Forests
Meadows
Freshwater Environments
Coastal Environments
Forests
Meadows
Freshwater Environments
Coastal Environments
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As more forests and woodlands are developed or fragmented, those under our management become increasingly important both aesthetically and ecologically. Local wooded environments face real threats posed by the encroachment of invasive species, air pollution, pressure from development, and disease.
Forests and woodlands are important to the overall health of our community. They provide buffers for sensitive areas like vernal pools and provide corridors and protected habitat for animals with greater range. Forests contribute to water quality protection by serving as important groundwater recharge areas. They muffle noise pollution and clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Close Up: The Stone Preserve, Sargent Woodland, and Gildersleeve Preserve 
The 4.5-acre Stone Preserve, is a prime example of glacial woodland with steep slope outcrops. Emerson and Louisa Stone, long standing supporters of the GLT, donated it in 1997. The mature hardwood forests protect historic stone walls and the remnants of a railroad that was started before the Civil War, but never finished. The Stone Preserve has numerous fine examples of mature hardwood trees, including a wide variety of oaks.
The 5.2-acre Sargent Woodland features a stately ridge of tulip trees and was purchased by a visionary group of Greenwich residents in 1971. Two wetlands are prominent features: the western wetland flows into the west branch of the Byram River and the eastern wetland drains into the headwater of the Byram River.
The 8.7-acre Gildersleeve Preserve is 15% of the old Gildersleeve Farm that was added to the Sargent Woodland when the family divided the land into building lots. It includes woodlands along Riversville Road, wetlands, meadows, and a large pond.
Close Up: The Houston Glen Wildlife Sanctuary 
The Houston Glen Wildlife Sanctuary is a densely wooded area with young trees. The rolling terrain is covered with honeysuckle and grapevine. A gift of Mary S. Houston in 1973, it was part of a 42-acre farm in the family for over 50 years. The dense woodlands make fine cover for wildlife including, deer and pheasants. When Mrs. Houston divided her farm in 1973, she deeded this portion “to be preserved in perpetuity as a sanctuary for wildlife and wildflowers indigenous to the State of Connecticut".
