Salt Meadow Park in Madison Houses a Rare Coastal Forest

Salt Meadow Park opened on Sept. 13 at the site of the former Griswold Airport in Madison, the New Haven Register reports.

In the early 2000s, the development of a proposed 140-unit adult housing on the land was stopped. Patrick Comins, Audubon Connecticut Director of Bird Conservation, assisted in stopping the development of the proposed housing. Comins told the Register part of the land at Salt Meadow Park is a rare coastal forest.

About 10 acres of the 42-acre park are covered by the coastal forest. Comins told the Register the coastal forest is especially important for migratory birds who need someplace to hide against predators.

The town acquired the property for the park for $9.5 million. First Selectman Fillmore McPherson told the Register the park will continue to see improvements that would include a canoe and kayak launch, a building for restrooms and maybe even a concession stand.

Read the full story at the New Haven Register.

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