Where is the quinnipiac river

The ecologically-rich brackish tidal marshes support abundant migratory waterfowl. In the past, the marshes supported the largest population of muskrat in Connecticut. The marsh habitat supports threatened and endangered Connecticut birds, including the great and snowy egrets, northern harrier, and least bittern.

Significant areas of low marsh habitat, formerly dominated by narrow-leaved cat-tail, have drowned. This situation is likely related to marsh subsidence and sea-level rise. The area provides essential food supplies to migratory dragonflies and butterflies. The area supports eastern box turtle and wood turtle, both Connecticut species of Special Concern.

CT DEEP Wildlife Division has improved important wintering habitat for the northern saw-whet owls at this site by planting evergreens and managing invasive plants. Recreational Opportunities.

Birdwatch and enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, particularly from a canoe or kayak that can be launched at the Quinnipiac River Water Access Area which is at the gate near the end of Banton Street in North Haven. See t his map for more details.

The launch is accessed by a narrow dirt road, located between gravel processing equipment on the Tilcon Property and the Frankson Fence Company. Paddling information can be found here. Provides pedestrian access to the edge of the marsh with opportunities to observe marsh-dependent wildlife close-up within a critically important habitat area. Dive Deeper. The Quinnipiac River The website, funded by the Quinnipiac River Fund, is an excellent resource about the river and its mile watershed.

Quinnipiac R. Watershed Association The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association QRWA was founded in for the purpose of conserving the watershed, restoring its health, and improving recreational opportunities.

QRWA provides various programs, a monthly speaker series, and volunteer opportunities on its website. The left channel is the more passable of the two, but it is generally shallow and may require dragging canoes over sand bars at various locations, especially during low water. The channel splits into two substantially smaller channels a short distance downstream of the Wallingford sewage treatment plant discharge with the more passable of the two being to the left.

Other Activities: Various wildflowers, wetland vegetation and wildlife can be viewed in the marshes around Community Lake Park. Many turtles lay their eggs in the sandy lakebed soil. The Quinnipiac River Linear Trail is accessible for hiking. Notes of Interest: For more than a century, a dam at Hall Avenue created what was known as Community Lake, once a popular public park. The dam was breached during a storm in the late s, causing the lake to drain.

The current river channel cuts through the former lakebed sediments, resulting in steep channel banks several feet high and composed of fine sand and silt. The broad floodplain which formed the former lake bottom contains a variety of marsh vegetation and wildlife. The lakebed also contains three excavated ponds, dug to provide sand for the Wallingford Public Works department.

Note: no parking is available. Broadway Bridge downstream of Route 22 on the left bank upstream of the bridge. CAUTION: The bridge is passable at high tide through the right side openings, but proceed with caution during low tide; the bottom here is lined with brick and can damage canoes.

On the left side is a unique terrain known as the North Haven sand plains. The right bank of the river is bounded by Quinnipiac River State Park. This undeveloped park was formed in the s, when the construction of the Wilbur Cross Parkway Route 15 cut off these farmlands from the homesteads on upper State Street and Hartford Turnpike.

Banton Street to Sackett Point Road is about 2. The Banton Street area was once an active summer community which acquired the nickname "Little Savin Rock". Seawalls and docks are still visible along the banks. At high tide, the Muddy River, which enters the main channel just south of Sackett Point Road, can be paddled a significant distance. Immediately below the Red Sandstone Railway Bridge is the former site of the Stiles Brick Company, where many old bricks still can be found in the area downstream.

The river changes its character as upland woodlands give way to cattail marsh and sycamores give way to large willow trees. Wood duck nesting boxes dot the riverbanks and canals cut through the marsh. Connect with our nature centers in Greenwich, Sharon, and Southbury. Each unique center offers trails, educational resources, conservation opportunities, and more.

Through land stewardship, science, education, and advocacy, Audubon Connecticut works across the state to preserve habitat and protect bird species that are of state, national, and global concern. Give the Gift of Nature At Audubon, we work to protect nature for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people —through education, science, stewardship, and advocacy. Donate Today.

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