Site Important to Species of Continental or Regional Concern: Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, and Willow Flycatcher likely nest in the parks. A number of songbirds on National Audubon Society and Partners in Flight watchlists pass through during spring and fall migration (Eastern Wood Pewee, Veery, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Purple Finch). Hairy Woodpecker can be found in the parks in the winter.

West River Memorial Park and Edgewood Park are located in New Haven, Connecticut along the West River. Both parks, along with West Rock Ridge State Park (1km to the North) and Beaver Pond Park (1.5km to the Northeast), belong to the West River Watershed, which empties into New Haven Harbor. The land that makes up Edgewood Park was acquired by the City in 1889; West River Memorial Park was established after World War I, in memory of the City’s war dead. Both parks were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr.

The landscape within 1km of the parks is largely developed with cemeteries to the east and west of West River Memorial Park. The Yale University Golf Course (180 acres) and Nature Preserve (330 acres), and the Regional Water Authority’s Maltby Lakes Recreation Area (~250 acres) are located approximately 2km to the west.

Edgewood Park is one of the treasures of the City of New Haven and offers countless ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors, including: walking, jogging, bird-watching, cross-country skiing, tennis, relaxing by a pond, or skateboarding at Coogan Pavilion. West River Memorial Park was originally inspired by the Mall in Washington D.C. and hosts the Barnard Nature Center. The Nature Center features a state-of-the-art classroom, green roof, and park ranger office. 

The AllTrails website has a map and description of a hike at West River Memorial Park.