Rains Damage Audubon Center; Volunteers Needed To Repair

SOUTHBURY — The torrential rains that flooded much of the state and the Northeast in late April wreaked havoc at the Audubon Center at Bent of the River.

What was a serene and easy flowing Pomperaug River before the storm became a powerful, raging force of destruction as the rains intensified. The water level rose from eight to nine feet above normal, and the velocity of the water was so strong that the river banks were gouged out, the meadows flooded, wildlife homes destroyed, and many of the visitor trails washed out and rutted.

The most popular trail at the Bent – River Trail, which includes the much-used and much-loved boardwalk – was so badly damaged that it is now completely closed off to visitors. The water lifted the supports and twisted the boardwalk, making it unsafe and impassable. Though much of the boardwalk can be salvaged and reused, some parts will need replacing. 

Repairs need to be completed as quickly as possible because education classes, critical habitat management activities, scheduled bird walks and other programs depend on using River Trail and the boardwalk.

Volunteers are desperately needed – particularly those with construction skills – to help with boardwalk repairs. From Friday, June 2 through Monday, June 7, the following number of adult volunteers (at least 17 years old) will be needed:

Friday, June 2, eight to ten volunteers between 9 am and 4 pm;

Saturday, June 3, 20 volunteers, working between 9 am and 4 pm;

Sunday, June 4, 10 to 12 volunteers, 1 to 5 pm; and

Monday, June 5, 10 to 12 volunteers, 9 am – 4 pm.

Lunch and drinks will be provided Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Additional repairs suitable for families with children will be scheduled at a later date.

Interested volunteers must register with the Audubon Center at 264-5098. Talk to Donna Rose Smith for times and assignments.  All help is greatly appreciated.

Donations to help with the repairs, which were obviously not included in the current budget, would also be appreciated.

The Audubon Center at Bent of the River is at 185 East Flat Hill Road in South Britain, about a half mile from Connecticut Route 172.