Estuaries around the world are rapidly dying, but fortunately grassroots organizations like the Friends of the Farm River Estuary are making a change. Portions of the Farm River estuary have been saved.
    Beacon Hill consists of 70 acres including a small portion of tidal wetlands and a steep forested traprock ridge that rises 80 feet above the Farm River Estuary. Dramatic vertical rock cliffs and the remains of a small quarry operation mark the southern tip. From the top one has breathtaking panoramic views of Long Island Sound, the New Haven skyline and the tidal wetlands.
    The 61-acre Farm River State Park consists of two contiguous parcels, with pristine marsh, dramatic rock outcroppings, woodlands, and open space with facilities that will be used for outdoor education, research, wildlife management, community boating and other activities.
    In 2004/2005, FFRE was a primary sponsor of a collaboration to purchase Saltonstall Mountain, which is part of the largest contiguous area of undeveloped remaining open space in the area. It abuts Pisgah Brook Preserve and several open space areas, thereby integrating them into a single 800-acre nature preserve of vital environmental importance to the entire region.
    Saltonstall Mountain, Beacon Hill, and the Farm River State Park are critical habitats that perform important environmental functions. Their development for any other purpose (e.g. houses) would result in erosion, contamination, and increased flooding along the Farm River corridor.

Friends of the Farm River Estuary's mission is to facilitate access to, and environmentally sound use of, the lower Farm River watershed, and to educate the public about its ecosystem.
    There is a great deal of work to be done: education, habitat testimony and documentation, research, mapping, community relations, literature, brochures, programs, events and activities.
    We hope you share our enthusiasm and become a fellow friend. Your joining is vitally important. You will become part of a local network of dedicated citizens, receive important informational mailings, and play a unique role in determining the fate of our precious river.

To become a Friend, simply print the Membership Application (pdf) and mail it to us, or send us an email and we’ll send you a new member information packet.

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Everyone is always welcome!