The Preserve

Our nature preserve totals approximately 825 acres, spanning the towns of New Fairfield and Sherman, Connecticut. It is contiguous or nearly contiguous with thousands of acres of additional protected land in Connecticut and neighboring New York, including Pootatuck State Forest, Squantz Pond State Park, Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area, Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and the Great Swamp. The preserve is predominantly second growth, upland, deciduous forest and also contains a freshwater stream, beaver impoundment, emergent wetlands, vernal pools, and old fields. More than 4 miles of hiking trails wind throughout the western side of the preserve and are open to the public for free year-round. Facilities at the preserve include housing accommodations, catering kitchen, offices, a wet lab, a lecture room, a conference room, multiple historic barns, and indoor and outdoor event space.