Open Space Grants and Planning

Open Space Grants and Planning

Recent successful open space grant applications  include the Kruger Farm in Haddam and the Sheep Farm in Groton.

A CARYA specialty is characterization of  “Critical Habitats” and “Key Wildlife Habitats.”  These are  habitats of special conservation importance per the State of Connecticut.  Their presence strengthens an application for an open space grant. On traprock ridges, for example, the soil, derived from basalt, is sub-acidic and rich in minerals, supporting a rich diversity of plants.  Traprock talus slopes often support  healthy populations of Eastern Box Turtles, a state-listed  species of Special Concern. The rugged landscape also creates specialized ecological conditions.  Exposed summits and rock outcrops, cedar glades, dry oak forests, and talus slopes on our  volcanic ridges are all associated with rare or uncommon flora and fauna.

Eastern box turtle
Eastern box turtle

The link below is an annotated photo album  showing critical habitats, rock formations,  and characteristic plants on the traprock ridges in Central Connecticut.

View Photo Album

Traprock Ridge
Afternoon sun is striking a west-facing basalt rock face on a long, low ridge in Berlin (north end of Cathole Ridge, part of the Metacomet System)