This nature area is located on North River Road, just East of Broadway. The property was donated in the late 1990's to the New Haven Parks and Recreation Department. In 2003, the land was entered into the Wetlands Reserve Program through the Department of Natural Resources. A critical step to combating the millions of acres lost to development since colonial times. Since then, efforts have been made to restore this area into its original habitat. Native grasses and trees have been planted. The area is an ideal habitat for wildlife, including many speicies of birds, deer and fox. A gravel access road exists along part of the perimiter of the property. This access leads to a clay canoe launch. The access road is typically closed and accessed by maintenance staff only or for special programming.

Why wetlands like the North River Road Nature Area are critical: