Valley St Intergenerational Organization

Volunteer Leader(s):

Tom Lehtona

Honda Smith

Neighborhood: West Rock

Type of Site: Streetscape

Address: 333 Valley Street, New Haven, CT, 06515

Intern(s):

Yvonne Trenh (2024)

Liz Bridgwater (2023)

Claire St. Peter (2022)

Paul Freudenburg (2021)

Photo Gallery

Tom and Dave showing them where to cut back!

Jose, Julian, and Ricky cutting back overgrown weed!

Ricky and Tam cutting back overgrown Japanese knotweed!

2024 Greenspace Report

This summer, volunteers from the West River Watershed Coalition, along with enthusiastic young workers from The Shack, had a highly productive season caring for the West River Trail! We kicked off our efforts with a community meeting, where we showcased the trail's natural beauty and invited residents to join our workdays. Under the bright sun, Tom, Dave, and I led the charge in clearing debris and invasive species like Japanese knotweed, quickly addressing a gas leak to ensure safety before enhancing the trail’s accessibility. A standout moment of the season was working alongside Julian, CJ, Jose, and Ricky, who brought energy and enthusiasm to tasks such as clearing overgrown weeds, picking up trash, and learning about the differences between invasive and native plants. Their engagement, combined with the dedicated efforts of the West River Watershed Coalition, has transformed the West River Trails into a more beautiful and accessible space for the entire community.

2024 Accomplishments

4 events
3 volunteers
17 volunteer hours

Annual Reports

Greenspace Log

07/31/2024

This week on the West River Trail, we invited young workers (Julian, CJ, Jose, and Ricky) from The Shack (333 Valley St Intergenerational Organization) to join us. It was a bright morning, and everyone was excited to be out in nature. Before Tom and Dave arrived, we walked down a path, cutting back any Japanese Knotweed or weeds blocking the trail. Once Tom and Dave joined us, we focused on cutting back overgrown weeds encroaching on the sidewalk, clearing the way for pedestrians. By the end of our work, the path was much wider. Tom and Dave then led us towards the Botanical Garden while we picked up trash and trimmed weeds along the way. After cleaning up this section, we moved to the side of the trail near the Peter Davis bridge, cutting back weeds and disentangling vines from trees. Throughout the walk, we discussed the differences between invasive and native plants, the various native species in the park, the negative impact of certain vines on trees, and the history of the West River’s industrial usage. This was a fun, educational, and productive walk for everyone!

Maintenance

Dave weed whacking by our boulder stairway!

07/27/2024

It was a beautiful sunny morning when the volunteers of the West River Watershed Coalition gathered to walk the trails of the West River Trail and clean them up. Tom led me down the path towards the Botanical Garden of Healing, where we met Dave and Frank, who were weed whacking alongside the trail. After improving the trails on this side and planning activities for the kids from the Shack, we crossed Valley St. to work on the other trails. At the head of the trail, we noticed the same gas leak the volunteers had smelled last week. Tom called the fire station, and they contacted the gas company to fix the leak. We then cut back the Japanese knotweed near the riverbank so people could enjoy the flowing waters. I even found a scooter that had been dumped there and took it back with me! Join us in the future with the kids from the Shack!

Maintenance

07/11/2024

Tom and I attended a community meeting at The Shack to introduce the West River Trails and our upcoming workdays. While discussing other very serious concerns and announcements within the neighborhood, people were happy to hear about the natural trail that exists right behind their houses. I also introduced myself, URI, and the work that URI does, and invited them to the upcoming workdays with the kids when that schedule is set. Come out and join us at the West River Trails!

Social

Urban Resources Initiative

Main menu

Programs