Mill River Trail

2026 Greenspace Report

The Mill River Trail is a multi-use bike and pedestrian path at the heart of New Haven’s Mill River district. The mostly waterfront trail ultimately connects East Rock Park to Criscuolo Park in Fair Haven, weaving several smaller neighborhoods previously bisected by roads, highways, and construction along the way. The district’s industrial heritage makes it a prominent site of reuse and revitalization, with the Mill River Trail as one such example. The Trail is part of a greenway plan for the city and broader goals to increase access to non-vehicle transportation options and to reestablish coastal recreation along the River. The Trail’s mixed ownership between private, public, and government holdings makes it a unique greenspace, and the Mill River Trail Team volunteers are nearly entirely responsible for its stewardship. Over 8 years, the team has removed invasive species and planted trees, shrubs, and perennials with the primary objective of ecosystem restoration and reestablishing coastal connections. This year, the team removed invasives over several linear acres, planted two native trees, and prepared the site for planting over 50 native shrubs and perennials in the fall. Trees and other plantings are planned mostly along the shorelines to restore native habitat and aid in shoreline stabilization. The Honey Locust was planted along a section of greenway previously overrun by invasive knotweed, and soon to be rehabilitated with dozens of native perennials conducive to the brackish shoreline soil that will aid in soil and slope stabilization alongside the tree. This tree is planted along the section of the Mill River Trail nearest Grand Army Paint. This iconic portion of the trail sits opposite the historic Powerhouse building on Grand Ave and within eyesight of Ball Island, visibly tying together coastal restoration with Mill River District's industrial past.

2026 Accomplishments

• 2 trees planted (1 Northern Red Oak, 1 Honey Locust)
• 0.5 yards compost spread
• 1.0 yards mulch spread
• 8 events
• 12 volunteers
• 70 volunteer hours