Welcome to the Old Saybrook Land Trust

Old Saybrook, with its wealth of natural resources, is a beautiful place to live and to visit. The estuary of the Connecticut River has been both nationally and internationally recognized for its ecological significance, provides habitat for a number of rare and endangered species and is an important stopover for migrating waterfowl, as well as a critical spawning area for fish. Rich tidal wetlands fringe the town’s southern boundary along Long Island Sound, with two tidal river systems providing additional significant habitat. No less important are the forested uplands of the town, a complex of rocky outcrops interspersed with rich inland wetland habitat.

The Old Saybrook Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization. Our mission is to preserve open space and protect the town's valuable natural resources for the benefit of the general public.

OSLT Upcoming Events

Experience Nature's Tree Swallow Phenomenon - September 14 at 5:00pm departing on the vessel ADVENTURE located at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam

Connecticut River Expeditions are the pioneers of Tree Swallow watching!  For the past 15 years, they have brought individuals and groups to a special spot on the Connecticut River where 100's of thousands of Tree Swallows gather. After spending the day miles away, the swallows return each night to sleep in the reeds. They gather at sunset and perform aerial ballets forming an amazing display of art, coordination and cooperation! Over the years Captains Mark and Alex have found the best way to maneuver the boats to allow perfect views from open decks. We will be traveling on ADVENTURE a newly refurbished classic riverboat with flexible seating ensures everyone gets optimal "up close and personal" viewing.
 
Enjoy the entire evening!
We will spend about 3.5 hours on the water. There is so much to see while cruising along the river. Many birds are migrating through the area now; last year we saw a record number of Bald Eagles and Great Egrets. Our onboard Naturalist(s), will educate you on the swallow phenomenon and all the other wildlife we see. On the return cruise home, there is time to chat with others and experience the river at twilight, blending into night.
 
The OSLT will be serving wonderful appetizers and you are able to bring your own picnic basket or snacks and your favorite "beverage" to enjoy on this special cruise. Don't forget your camera and binoculars (or borrow a pair of our binocs)! This is a small group experience that is unique each sailing. 
 
This is a fundraising event to benefit the OSLT Scholarship which is awarded each year to a graduating Old Saybrook student pursuing Environmental Studies.
 
Cost: $50 per person
 
Limited seating, Reservations can be made by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Outdoor Adventure Kids (OAK) - Monarch Butterfly tagging - Saturday, September 15 at 10:30

OAK will be joining the Menunkatuck Audubon to count and tag Monarch butterflies as they prepare to migrate. This is a unique opportunity, and can only accommodate 12 families, advance registration is required. The tagging is planned for the morning, between 10:30 and noon. The event will be in Old Saybrook, the exact location will be determined that week, as we have to see where the butterflies are hanging out. We will learn about butterflies and the families will catch the butterflies and assist the Audubon with the tagging.

Use this link to sign up for this unique event!

Suellen Kozey McCuin Fund

 At the request of Suellen Kozey McCuin's husband, Scott McCuin, the OSLT established a fund in her name to use for future conservation projects. Donations may be made online using the button at the bottom of this page. Pictured at left are members of Suellen's family and some of her close friends. The group hiked together in The Preserve to honor Suellen's life on what would have been her 50th birthday. Suellen passed away after a brief illness on August 21, 2015. She was a loving wife, mother and key force in the effort to preserve the 1,000 acre forest for more than 16 years, never wavering in her belief that this land would some day be permanently protected.