Do you love nature and want to get away from the city noise? Do you enjoy hiking, biking, or birding on different trails, terrains, and vistas? If you said yes, then you should visit Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area. This is a 1,009-acre preserve in Easton and Weston, Connecticut, that has a fascinating history and a gorgeous landscape.
How Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area Came to Be
The story of Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area started with a reservoir. Between 1913 and 1940, Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (BHC) bought 730.26 acres in Easton and Weston that were part of the watershed for the Saugatuck Reservoir, which was formed in 1945 by damming the Saugatuck River. Under the reservoir lies the small village of Valley Forge, which had several iron forges from the 18th to the 19th century.
In 1994, BHC’s parent company, Aquarion, decided to sell the land to a developer who wanted to build luxury homes and a golf course on it. This sparked a public outcry and a grassroots campaign to save the land from development. The Aspetuck Land Trust and the Coalition to Preserve Trout Brook Valley led the effort, with support from various environmental groups, local residents, and celebrities such as actor and philanthropist Paul Newman and his daughter Lissy Newman.
In September 1999, after a long and hard-fought battle, the Aspetuck Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy bought 685 acres of the land from Aquarion with $5.3 million raised by donations and $6 million from the state of Connecticut. The state also acquired another 300 acres of the land as a state park reserve. The town of Weston bought 45 acres of the land as well. The combined parcels formed the Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area, which is managed by the Aspetuck Land Trust.
What Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area Has to Offer
Today, Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area is a jewel of Connecticut’s natural heritage. It has nearly 14 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that take visitors through meadows, forests, wetlands, and orchards. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and some are designed for equestrian use. The preserve also hosts various events throughout the year, such as guided walks, bird counts, and volunteer days.
One of the highlights of the preserve is Jump Hill, which is the highest point at 707 feet. From there, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as Long Island Sound and New York City skyline in the distance. The summit is also a great spot to watch hawks and vultures soaring in the sky.
Another highlight is the orchard area, which has over 400 apple and pear trees that were planted by the previous owner of the land. The trees are in full bloom in spring, creating a beautiful contrast with the green grass and blue sky. The orchard also attracts deer and rabbits that graze among the trees.
Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area is also home to many rare plants and animals that thrive in its diverse habitats. Some of the species that have been spotted in the preserve include bobcats, coyotes, foxes, otters, beavers, wood turtles, salamanders, newts, orchids, lady’s slippers, trilliums, ferns, mosses, lichens, and mushrooms. The preserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 180 species of birds recorded there.
If you’re interested in getting a glimpse of what to expect before arriving please check out our video below!
How to Visit Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area
If you are interested in visiting Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area, you can find more information on the Aspetuck Land Trust website. There are parking options at several entrances: Bradley Road (Weston), Black Rock Road (Easton), Freeborn Road (Easton), Wells Hill Road (Weston), Wyldewood Road (Easton), and Woodland Road (Weston).