GREENWICH, CT – Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society announces (CT/NY) “Governor Malloy’s announcement that the state will contribute $3.3 million to permanently protect the 1000 acre Preserve in Old Saybrook, Connecticut is the culmination of years of effort by local activists, elected officials, and leading conservation organizations, including Audubon Connecticut. We salute the leadership provided by the Trust for Public Land, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the Nature Conservancy—and we have been privileged to be part of the campaign to save this valuable parcel,” said Stewart Hudson, Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut.

“Audubon Connecticut’s mission is to protect birds and their habitat, and today’s announcement does both. It protects a critical forest block that provides habitat for imperiled species like the scarlet tanager and wood thrush. It enhances water quality in Plumbank Creek and its associated tidal marsh in Long Island Sound. It provides greater resiliency to the kind of storm events that we have seen all too often in Connecticut. And it is a special place for people and wildlife, one that will be recognized as such across the state.” He added, “We particularly recognize the Preserve as an area of ecological significance within the Atlantic Flyway, the avian superhighway used by birds during spring and fall migration each year that the National Audubon Society is working so hard to protect.”

“With Governor Malloy’s announcement today, and the support of federal, state and local officials, as well as citizen groups and our conservation partners, we are a significant step closer to ensuring that the children and families of CT – and the birds – will continue to enjoy The Preserve for generations to come. We congratulate the Governor for taking this historic step.”

Governor’s Announcement:

Gov. Malloy Announces Plan to Protect 1,000 Acres Along Long Island Sound as Open Space Agreement Will Preserve the Last Remaining Large, Unprotected Coastal Forest Between New York and Boston

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today a plan for the state to play a major role in purchasing and protecting as open space a 1,000-acre parcel along Long Island Sound known as The Preserve, which is located in the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook.

“We will take action to make funds available for the state’s participation in the purchase of the property and to address issues concerning joint ownership and stewardship of the land with the Town of Old Saybrook, which will also be making a significant financial contribution,” said Governor Malloy. “The permanent protection of The Preserve has been a goal of the land conservation community across our state for more than 15 years and it’s time to act to achieve this important goal.”

Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society with more than 10,000 members statewide, works to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats using science, conservation, education and advocacy for the benefit of people and the earth’s biological diversity. Through our network of nature centers, protected wildlife sanctuaries and local volunteer Chapters, we seek to connect people to nature and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

                                                                       # # # # #