The Little River Nature Preserve in Oxford.
OXFORD — Oxford Main Street Project Corporation (OMSP Corp.) and its partners are supporting the construction of a pedestrian bridge within Little River Nature Preserve.
The pedestrian bridge is part of a larger program of support that OMSP Corp. is bringing to the walkway/bikeway being constructed along route 67 in Oxford, and to the Little River Nature Preserve, a 17-acre town-owned property.
Hiking and enjoying nature have become a widespread activity. Little River Nature Preserve in Oxford provides a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy nature right in the center of Oxford. Hiking trails and boardwalks are being constructed on the west side of Little River, but a pedestrian bridge is needed to access those trails. Without this bridge, users must wade through a section of the river to get to the hiking trails.
OMSP Corp. is partnering with Sustainable CT in a fundraising effort to bring this bridge to completion. OMSP Corp. is looking to raise $7,500 to put towards construction of the bridge. Sustainability CT will match donations to this effort, dollar-for-dollar, up to $7,500 through its Community Match Fund. The goal is to raise a total of $15,000 to support the bridge project.
Those who are interested in supporting and learning more about this project can go to patronicity.com/OMSP. Alternatively, checks can be made out to “OMSP Corp” and mailed to Oxford Town Hall, c/o Jeff Luff – Chairman OMSP, 486 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478.
“The pedestrian bridge will provide public access to the boardwalk and hiking trails on the west side of the river. OMSP Corporation volunteers will be able to provide guided hikes and nature walks within Little River Nature Preserve.” said Jim Sanders, OMSP Corporation’s vice president.
Future plans for Little River Nature Preserve and the OMSP Corp. are to provide the public with free educational opportunities including sponsoring live animal demonstrations, invasive plant control guidance, guided hikes, guided historical walking tours, labeling of various plants within the preserve, and completion of the hiking trails and boardwalks without the preserve.
Phase 2 of the OMSP will extend the walkway/bikeway from Dutton Rd down to Quarry Walk. A large federal grant has already been received to start this phase. Phase 3 of the OMSP will extend the walkway from Quarry Walk down to the Seymour Fish Ladders. Phase 4 of the OMSP will extend the walkway from Little River Nature Preserve to the Larkin Bridle Trail in Southbury.
Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund provides a dollar-for-dollar match to donations raised from the community, doubling local investment in projects. Anyone can lead a project and ideas can be proposed at any time by contacting Sustainable CT at [email protected]. The Community Match Fund is generously supported by the Hampshire Foundation, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Connecticut Green Bank, and Supporting Organizing Work CT.
“We’re thrilled to support OMSP’s pedestrian bridge project – putting residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director for Sustainable CT. “Like all Match Fund projects, this initiative is community-led and community-funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change where they live.”
