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The Preserve
The Preserve Old Saybrook Town Line Essex Land Trust.jpg
Boundary sign between Old Saybrook and Essex in "The Preserve".
The Preserve is located in Connecticut
The Preserve
The Preserve
Location in Connecticut
Location Essex, Old Saybrook & Westbrook, Connecticut, United States
Area 963 acres (390 ha)
Elevation 131 ft (40 m)
Established 2016
Administrator Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Essex Land Trust
Website The Preserve

The Preserve is a large natural area covering 963 acres. It stretches across three towns in Connecticut: Old Saybrook, Essex, and Westbrook. This special place is owned by the State of Connecticut, the Town of Old Saybrook, and the Essex Land Trust.

It became a protected area in 2015. This happened after a group called The Trust for Public Land made an agreement in 2013 to buy the land. Protecting The Preserve means it will stay wild and natural for everyone to enjoy.

What Makes The Preserve Special?

The Preserve is very important because it was the biggest coastal forest left unprotected between Boston and New York City. This means it's a rare and valuable natural space.

Amazing Wildlife and Habitats

The Preserve is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It has important natural areas called ecosystems, which include:

  • Wetlands: Areas where water covers the soil, like swamps or marshes.
  • Vernal pools: Temporary ponds that fill with water in spring and dry up later. They are important for amphibians.
  • Mature coastal forests: Old, tall trees growing near the coast.

Many animals live here. Scientists have found 25 types of amphibians (like frogs and salamanders), 30 kinds of mammals (like deer and foxes), and 57 different birds.

Protecting Our Water

The Preserve also helps keep our water clean. It plays a big role in protecting the water quality of Trout Brook, the Oyster River, and the Mud River. Healthy forests and wetlands help filter water, making it cleaner for everyone.

Exploring The Preserve

If you love hiking, The Preserve has over ten miles of trails. These trails wind through the northern and central parts of the property, offering great opportunities to explore nature. You can walk, observe wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful forest.

Images for kids

  • Aerial view of The Preserve (14028116963)

    Aerial view of The Preserve and Long Island Sound

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