Grace K. Salmon Park and The Teuscher Wetlands Preserve

Description

Grace K. Salmon Park

This former landfill site was transformed into a beautiful park on the Saugatuck River, providing views of both tidal and freshwater wetlands. Within a fenced area in the center of the park lies a freshwater marsh with an abundance of cattails. In early June, the yellow flag iris, one of the few iris which prefer a moist location, are in bloom here. In July, purple flowered verbena and loosestrife color the wetlands.

It is important to note that poison ivy grows along part of the fence. A grassed pathway with benches surround the perimeter of the freshwater marsh, allowing wonderful views of the Saugatuck River and tidal marshes. Black locusts and red cedars dominate the trail, with the locusts usually in bloom and at the height of fragrance in late May and early June. The cedars provide food for robins, waxwings, and mockingbirds, and nest sites for many species. Saltwater cordgrass flourishes in the marshes along the river, and is a feeding ground for red-winged blackbirds, egrets, herons, killdeer, mallard and black ducks.

Teuscher Preserve

This tidal wetland preserve extends from Imperial Avenue westerly in the Saugatuck River and primarily consists of tidal wetlands. An abandoned dike, reminiscent of the land-fill era in town, begins about 75 feet from the western roadway edge of Imperial Avenue and protrudes into the river, offering access and a unique observation point for panoramic views of the Saugatuck River, the birds, and wildlife.

Purchased as a marsh preserve by Dr. William Philip Teuscher, his foresight to preserve Westport's unique riparian heritage went onward from the 1940s through the 1960s until legislation was adopted to save these areas. This property was donated to the town and then the area was dedicated in Dr. Teuscher's memory in commemoration of Earth Day's 25^th anniversary.