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The Nature Conservancy in Africa - Conservation in Africa

The Nature Conservancy in Asia Pacific - Conservation in Asia-Pacific

The Nature Conservancy in the Caribbean - Conservation in the Caribbean

The Nature Conservancy in Central America - Conservation in Central America

The Nature Conservancy in North America - Conservation in North America

The Nature Conservancy in the United States - Conservation in the United States

The Nature Conservancy in South America - Conservation in South America
 
Thomas W. Beers
Eightmile River, Pleasant Valley
Thomas W. Beers
Salmon Cove
John Matthiessen
Turtle Creek
 Connecticut's Last Great Places

Lower Connecticut River

A world recognized wetlands complex washed by Atlantic tides.

Eightmile Program

Salmon River Program

The lower Connecticut River is home to internationally recognized tidal marsh communities, exceptionally intact forest blocks and tributaries, and a multitude of creatures, including six kinds of plants and animals that are rare or endangered worldwide.  In 1994 it was recognized as containing "Wetlands of International Importance" under the Ramsar convention.

The chapter has protected more than 4,000 acres in this region since 1960. Today, the Conservancy uses additional conservation strategies. It is currently conducting an ambitious marsh restoration program in partnership with the state Department of Environmental Protection to restore habitat for diverse species.

A key component of the Lower Connecticut River Program is community partnerships, particularly in East Haddam, Lyme and Salem, the three towns through which the Eightmile River flows. This tributary of the Connecticut is of remarkably high water quality, and is surrounded by large blocks of undeveloped forest; despite more than 350 years of settlement, the area today is more than 80 percent forested.

This forest block is adjacent to the watershed of the Salmon River, which is important as a winter roost and perch site for bald eagles. Two rare species of invertebrate inhabit the area, as do four significant plant species. Atlantic salmon, rainbow smelt, Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon have been identified in the area.  One of the remarkable forest blocks in the watershed of the lower Connecticut River is the Meshomasic Forest, centering on its namesake, which is New England's oldest state forest.

  • Continuing a family tradition of generosity, Jane I. Davison of Lyme donated another 20-acre conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy at its Lord Cove Preserve.  Read press release
  • The chapter purchased 186 acres between the Lieutenant and Black Hall rivers, protecting a significant portion of the rivers’ watersheds.  Read press release
  • The chapter has added a crucial six acres to its Whalebone Cove Preserve in Lyme.  Read press release 
  • Conservation partners are working to protect more than 268 wooded acres in the heart of Old Lyme. The state Department of Environmental Protection has granted $591,955 to The Nature Conservancy for the proposed purchase, and today the town voted to commit another $417,538.  Read press release
  • The chapter is working with family of the late Virginia Peterson to try to preserve the land where she lived and worked with her late husband, Roger Tory Peterson, for more than 20 years.  Read press release