale Farms Lane cul-de-sac.
Trail:"Orange" blazed loop trail that is approximately 8/10ths of a mile.
Comments:Hikers are advised to wear sturdy footwear with good traction, as the trail can be steep at times.
Special Note:We ask that visitors respect the fragility of nature and remain on the path. No wheeled vehicles of any kind and pets are not allowed.
Background:Open space was acquired through a donation from College Farms LLC in 1999. Financial support for for the College Farms Trail was secured through the "new" Environment Venture Grant Program of the United Way of Greater Waterbury (November 2003). Trail opened November 27, 2004. Improvements made to trail on November 8, 2008 as part of an Eagle Scout Project by Michael Bohuski of Boy Scout Troop 258. Improvements made during the summer of 2010 by Girl Scout Troop 60266. The Troop accomplished the seasonal work of reblazing the trail, picking up litter, clearing the overgrown brush at the trailhead, and removal of some invasive plants. A new layer of woodchips were spread at the trailhead and the existing footbridge was expanded. Woodchips were donated by Ed the Treeman, LLC. Lumber and hardware was donated by Silktown Roofing.The Troop logged in many hours that helped them earn their Bronze Award. Eagle Scout Project completed by Dan Leclerc at College Farms hiking trail. On November 29, 2014 Dan organized and directed a work crew who replaced an older existing boardwalk, made repairs to the kiosk and completed general trail maintenance Dan completed his work on December 5, 2014 by adding gravel and fixing the broken plexiglass on the kiosk.
Features:The trail takes visitors on a unique and slightly challenging hike through a mature forest with many interesting landforms and vegetation types. This property has an Vernal (or spring pools) which is a rare, and fragile ecosystem. It is important for sustaining many threatened or endangered animal species. 
Comments:Provides protected open space in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
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