Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

The Preserve

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The Preserve

Essex, Old Saybrook, Westbrook

The PreserveProtected in spring 2015 after many years of conservation efforts, The Preserve is a 963 acre forest located in the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook. It was recognized as the largest remaining unprotected coastal forest between Boston and New York before its acquisition for conservation. Situated between Long Island Sound and the mouth of the Connecticut River, it is part of a relatively intact forest block of more than 6,000 acres and protects the drinking water supply for 2 towns.

Seventy acres in Essex are owned and managed by the Essex Land Trust, with the majority of the remaining acreage jointly owned by the state of Connecticut and the town of Old Saybrook. The property is managed as part of the state forest system and open to the public for passive recreation.

A management plan, including recreational opportunities is currently being developed. Please check back as information on access, hiking trails, and parking is posted in the future.

Vernal Pool at The Preserve
Vernal Pool at The Preserve

Content last updated February 2019