We in New Canaan are truly blessed with Waveny, Irwin, and Mead Public Parks as well as our many Land Trust Preserves, but one of our most treasured hidden gems must be The Helen and Alice Bristow Bird Sanctuary and Wildwood Preserve. Yet, in spite of this, I suspect many of you might rightly ask – where is it, I’ve never even heard of it?
At the Bristow Bird Sanctuary and Wildwood Preserve. Photo courtesy of Phil Ives
Answer: Bristow Park is located right next to Mead Park. A little history lesson: Way back in 1918 the Migratory Bird Treaty Act made hunting migratory birds illegal – a practice mostly done to harvest brilliantly colored feathers to adorn women’s hats. Thanks to a group of far sighted New Canaan conservationists seeking to encourage interest in bird-life and protect native birds, the Bristow land was acquired in 1924 creating the third oldest private bird sanctuary in the nation. With these 17 acres of woodlands and wetlands as a demonstration site, the Bird Protective Society set about to encourage every New Canaan family to feed, attract and protect wild birds on their land. The goal was to make New Canaan a song bird haven.
Within a short period of time Bristow had become a brilliant success. Over 10,000 children and adults visited yearly to walk lovely paths, view scenic vistas, observe native plants and birds or attend informative lectures. Nearly 100 species of birds were recorded in and about the environs. That visitation continued into the 1960’s until TV, organized athletics and newer parks followed by the personal computer and cellphone captured public imagination. America and New Canaan had changed. Bristow seemed to represent the past, and as interest in nature faded so did its luster and appeal. A number of organizations stepped in to help, including a valiant effort by the Garden Club, but unfortunately needed annual maintenance was not forthcoming and Bristow receded into dereliction.
During a New Canaan Land Trust walk. Photo courtesy of Phil Ives
Now a curious thing has happened. Almost 100 years later, once again our birds are in trouble, far worse trouble; almost 3 billion birds have disappeared in the last 50 years– lost, entire species at risk – to climate change, pollution and the destruction of habitats in the Americas. Help is once again urgently needed.
But, folks, there could be good news. A plan has emerged to address this situation. Under the leadership of the Conservation Commission a plan has been developed to revitalize Bristow Park over the next 3-5 years. It carefully includes so many of the things needed such as: protective fences, refurbished trails, and native plantings that will attract and sustain local and migrating bird populations. The carefully thought out master plan has the potential to revitalize and preserve Bristow as it was meant to be for the next 100 years. The Town will be asked to take the first step to launch this effort, and if that happens, there is a group of very interested and supportive citizens who will come forward and complement the funds that will be needed to complete and sustain such an effort. In fact, a designated fund is already being established under the auspices of the New Canaan Community Foundation accessible via https://bristowpark.com.
As a lifelong birder and lover of the outdoors, it is my fervent hope that New Canaan will be able to move ahead with this effort, ensuring that Bristow will go on, only this time, to thrive in perpetuity.
Phil Ives
As a bird watcher myself, leaving nature alone is the best way to protect the avian wildlife. “Gardening” the woods is futile and has never had a good track record anywhere because of the constant upkeep. Let Bristow be wild!
We’re also fortunate to have Kiwanis Park with the Town’s only beach.
In 1971, 49 years ago, our family moved to New Canaan, and settled into a house on Summit Ridge Road, off Route 106. With two sons in tow, our eldest entered South School Kindergarten and was quick to find friends in the neighborhood. One of our neighbor’s Mom told us about a little pond down the street in the Bristow Sanctuary which freezes over and is a great place for kids to learn to skate. Having been raised by parents from Minnesota and a dad who always checked the safety of the ice before we skated on it, I was quick to discover this hidden gem for myself. Tucked in well off the road on 106 was an adorable pond with a wooden bench close by to sit on – perfect for lacing your skates. A cottage like cabin to the right held a small display of mounted birds and mammals. An outdoor fire close by was stoked by a single attendant, who also cleaned off the ice for us.
It wasn’t until spring in the mid-70’s, while attending a baseball game at Mead Park, that I discovered Bristow also could be accessed on its north side from Mead. Having been a backyard birder for many years, and having counted birds for Cornell Ornithology, I then became familiar with what a special place Bristow can be.
Now a plan has been developed to revitalize the entire Sanctuary in the run-up to its 100th Anniversary. Refurbished pathways throughout the acreage will make bird watching a simpler journey. I, for one, am very supportive of giving this unique asset a face lift; particularly since the bones of the Park are already there.
An excellent article, but please note everyone that Bristow is NOT “Bristow Park” … but legally, as confirmed by the CT Attorney General’s office, as “Bristow BIRD SANCTUARY AND WILDLIFE PRESERVE.
SO IF THE TOWN RESTORES IT (REBUILD IT … OK, MIKE) OR SELLS IT, it is never to be anything but a BIRD SANCTUARY AND WILDLIFE PRESERVE.
Note too that it was originally fenced in completely to keep dogs and cats out.
George please don’t with the all caps.
.will do ,,,”rebuild it” ok as a little joke ?
yeah I liked that one
Upon reflection and review of a very large box of newspaper clippings and writings, I thinks we should worry less about what Bristow is called and more time defining what needs to be done and helping getting it done.
In 1934, the 16+ acre parcel was gifted to the Town to be managed by the newly created Parks Commission set up to develop the adjoining dismal swamp now known as Mead Park.
The relevant sections of the deed of transference reads as follows:
“It is understood and agreed, and this deed is given and accepted upon the following express covenants and conditions which are to run with the land and be binding upon the Grantee:
The land so deeded shall be forever maintained as a bird sanctuary and wildwood preserve, and used for no other purpose whatsoever
The public shall enjoy the free use of the property consistent with the described purpose”
The two operating words are maintain, as in maintenance, and enjoy, as in public visitation. I think we can agree that the Town has neither maintained nor let the public enjoy Bristow as a bird sanctuary and wildwood preserve.
While hard to believe, in the 1930’s and 1940’s when Bristow was well cared for and in its hayday, families used to drive for miles to visit the property to enjoy its bird and plant life.
You might enjoy reading this from the Bird Protective Society Amended Constitution of 1934:
New Canaan Bird Protective Society September 2, 1924 Constitutional Amendments
Article II: Purpose
Section 1. – The purpose of the Society shall be: To encourage and stimulate an interest in wild bird life, its increase and protection.
Section 2. – To encourage an interest in and knowledge of our native trees, plants and wildflowers and their preservation.
Bristow (cont.)
Section 3. – To develop and maintain a preserve for the attraction and protection of birds and the collection and preservation of natural plant life.
Section 4. – To aid in the passage of more adequate laws in intelligent and effective conservation of wildlife.
Section 5. – To aid in the local enforcement of our so called game laws and laws protecting forest and plant life.
I think the above to be the best guiding principles for stewarding Bristow.
By way of bottom line, lets worry less about what it is called and focusing more time on what needs to be done to restore it, and also helping getting it done.
Bravo George McEvoy!!!!
Thank you Phil Ives for your caring and for sharing the Bristow Bird Sanctuary history. It is indeed a hidden treasure, worthy of our attention and maintenance. “Wilderness” needs some maintenance, otherwise invasive species and vines take over, and birds are less attracted and we humans are deterred from entering the sanctuary.
Seeing this photo from the mid 1950’s recently brought back a lot of memories. I am Jim Webster, the young boy on the far right. I grew up in our house near the Bristow Bird Sanctuary and still live there. The New Canaan Audubon Society sponsored a youth group at Bristow Sanctuary which is pictured. We would explore the sanctuary with the youth leader who was a high school student and learn about nature. After exploring and learning we would sit in the Sanctuary’s cottage with the caretaker Mr. Clinton Bartow and be fascinated by learning more from him and seeing his marvelous taxidermy collection. I would bring my friends many times after school to explore this unique environment. When I was a bit older, I participated in the annual Audubon Christmas bird count in the Sanctuary. The Bristow Sanctuary experiences began my lifelong interest in nature, birding and conservation. Let’s work together to enhance this resource for New Canaan.