Groton – The Groton Open Space Association today announced the acquisition of a 91-acre property called Candlewood Ridge, off Gold Star Highway, Larchmont Terrace and Lambtown Road.

The site features bogs, forested peatlands, sedge tussock wetlands, streams, vernal pools, forested ridgelines, historic stonewalls and trails through mountain laurel understory, the organization said in a news release. GOSA paid for the parcel with funding from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant program and donations from hundreds of local residents and foundations.

The site, in the northeastern part of town, will be preserved in perpetuity for protection of wildlife habitat and the Haley Brook watershed, and the public will have access for passive recreation, GOSA said. Information about trail access and parking will be posted on: www.gosaonline.org. On-site parking and SEAT bus service are available at the Gold Star Highway entrance. On street parking is available at the Larchmont Terrace entrance, providing access to a moderately difficult trail. A third entrance on Lambtown Road will be closed during a habitat restoration project.

For information contact GOSA President Joan Smith at: dsmith0705@sbcglobal.net