Long Wharf Nature Preserve

Just off I-95 and fronting on New Haven Harbor, this preserve is the result of human disturbance and the resilience of nature. The upland, created by filling, evolved into a grassland and a small woodland dominated by tall Cottonwood trees, almost all the result of natural seed dispersion. The tidal wetland and dune area accreted over the 50 years since I-95 was constructed. At low tide, the preserve encompasses approximately 15 acres, from mud flat to dune to salt marsh to upland. A DEP funded project to restore the salt marsh and create a small coastal grassland, is currently underway. You will find a panoramic picture of the harbor and New Havens East Shore near the entrance and loop trail connecting the shore and upland. The trail will also lead you to the historic Oyster Point neighborhood.