Woodlot Sanctuary

Trail Description

This preserve offers two intersecting loop trails: The orange northern trail and the yellow, southern loop, each connecting to parking area on Pellegrino Rd. and a common connecting trail on the east side. This trail will exit onto the road at a gate, but parking is unsafe along the roadside there. Total mileage of all trails combined is approximately 1.25 miles with 70 feet of elevation change. The trails are easy, packed dirt, some grass with only a few areas of rocks to be navigated around. Most trails are wide enough to walk side by side, but during growing season, vegetation can encroach a bit. Dogs on leash are welcome.

More Info

The permanent protection of the land now named “The Woodlot Sanctuary” was made possible by the generous donations of two local families: The Bates and Frohn families. Three lots totaling approximately 29 acres include a variety of habitats. Much of the central portion is upland forest featuring rocky outcrops and glacial erratics. The landscape shows a history of varied forestry practices over decades. It is now dominated by oak and beech with hickory, sassafras, and scattered evergreens as well, and offers an excellent understory of huckleberry and lowbush blueberry. The eastern border is comprised of wetlands that emerge into a brook that flows ultimately into Stonington Harbor; wetlands in the western portion drain directly into the Deans Mill Reservoir. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife including several species which have special status in CT. Box turtles and spotted turtles have been found on the property. Red-shouldered hawks and Coopers hawks are regular nesters as well. It is also a great place to find migrating woods warblers.

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A Wish Come True

Avalonia Land Conservancy Receives Stonington Land Donation