The 14.5 acre Charles Island is home to several rare bird species including the Glossy Ibis, the Great Egret and the Long-Eared Owl.  Because it is a safe haven for these birds, the State of Connecticut designated the island a natural area preserve in 1999.  In order to ensure the safety of these species, no foot traffic is allowed on the island between May and September, when the birds are nesting.  The planting group accommodates and plans for plantings to happen only in the very early Spring and late Summer/early Fall when the birds and fledglings are out of their nests.  The tide and weather are two other outside factors that have to be considered since the equipment and machinery to plant trees need to be driven out over the tombolo (or sandbar) which is only accessible at low tide, and in cooperating weather. 

 

The DEEP began planting trees in 2014, and the Reforestation groups' additional tree planting efforts are carefully advised by the state to ensure the safety of the bird species and success of the project.  Trees are carefully selected for their resistance to a certain damaging fungus.  They are uncultivated which means they are found in the wild and the tree species that do best in the environment are the American Basswood, Sycamore and Red Maple.  So far, 400 trees have been planted to date, with a goal of 600 successful plantings.