Calf Pasture Beach

[edit] Norwalk Islands

Despite it’s proximity to urban areas, with a population of about 86,000 Norwalk is Connecticut’s sixth largest city, the Norwalk islands are gem. Kayaking here is so excellent New Yorkers have been known to paddle the 45 miles form Manhattan to visit.

The Norwalk islands are a chain of 23 islands ranging from 60 acres to gravel bars barely emerging from the water. Many of the islands are privately owned but Grassy, Chimon, Shea, and Sheffield Islands have public access. Chimon, Goose, Peach, and most of Sheffield islands are part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (SBMNWR). The islands provide habitat for a number of birds including osprey, brant, ducks of all sorts, and the endangered Roseate Tern. I have read that some islands even support small populations of deer.

While powerboat traffic can be heavy, they seem less of a problem then in areas on the Connecticut River. The open water dissipates the wakes a little better and the many rocks, reefs, and relative shallowness of the area limits the largest yachts to a few well-marked channels.

[edit] Launch Sites

Most paddlers launch from The Calf Pasture beach. This is a large recreation area run by the city of Norwalk. There is a $20 charge for out-of-towners. The unpaved boat launch is on the right between the Coast Guard station and the beach, right across from the ball fields. Parking near the boat launch is reserved for Norwalk residents only. However, parking is available by the ball field or in the large parking lot that you pass on the way to the boat launch. A restaurant and bathroom are available by the beach.

For the budget minded paddler an alternate put it is at the end of Second Street off of Gregory Blvd. There is only room for 1 or 2 cars, there are no facilities, and it’ll add an extra mile each way to your trip.

[edit] On the Water

From the Calf Pasture Boat Launch Grassy Island (Bearing: 149° Distance 1.19 miles) This is a 7.9 acre island is owned by the City of Norwalk. Public access is allowed and there are four campsites. Permits are required for camping and can be obtained from the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department

Chimon Island (Bearing 182° Distance 1.33 miles) At 59 acres, this is the largest island. The island is part of the SBMNWR and there is no access to the interior of the island. However there is a 3 acre gravel beach on the Southwest side. This is a popular spot for boaters to anchor and spend the day. Walking around the island, we noticed a great number of dead Horseshoe crabs. During their spawning season (May-June) the crabs make their way into the shallow water and onto the beaches. Over 10% of the crabs die after overturning and becoming stranded on the beach. The Horseshoe crab eggs then become an important food source for migratory boards.

Shea (Ram) Island (Bearing: 196° Distance 1.69 miles) This 45 acre island is also owned by the city of Norwalk. There are two composting toilets (both of which were totally disgusting during my visit) and 16 very rocky campsites available from the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department. Bring a sleeping pad if your planning on sleeping here. The island is mostly rock and gravel with some grass and trees in the interior.

At low tide Shea Island is connected to Sheffield island by a sandbar. Local legend has it that the lighthouse keeper owned sheep and would separate the rams from the ewes by driving them to this island at low tide. The island was renamed Shea Island after Norwalk resident, Vietnam War veteran, and Medal of Honor winner Daniel Shea.

Sheffield Island (Bearing 217° Distance 2.62 miles) This island is from 51 to 67 acres depending on your source. The island was bought by the Stabell family in 1914 when the government sold it as surplus. According to a 1982 NY Times article the island was selling for just over $1.2 million. In 1986, the Norwalk Seaport Association bought the island for $700,000 and operate the lighthouse as a museum. The Association charges a $5.00 per person landing fee which includes a tour of the lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built in 1868 and is the second lighthouse built on the island. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1902 because it was located too far back on the island to give adequate warning. The lighthouse was replaced by the Greens Ledge Light which can be seen in the distance. The young woman who gave us our tour was very friendly and knowledgeable. She happily gave my friend and I a tour despite their being only two of us. There are two outhouses on the island and the association sells a limited number of snacks and beverages at the old lighthouse keepers house which now serves as the staff’s quarters.

The remainder of the Island is part of the SBMNWR and is off limits except for a short trail and viewing platform. In the 1930s a resort featuring tennis courts, polo ponies, a nine-hole golf course, and landing strip were built on the island. The remains of the 100-foot pier can be seen on the Northwest end of the Island. By 1937, the resort had closed either because of fresh water, fire, or financial difficulties again depending on your source. The US Fish and Wildlife service demolished the ruins of the resort when the island entered the SBMNWR.

[edit] Cautions

There are over 2,000 boats moored in the Norwalk Harbor area. However, the largest are limited to a few well-marked channels.

[edit] References

• Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency Canoe/Kayak Trail Guide
• CT Coastal Access Guide
• Maptech Server Nautical Chart
• New England Lighthouses a Virtual Guide
• Norwalk Seaport Association
• Norwalk Recreation and Parks
• Norwalk Islands Article in Westport Magazine