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.
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. We'll share the latest on efforts 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.
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Join us for guided hikes on June 4th to celebrate CT Trail Days! Many options are available including:
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. We'll share the latest on efforts 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.
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Join us for guided hikes on June 4th to celebrate CT Trail Days! Many options are available including:
- Birding hike - starting at 7:30
- A long perimeter hike - 9AM
- Naturalist hike - 9:30
- Short hike - 10AM
Legal Victory for Oswegatchie Hills!
Press Release from 10-26-21 East Lyme, CT - In long-awaited victory for conservation of East Lyme’s Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River, a judge has ruled in favor of three organizations seeking to protect 236 acres of coastal forest threatened with destructive development. The court rejected the developer’s challenge to the preliminary decision, sending the decision back to the local zoning commission. [See the rest of the press release and additional information here].
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 'Before', 'During' and 'After' space. 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
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
Join the coalition to Save the Hills
With the pandemic upon us, 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.
Please 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
With the pandemic upon us, 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.
Please 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