By Beth Barhydt
The Helen and Alice Bristow Bird Sanctuary and Wildwood Preserve is on the cusp of celebrating its 100th anniversary. This milestone, to be commemorated with a series of events on September 7 and 8, highlights not only the sanctuary’s history and the efforts of its early conservationists but also its role in fostering a connection between the community and nature.
The weekend celebration will begin at the New Canaan Library on Saturday, September 7, at 2:30 pm with the New Canaan Land Trust’s Annual Meeting. This will be followed by a presentation from David Sibley, one of the nation’s foremost birding authorities. Sibley, an acclaimed ornithologist and author, will share his deep knowledge of avian life, providing unique insights into the sanctuary’s feathered inhabitants. Following his talk, attendees can engage with Sibley during a book signing and a wine and cheese reception.
The main event unfolds on Sunday, September 8, at 2:00 pm at the Center Crossing Pavilion in Bristow. Keynote speeches by First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Sibley will underscore the importance of preserving bird habitats throughout the Northeast. The Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet will perform nature-inspired pieces composed by local resident Gwyneth Walker.
One of the celebration’s highlights will be the auction of items crafted from the wood of the Mighty Oak Tree, a 300-year-old white oak that once stood proudly in Bristow before succumbing to storm damage. The Nutmeg Woodturners League, one of the oldest woodturning clubs in the United States, has meticulously crafted bowls and other items from this historic tree. Led by David Heim, President of the League, in collaboration with Chris Schipper of the New Canaan Conservation Commission, these unique artifacts will be auctioned to support the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation efforts, providing a tangible connection to its past.
The sanctuary’s origins are rooted in a time when bird conservation was emerging as a critical issue. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, birds were being slaughtered for their feathers and meat, leading to a national movement for their protection. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was a significant federal step in this direction. Local efforts paralleled these national initiatives.
The Bristow Bird Sanctuary was established in 1924 by the New Canaan Bird Protective Society, a group of residents who were part of a broader national movement against the widespread slaughter of birds. These early conservationists, including figures like Harry Bates Thayer and Stephen B. Hoyt, sought to foster appreciation for birds and halt their indiscriminate killing.
The sanctuary’s land was acquired through the generosity of donors like Mrs. Barend Van Gerbig and the efforts of its founders. In 1934, the property was deeded to the town with stipulations ensuring its perpetual use as a sanctuary. This early public-private partnership set a precedent for future such collaborations in New Canaan, such as the Waveny Park Conservancy.
Recent years have seen significant improvements to the sanctuary under the leadership of Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Schipper and Landscape Architect/Environmental Site Planner Keith Simpson.
The creation of the Bristow Park Centennial Master Plan has guided these efforts, resulting in extensive restorations and enhancements. These include the installation of bird-protective fences, cleaning of ponds, rebuilding of rock walls, and the establishment of new educational facilities. These efforts have transformed the 17-acre preserve into a thriving habitat for a diverse range of bird species.
Schipper, a former executive with corporate giants like Dell Computers and PepsiCo, has been instrumental in the sanctuary’s revitalization. His leadership has focused on making the sanctuary more accessible and inclusive, with projects such as the improvement of pathways using flexipave, a porous material ideal for the environment. “The biggest challenge was poor access,” Schipper explains. “The pathway from Mead Park’s parking area will be widened and improved, ensuring it’s accessible to all.”
The sanctuary has also seen a remarkable increase in bird identification. “In the past 18 months, 117 different species have been identified, compared to 95 species back in 1924,” Schipper notes. This increase reflects advancements in bird identification technology and the sanctuary’s growing importance as a haven for migratory and local birds.
In preparation for the centennial, the partnership installed a Pollinator Path Garden in the wildflower meadow, dedicated to the late resident and naturalist Cam Hutchins. Additional enhancements include oak benches, sculptures, and woodworking gifts made from the Mighty Oak, which will support fundraising efforts. A bust of St. Francis of Assisi will be placed on a natural granite pediment, and senior-friendly access from Mead Park will be established. Future plans include extending the sidewalk from Park Street and creating a four-car pull-off by the Old Stamford Road entrance.
The sanctuary is a living classroom, inspiring new generations of naturalists, conservationists, and community leaders. It embodies a legacy of environmental stewardship and community spirit, continually evolving to meet the needs of both its wildlife inhabitants and human visitors.
Hoyt envisioned it as a place where the community could connect with nature. The sanctuary’s recent revitalization continues this legacy. As families gather to celebrate this milestone, they contribute to the sanctuary’s ongoing evolution of New Canaan’s commitment to nature and community.
The events are free and registration is required. For more information and to register for the events, visit https://newcanaanlandtrust.org/bristow-park-centennial/. Contact the New Canaan Land Trust at info@newcanaanlandtrust.org or 203-972-1270.
