Farmington Land Trust Douglas Mount Pier Riparian Buffer Planting

‍

In 2001, the Farmington Land Trust installed an accessible pier at its Douglass-Mount Property, creating a riverside space where people of all mobility levels could enjoy the Farmington River. Over time, the pier required repeated maintenance due to its location at the confluence of Unionville Brook and the bend in the Farmington River, which often flooded during many storm events. As conditions worsened and increased erosion occurred, safe access to the site was compromised, and the pier was ultimately closed to the public.

‍

The land trust has collaborated with the National Park Service, CT DEEP, The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee, the Town of Farmington, FRWA, and other community partners to develop a solution that honors the project’s original intent and strengthens the health of the river. The project has included the removal of the impaired pier and restoration of the riverbank back to its natural location, installation of a revetment wall, and starting in fall of 2026, the construction of a new boardwalk and viewing platform. In spring of 2026, FRWA and Farmington Land trust collaborated to create a riparian buffer using native plants, which will further reduce erosion, stabilize the bank, provide storm water filtration, create food and shelter for local wildlife, and enhance the scenic value of the site.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

New Native Species at the Site:

‍

Common Name                Scientific Name

Brome Sedge                   Carex bromoides    

Maiden Hair Fern             Adiantum pedatum    

Winterberry                      Ilex verticillata  

Witchhazel                       Hamamelis vernalis  

Lowbush Blueberry         Vaccinium angustifolium    

Red-Oiser Dogwood       Cornus sericea  

Pretty Sedge                   Carex woodii  

White Wood Aster           Eurybia diyaricata

‍

‍

‍