Town: Stonington (Pawcatuck)
Maintained Uses: nature observation, short meadow walks to the edge of woods, Pollinator Garden
Difficulty: easy
Length: less than .25 mile
Type: meadow, specimen plantings and untrailed wooded wetlands
Surface: grass
Pets: permitted (dogs on leash)
Year Preserved: 2012
Acres: 7.56
Lat.: 41°20’14.1″
Long.: 71°50’16.4″
Trail Description
Parker Brothers Preserve is a small, parklike gem inviting neighbors and children to explore easily.
A simple mowed grass trail loop is maintained through the meadow during the summer and the area is fully mowed in the fall for easy walking. Attempts are made to tend to the grapes and berries but most go to the wildlife.
Grass trails through meadow and up to old pine grove into woods (probably less than .1 mile).
Parking is limited to roadside.
More Info
This preserve was donated to Avalonia in 2011 in the estate of the Parker Brothers, David and John, who were well known and very generous in the community. These almost 8 acres are located on the southern end of River Rd. in Pawcatuck. ( near #405) . The major portion of the land is untrailed and wooded wetlands. A sizeable pine grove was a lovely feature until storms of wind and snow decimated most of the trees in 2013-14.
The front portion was maintained as a park-like garden by the brothers and included a grape arbor, berry bushes, fruiting trees and specimen evergreens. With Avalonia ownership, some of the garden aspects were diminished and a native meadow allowed to flourish. A simple mowed grass trail loop is maintained through the meadow during the summer and the area is fully mowed in the fall for easy walking. Attempts are made to tend to the grapes and berries but most go to the wildlife.
In 2020-21, a local Girl Scout troop requested permission to create a small garden to be part of Stonington’s Pollinator Pathway project. This has become a focal point on the preserve with an information mailbox, assorted flowers, and many native milkweed plants for Monarchs. A large stone bench offers a quiet spot in the shade.