Discover the Hills!
The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve in East Lyme, Connecticut, overlooks the environmentally fragile Niantic River to the east, and was officially opened in 2007. The 457-acre preserve was created through a public/private partnership. The ultimate goal is to expand to more than 700 acres, through additional acquisitions.
We invite you to browse this website to learn more about The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. Print a Trail Guide, read the environmental studies that have been performed in The Hills, learn about the history of the preserve and view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills. We welcome you to learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, and become a member or make a gift. Take a self-guided hike of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve or if you would like a guided hike led by a member of FOHNP, e-mail us at info@oswhills.org.
This is a special place and we are continuing to work on the community's behalf to protect the remaining acres of fragile coastal forest that help protect the Niantic River estuary between East Lyme and Waterford.
We invite you to browse this website to learn more about The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. Print a Trail Guide, read the environmental studies that have been performed in The Hills, learn about the history of the preserve and view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills. We welcome you to learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, and become a member or make a gift. Take a self-guided hike of Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve or if you would like a guided hike led by a member of FOHNP, e-mail us at info@oswhills.org.
This is a special place and we are continuing to work on the community's behalf to protect the remaining acres of fragile coastal forest that help protect the Niantic River estuary between East Lyme and Waterford.
Special thanks to Greg Garrison for finding and reporting a stump fire before it spread. Hikers please be careful and call 911 to report any fire in the Hills.
Many thanks to Greg Garrison for finding and reporting a smoldering stump fire near the red trail and to the Niantic Fire Department who responded quickly to extinguish it on the evening of September 6, 2022. The fire danger is extremely high in this drought, and we owe them our heartfelt gratitude in averting a disaster!
Detour - Please see details below
Hikers should be aware that there has been a necessary detour of the Blue Trail at the Main Entrance on the east side of the Clark Pond Bridge. A safety concern caused by severe erosion of the steep slope made this detour necessary. The short detour just to the south now makes the trail safer and easier to navigate while entering and exiting the Preserve via the Blue Trail. A waterbar has been installed on the new path to help mitigate erosion that might occur there in the future. Opened Monday, August 29, 2022, the new detour is marked by Blue blazes and the old section is roped off with yellow line and signage.
Many thanks to FOHNP trail stewards Bruce Kolowski and Paul Parulis for clearing and installing the waterbar on the new path.
Many thanks to FOHNP trail stewards Bruce Kolowski and Paul Parulis for clearing and installing the waterbar on the new path.
Drew Kenny's 'Outdoor Lifestyles' to the Rescue
Drew Kenny, owner of 'Outdoor Lifestyles' in Niantic has graciously donated his time, labor and materials to resolve a long-existing problem with erosion at the main entrance. Drew and his team installed a French drain system along with steps secured with rebar and finished with gravel. The design looks great and will provide safety and prevent runoff!
We are so grateful to have Drews expertise and support for the Hills. Outdoor Lifestyles has been instrumental in many other landscaping solutions through the years and we are so thankful. Photos below show the space during the work and after completion. Come see for yourself on your next visit to the Hills.
We are so grateful to have Drews expertise and support for the Hills. Outdoor Lifestyles has been instrumental in many other landscaping solutions through the years and we are so thankful. Photos below show the space during the work and after completion. Come see for yourself on your next visit to the Hills.
About The Friends
Friends of The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve (FOHNP) is a non-profit volunteer organization, funded by private contributions, whose mission is to create, manage and improve The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. We are a 501.c.3 corporation and your donations are tax deductible. Management of the preserve is performed via conservation easements and a partnership agreement with The Town of East Lyme. Learn more about our organization here.
Lots of activity in the Current Newsletter - check it out to stay up to date!
Learn more about the Conservation Efforts underway in the Hills including the Southern Pine Beetle Testing, FrogWatch Project, the Pitch Pine Park and Tree Nursery and the new Beech Tree Leaf Disease Study.
Seen in the Hills
Photos by Karen Gallo taken in the Greg Decker Pitch Pine Park
Join the coalition to Save the Hills
After living through the pandemic, now more than ever we realize how important preserving outdoor space is for our physical and mental health and we continue our efforts to prevent inappropriate over-development of the adjacent 236 acres. Acquiring that land, which includes a mile of river frontage, would expand the preserve, protect additional wetland and wildlife, while allowing more opportunities for experiencing the magic of the Hills.
We believe the best use of the remaining 236 acres of this vulnerable coastal forest is preservation, not high density housing. We want this land to be acquired at fair market value and added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. Show your support by joining our coalition. A broad range of civic leaders, residents, conservation, and environmental groups have already joined, and are advocating to preserve and protect the Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River.
Please sign our online petition and show your support
We believe the best use of the remaining 236 acres of this vulnerable coastal forest is preservation, not high density housing. We want this land to be acquired at fair market value and added to the adjoining Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. Show your support by joining our coalition. A broad range of civic leaders, residents, conservation, and environmental groups have already joined, and are advocating to preserve and protect the Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River.
Please sign our online petition and show your support
FOHNP is on Facebook
Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fohnp for updates on Preserve activities and opportunities.
We love to hear your feedback and see your photos!
Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fohnp for updates on Preserve activities and opportunities.
We love to hear your feedback and see your photos!
The preserve is a pristine habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna, and serves to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Niantic River, as well as the rich archaeological history in place since the days of the Nehantic Tribe. This rugged forest, teeming with wildlife, vibrant wetlands and spectacular rock formations, will remain a place of quiet beauty forever. |
©
Friends of the Oswegatchie Nature Preserve, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.
info@oswhills.org
info@oswhills.org