Originally written by Carl White.
Greenwich is very fortunate to have a number of beautiful parks available to its residents. One of these parcels is the Mianus River and Natural Park located in northern Cos Cob just off Cognewaugh Road, 3/4 of a mile south of the Merritt Parkway. It’s part of the larger Mianus Greenway and crosses over the town line into Stamford. Greenwich controls 109.7 acres, while Stamford owns 110.3 acres. Access is available to residents on both sides. The many activities going on in the nature tract include walking, jogging, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and nature study.
The park parallels the Mianus River. Hydrologists (water scientists) believe it used to empty into the Hudson River to our west. However, during the last ice age and subsequent glacial retreat, the river was forced to turn south just below Indian Hill in Bedford NY. Today, the river runs south/southeast through the Mianus River Gorge Preserve, flows through Mianus Pond, over the dam into Cos Cob Harbor, and eventually drains into Long Island Sound.
Historians assume Native Americans were the first to occupy this area. The river and land would be great sources of fresh water, game, fish, and waterfowl. When the European settlers arrived in Greenwich, they probably cleared the land of trees for lumber to build houses, and to provide farm and pasture land. After the Civil War, much of the land was abandoned. Some of the lands may have been exhausted from over-farming, and a good portion was rocky and unfit for agriculture. There was more fertile land just to the west. Interestingly, the land has slowly returned to woodlands, and you can see evidence of remnant stonewalls, wells, storage cellars, and caves.
Toward the end of the 1800s, the Greenwich populace began to shift away from farming, and people started buying up land to build estates. Greenwich became a “bedroom community” for New York City elite. Wealthy and influential people began building in backcountry Greenwich and Stamford. In 1928, the City of Stamford bought land from New York financier Robert Goodbody, who owned a mansion located on the Fort Stamford property near the Greenwich line. Then in 1960, the City purchased another 77 acres called the “Old Mill Lane – Mianus Tract” under the authorization of the Federal Open Space Act. It was to be used for “passive” purposes – meaning the natural environment could not be disturbed.
On the other side of the town line, Greenwich got the opportunity to buy 109.7 acres for the bargain price of $500,000 in 1972. This was the period of time when environmental protection became an important issue in this country. It was one of the first efforts to protect open space in town and set a precedent that still exists today. By joining forces with Stamford, residents from both municipalities were able to enjoy the large conservation area that became known as “The Mianus River and Natural Park.” Although plans initially called for the hiring of a Park Ranger, some felt the cost was prohibitive and the plan was scrapped.
This land, sometimes referred to as the Goodbody Property, is a great example of glacial topography. There are numerous bedrock outcroppings and ridges created by the retreating ice. Geologically, the tract presents several different types of ecosystems. Two trails lead the hiker through two diverse environments. The Pond Trail is a wide, well-graded path that leads to some lowlands, where one can find swampy wetlands. Red Maples trees thrive in this type of environment. So do skunk cabbage, winged euonymus, cat-o-nine-tails, and pond lilies. One might also find Black Birch, Tulips, Red Ash, and Tupelo.
This environment supports such animals as salamanders, frogs, weasels, mink, and otters. It provides nesting habitats for ruffled grouse, pheasants, mallards, and songbirds. Fox, deer, coyotes, and raccoons also make this area their home.
The Oak Trail leads hikers to higher ground. Oak and beech trees are numerous, providing nesting opportunities for Yellow Warblers, Crows, Sparrows, Blue Jays, and Woodpeckers. Highbush blueberries and Mountain Laurel can be found, as well as open meadows.
As you can see, this is an important habitat for a variety of species. It’s been estimated that there are 100 species of trees, 150 species of birds, and 250 species of wildflowers in the park! You could consider it “Nature’s Classroom” or learning lab. Beyond its value from a scientific point of view, it may even do something for the spirit. Hiking in a wild, beautiful, and diverse environment may do something for the soul. Away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it may just bring you closer to nature, to your own roots. The quiet may give you a chance to relax and think. It may make you wonder how we got here, and how we fit in.
It makes me appreciate the natural parks we have here in Greenwich.
Thanks to the many dedicated people who have fought to protect these dwindling pieces of land.
SOURCES
Friends of the Mianus River Park: “Welcome to Mianus River Park.” Welcome. Web. 6 Apr. 2015: Accessed 4/6/2015
Town of Greenwich, Parks & Recreation: Mianus River Park: Accessed 4/6/2015
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