Our Work
Our Work
Waveny Park Conservancy, in conjunction with the Town of New Canaan, works tirelessly to improve and maintain the Park. Our primary purpose is to maintain the Park’s beauty as a magnificent and historic open space for all visitors to enjoy in perpetuity. Our work sustains and improves the environment and respects its diverse natural habitats with mindful enhancements. We also attend to the Park’s essential maintenance on an ongoing basis. Our primary focus is on the 130 acres of parklands that lie south of the main drive that runs from South Avenue to Lapham Road.
Since 2015, we have completed 13 major projects and invested over $3 million in significant capital projects and maintenance. These projects include landscape, hardscape, restoration and, more recently, Art in the Park.
Landscape Projects
As stewards of Waveny Park, the Conservancy’s efforts focus on capital projects that improve the experience and enjoyment of our visitors. We partner with the Town of New Canaan to fund and implement these projects.
Anderson Pond
With generous support from the Harlan & Lois Anderson Foundation, the Pond was dredged and restored and the surrounding areas were extensively planted with native specimens.
Jeniam Meadow
Jeniam Meadow is a remarkable transformation of a neglected field into a thriving native meadow. This developing refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, naturalists, and wildlife. Thanks to the Clarkson Family’s Jeniam Foundation for their tremendous support in making this possible.
Peony Gate
A new, welcoming entrance transforms what was once the Waveny House service area. This ADA-accessible walkway connects through the Peony Walk to Eberle Fountain and beyond.
Driveway Landscaping
In 2022, 10,000 native plants were added along the main driveway from South Avenue to Waveny House.
Parterre Garden
In partnership with the New Canaan Garden Club, the Parterre Garden was restored with new formal plantings and the renovation of the original brick walls.
Walking Trails
Since 2015, several walking trails have been added and upgraded that are now part of New Canaan’s GreenLink Trail that runs from the Nature Center to Waveny Park. There are now 3.5 miles of woodland trails in the Park with a major project in the works to improve the trail along the Merritt Parkway.
Waveny House Forecourt
The Forecourt was extensively renovated in 2022 and now offers a welcoming first impression for visitors to both the House and Park.
Daffodils
In the fall of 2023, 7,000 mixed daffodil bulbs were planted on the slope leading down to Anderson Pond.Restoration & Maintenance
Maintenance, often taken for granted, includes a wide range of vital tasks that ensure the Park and our projects remain healthy, attractive and ultimately, flourish.
White Oak Tree Replacement
The failing white oak tree above Anderson Pond, a landmark in the Park, was replaced and its wood was repurposed into benches for the Park and other useful products.
Waveny House Planters
The Conservancy partners with Earth Garden to design and install the 19 planters around Waveny House with seasonal flowers to add beauty throughout the year.
Flagstone Walkways
Over 3,700 square feet of bluestone flagstones were regraded and relaid through the Parterre Garden, along the Peony Walk, and past the Walled Garden.
Stone Walls
Waveny contributes towards the town's work maintaining stone walls.
Walled Garden Roofs and Benches
Together with the New Canaan Garden Club, the Conservancy restored the roofs of the pavilion and the main entrance gate in the Walled Garden. Replacement benches are being crafted from the upcycled White Oak tree.
Eberle Fountain
The Fountain was recently restored to its original beauty and function thanks to the generous donation of Susan and Bill Brock.Art in the Park
The Conservancy plan for Art in the Park is to include selected organic, outdoor sculptures for both the open lawns and meadows as well as woodland sculptures along the hiking trails. Initially inspired by a photograph taken by Carole Clarkson of The Jeniam Foundation, the Conservancy has crafted a long-term plan for select organic outdoor sculptures within the Park.
Arbor
Location: Upper Meadow
Crossways
Location: Jeniam Meadow
Clunie Spiral
Location: Above Anderson Pond
2025 & Beyond
We have several projects in the works at various stages of planning.
The most important of these are managing the invasive species in our woodlands and improving the Merritt Parkway Trail.
Merritt Parkway Trail
Mitigate sight and sound from the Merritt Parkway for a more pleasurable visitor experience.
Woodlands Management
Tackling the issue of invasive species.
Covered Porch
With support from Susan and Bill Brock, we will install perimeter plantings to complete foundation landscaping.