'Tis The Season: Branford Land Trust Annual Van Wie Walk, Holiday Food Drive Set

BRANFORD, CT—The Branford Land Trust invites folks for its annual hike through the Van Wie Woods on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m.

Hikers and walkers will explore and enjoy the extensive trails of the 100-acre preserve that includes fields, woodlands, streams, and granite outcrops, donated by two generations of the Van Wie family.

As part of the annual hike, the Land Trust holds its holiday food drive to benefit the Branford Food Pantry. Hikers are invited to bring a non-perishable food donation to support the food pantry's "mission to provide groceries for families in need."

Click here to see the Branford Food Pantry's list of goods ite most in need of.

The hike has two trail choices—a longer walk of approximately three miles of moderate difficulty with some steep stretches, It's best suited to people feeling sure of footing. The second is a shorter two-mile walk.

Hikers/walkers should meet by the trailhead near 100 Red Hill Road, off Leete’s Island Road. Park on the right side of the road or at the pull-off by the pond.

Families are welcome, but no dogs, please. Please wear appropriate clothes and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Expect terrain with rocky underfooting and some declines and inclines. Some muddy spots are possible if there has been rain. Bring water. Walking sticks are advised if you’re unsure of your balance on slopes. Severe weather will cancel. If in doubt, check the Land Trust's Facebook page

After the hike, land trust members and walkers will gather at a local brewery for food, drinks, and conversation. The venue will be announced.

About the Van Wie Woods

The Van Wie Preserve came about through a series of donations to the Branford Land Trust from Ray Van Wie and his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law Alice. The Van Wie family has lived in Branford since around 1850, and Ray and Bill spent years together walking the woods, working the land, building walls around springs, thinning cedars to replant native bushes, and identifying wildflowers. When Ray made the first donation in 1978—a parcel facing Flat Rock Road—he
asked to name the property the Rose Van Wie Botanical Preserve in memory of his wife, who loved wildflowers. Since then, incremental gifts from Ray, William, and Alice Van Wie have brought the preserve to more than 100 acres. Along with streams and rocks and rills, one of the highlights of this property is an open meadow, maintained by the Branford Land Trust for butterflies and other sun-loving creatures.

About the Branford Land Trust

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 maintains more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and 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 branfordlandtrust.org.