Take A Hike: Branford Land Trust Thanksgiving Weekend Walk

BRANFORD, CT —Join the Branford Land Trust on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. for its traditional Thanksgiving hike at Van Wie Woods. On the walk, the first since the pandemic hit, ramblers will explore fields, woodlands, streams, and granite outcrops of the 100 acres donated by two generations of the Van Wie family.

Along for the walk will be several local naturalists and members of the Branford High School Land Conservation Club.

"It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and refreshing fall weather with friends and family you might not have seen for a while," said Jen Payne of the Branford Land Trust.

The full walk is approximately two miles long, 90 minutes, and of moderate difficulty with two or three short steep stretches, Payne said. In the event of a large crowd, the group will be split in half for COVID safety. Walkers will also have the option of a shorter, one mile, walk. Please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. The walk is good for kids as young as six or seven. Parents of younger children should use their discretion and be prepared to carry them for parts of the route, Payne said.

Walkers will meet the Sunday after Thanksgiving by the trailhead at 87 Red Hill Road.

Directions: From Exit 56 on I-95, go south on Leetes Island Rd. for 0.1 mile, and turn left (east) onto Red Hill Rd. Proceed to #87, which is on the right, and park on the right side of the road or at the pull-off by the pond.

The Branford Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, established in 1967 to protect Branford’s open space and natural resources. Run by volunteers and supported by member families and businesses, the Land Trust manages and protects over 1,000 acres in more than 130 parcels and holds conservation easements on another 400 acres in Branford. For more information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.