Conservation Commission
Shelton, Connecticut
Recommended
Shelton Land Trust
The Shelton Land Conservation Trust is a private organization often confused with the Conservation Commission. The Land Trust owns 364 acres of private open space that is open to the public, including several trails and a youth camp.
Links
- Shelton Land Trust
- Shelton Trails
- Ansonia Nature Ctr
- CT Forest & Parks
- Housatonic Valley
- City of Shelton
Contact
Teresa Gallagher
Conservation Agent
(203) 924-1555 x315
City of Shelton
54 Hill Street
Shelton, CT 06484
(email)
The Conservation Agent hours are normally 8:30-2:00 Monday thru Thursday. Exceptions are the first Weds, the 2nd Monday, and the fourth Weds of each month, when hours are 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Summer hours may vary. Please call to confirm if you need to meet the the Agent, since she may be in the field. Her office is located in Room 102, adjacent to the auditorium, straight in and up a half-flight of steps from the front door.
WELCOME
The Shelton Conservation Commission endeavors to balance Shelton's rapid growth with quality open space, recreational opportunities, preservation of scenic and historic resources, and a healthy environment.
What's New
The City of Shelton purchased the 13-acre property known as "Great Ledge" on August 30, 2011 for $190,000. This is the last property needed to build the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, of which 3.5 miles out of 4.0 miles have been constructed. The property is located at the end of Oak Valley Road Extension. See property on an area map and tax assessor's map. An existing utility road connects the newly constructed Rec Path to Oak Valley Road, and we hope to have that surfaced soon as part of the Rec Path. Oak Valley Road can then be used temporarily as part of the Rec Path to connect the two sections together.
Shelton Lakes Recreation Path Construction: Lot's of new construction on the handicapped-accessible Rec Path, from Pine Lake on Shelton Ave to Huntington Center. This is the path by the High School, the Dog Park, and along Lane Street and Wesley Drives. See the newly revised 2011 Trail Map. 3.5 miles of the 4-mile route is now complete, with a half-mile section in the middle not constructed. Funded in part by a $73,150 DEP grant. See the Spring 2011 Shelton Life article about the Rec Path.
Community Service: We have year-round opportunities for volunteer work if you are willing to work outdoors. See here for more details.
The Shelton Community Gardens are full for 2011. If you would like to get on the waiting list for next year, complete the online form here. Garden #1 is near Long Hill School. Garden #2 is near Elizabeth Shelton School. A standard plot for growing vegetables or flowers is 20 ft by 20 ft and the cost is $20 per year. Organic only - no pesticides.
Birchbank Mountain trails were upgraded and expanded in late 2010. There are now three miles of hiking trails on 155 acres of secluded, scenic open space.
Shelton Trails & Conservation is now on Facebook. By becoming clicking that you "like" us, you can sign up for events, upload photos, and post comments and questions.
The Trails Committee now has a
blog
where they post upcoming events, photos of recent work parties, and
other assorted trails information.
Mile-A-Minute Vine, or "Kudzu of the North," was
found in Monroe and Newtown in 2008.
It was found in 5
Newtown locations in 2009 adn 2010. We are asking
residents to watch out for the vine, which can grow up to six
inches per day, and report any sightings. Leaves are
triangular with straight edges, and the stem has tiny barbs.
Any vines must be removed as soon as possible to prevent
spreading. Please see
www.madgardeners.com
Water Chestnuts have been reported in Means Brook Reservoir. Residents should be on the lookout for this extremely invasive species in all Shelton ponds and show moving waters. Water Chestnuts can cover the entire surface of a water body, preventing fishing and boating. Water Chestnut seeds are edible, although they are not the same plant as used in Chinese cooking.