Friends of Beaver Ponds Park (FoBPP) is a volunteer organization whose mission is to improve the natural areas of Beaver Ponds Park for the benefit of the people who frequent the park and the wildlife that lives there.
We are dedicated to restoring the beauty and health of the ponds, the woodlands, and natural grassy and swampy areas by removing invasive vegetation and by replanting with native trees, shrubs, and perennials. We maintain gardens and paths, pick up litter, and created a children’s garden.
We are affiliated with the Urban Resources Initiative (URI), a not-for-profit Yale University partnership whose mission is to foster community-based land stewardship, promote environmental education, and advance the practice of urban forestry.
In the summer months, we meet Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. to plant, water, remove invasive species, pick up trash, and engage in other projects to enhance our neighborhood park. In the fall, winter, and spring, we have a smaller group that works to remove vines and other unwanted vegetation. Joan, a member of our leadership team, engages our younger members in caring for our Children’s Garden. All ages are welcome!
The Friends of Beaver Ponds Park leadership team consists of Nan Bartow, Joan Hilliard, James Cramer, and Rebecca Cramer. Nan Bartow and Bill Bidwell created the present iteration of Friends of Beaver Ponds Park in 2004. Nan brings to the group her many years of experience, expertise in identifying plant species, and strong partnerships with other organizations across the city and state. Joan, a Master Gardener, leads our Children’s Garden and handles our finances. James is dedicated to fighting invasive species, and Rebecca coordinates the group’s communications.
History of Beaver Ponds Park
The Beaver Ponds are not what they used to be. Originally—meaning after the last Ice Age some 2,500 years ago—a large chunk of ice melted, leaving a “kettle hole” or depression in the ground, the lowest point between West Rock and East Rock.
Each week, Joan leads the children in planting, watering, weeding, and other projects to care for the Children’s Garden. Children also work cooperatively with adult volunteers to care for other areas of the park.
Our Partners
Our Partners include the Urban Resources Initiative, the New Haven Parks Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon CT, the Common Ground School, and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Special thanks to Leigh Busby for sharing some of his amazing photographs with us.
