The Preserve


The Preserve is a 963-acre open space preserve spanning the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex, and Westbrook, Connecticut. The property is owned by the State of Connecticut, Town of Old Saybrook, and the Essex Land Trust.[2] It was protected in 2015 by The Trust for Public Land[3][4][5] after an agreement to purchase the property from River Sound Development, LLC, was reached in 2013.[6]

The Preserve
Boundary sign between Old Saybrook and Essex in "The Preserve".
Location in Connecticut
LocationEssex, Old Saybrook & Westbrook, Connecticut, United States
Coordinates41°19′09″N 72°24′54″W[1]
Area963 acres (390 ha)
Elevation131 ft (40 m)[1]
Established2016
AdministratorConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Essex Land Trust
WebsiteThe Preserve

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, The Preserve, prior to its protection, was "the largest remaining unprotected coastal forest between Boston and New York."[2] The Essex Land Trust notes that The Preserve's protected ecosystems include wetlands, vernal pools, and mature coastal forests and that it is home to a diverse population of "25 species of amphibians, 30 kinds of mammals and 57 different birds".[7] It plays an important role in maintaining the water quality of Trout Brook, as well as the Oyster and Mud rivers.[6] Ten miles of hiking trails span northern and central parts of the property.[3]

Aerial view of The Preserve and Long Island Sound

References
  1. "Pequot Swamp Pond". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "The Preserve". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. July 18, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  3. Marteka, Peter (April 16, 2016). "The Preserve is officially open for passive recreation". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  4. Hladky, Gregory B. (September 6, 2014). "Victory came hard in long battle to save The Preserve". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  5. "The Preserve is permanently protected". The Trust for Public Land. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  6. "The Preserve". The Trust for Public Land. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  7. "The Preserve". Essex Land Trust. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  • The Preserve Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Trail Map The Trust for Public Land
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