“As cities continue to grow and develop, natural spaces are often overlooked—squeezed between roads, buildings, and industry. Nationwide, over 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, and here in Connecticut, that number rises to 88% (source).
Urban forests like Remington Woods (also known as Lake Success) serve as vital sanctuaries in these densely built environments, especially in cities like Bridgeport, shaped by a long history of industrialization and urban sprawl. This forest helps improve air quality, offers habitat for wildlife, reduces the urban heat island effect, and provides crucial mental and physical health benefits for nearby residents.
With the introduction of the Nature for All conservation plan, Remington Woods has the potential to become more than just Fairfield County’s last lung or a hidden gem tucked between Bridgeport and Stratford—it can become a model of what’s possible when communities and corporations come together with a shared vision for sustainability. It’s a powerful example of how conservation can thrive in urban spaces, ensuring these green havens remain protected, accessible, and essential for generations to come.”
Jhoni Ada
Community Organizer, Sierra Club Connecticut
“The Lake Success property has a large hardwood forest and some of the largest native greenbrier patches we have seen in Connecticut. The diversity of waterfowl seen on the lake and the breeding pair of Bald Eagles demonstrate this property’s significance for wildlife and the need for conservation strategies that balance protection of wildlife and their habitats with the health and resiliency of the local community.”
Joyce Leiz
Executive Director
“Having witnessed the transformation and lasting impact of Mill River Park, I know firsthand how preserving natural spaces can revitalize communities and ecosystems alike. Protecting the Lake Success property is a powerful opportunity to conserve vital habitat, ensure clean water, and create meaningful connections between people and nature for generations to come.”
Nette Compton (she/her)
President and CEO
Mill River Park Collaborative
This land stands as a testament to resilience—once an enormous economic engine for Bridgeport, this formerly polluted site is in the final stages of being remediated and will become a sanctuary for wildlife providing vital green space for Bridgeport and greater Fairfield County. It proves that with commitment and care, we can reclaim and restore nature for the benefit of both people and the planet.”
David Brant
Executive Director
“The Connecticut Land Conservation Council strongly supports the Bridgeport community’s efforts to conserve Lake Success—a rare and vital urban forest in Bridgeport and Stratford. Protecting this 419-acre landscape, including its 23-acre lake, forests, wetlands, and meadows, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand public access to nature, improve air quality, and safeguard biodiversity in one of Connecticut’s most densely populated areas.”
Amy Blaymore Paterson
Executive Director
“First and foremost I would like to say thank you to the Vita Nuova team for the work thus far in
the efforts to include the community in the process of planning for the site’s future as a natural community resource.”
Christina Smith
President and CEO of Groundworks Bridgeport
