The conservation and cleanup of Beaver Brook, located on the corner of Fitch St. and Crescent St. is a combined effort between the Office of Sustainability and our partner organizations. The participation at Beaver Brook has created a consistent effort to keep the area clean. Interest in volunteering can be sent to our email, sustainability@southernct.edu. 

• WRWC
• Friends of Beaver Pond
• Urban Resource Initiative
• New Haven Bioregional Group
• Southwest Conservation District
• City of New Haven
• Office of Climate and Sustainability 

De-Vining

A great part of our work regarded de-vining the Beaver Brook area. Many invasive vines and plants, including bittersweet vines, burning bushes, trees of heaven, and grape vines, overtook the landscape. Vinery and plants like these steal resources from native plants, overpopulate quickly, and tear down trees that inhabit the area. Our volunteers cut these vines, preventing further growth while allowing them to fall and become organic resources that will benefit the soil and native scenery.

Litter Removal

Beaver Brook has been a significant victim of illegal dumping, and garbage overtaking the area close to an important waterway. Litter pollutants harm the local ecosystem, creating a threat to local wildlife, destruction of the habitat, and water and soil pollutants. Volunteers worked together to rid the Beaver Brook area of trash and protect the important wildlife and waterways.

Additional Work

Protecting Beaver Brook not only protects our wildlife but also creates a new way to reach out to the residents of New Haven. Beaver Brook has the potential to be a scenic area for the community again. The Clean-up and de-vining project has pushed toward the establishment of a trail. There are efforts to prevent illegal dumping and to add educational signage.