2021 Report for Mill River Trail

Year

2021

Number of volunteers

3

Total volunteer hours

19

Number of events

6

Number of trees planted

0

Number of shrubs planted

12

Enter more details about shrubs planted

6 Summersweet, 3 Red-twig dogwood, 3 Bayberry

Number of perennials planted

0

Yards compost spread

0.30

Yards mulch spread

0.00

Summary

The Mill River Trail urban oasis provides a pocket of nature for human and non-human residents of New Haven alike to enjoy. The burgeoning greenspace offers recreational and educational value to the Fair Haven and East Rock neighborhoods, with the eventual goal of increasing socioenvironmental continuity between the two communities through the connection of East Rock Park and Criscuolo Park. In keeping with the goals of the urban oasis program, the Mill River Trail community greenspace group has focused on preserving and promoting native tree and shrub species along the trail. This has involved controlling the spread of invasive plants, and planting new individuals. The group kicked off this year’s season by declaring war on the thickets of knotweed and tree of heaven that have taken root along the riverbank. In a test of patience, the small but mighty group diligently removed the invasives week after week opening up river vistas for trail goers to enjoy. The latter half of the season was dedicated to pruning and watering the existing trees and shrubs and planting new ones. Add onto that some new signs demarcating the trailheads, and the Mill River Trail is ready to be enjoyed by all who wish to find escape from the hustling and bustling of city life.