About Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
The 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 and greatly appreciated. Management of the preserve is performed via conservation easements and a partnership agreement with The Town of East Lyme.
FOHNP plays a key role in the establishment, management, and expansion of the Preserve. In addition to creating, marking and maintaining approximately seven miles of trails, the Friends have fought hard to prevent inappropriate over-development of this special place.
Our Vision for the Nature Preserve
We envision a 700-acre Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, adjacent to the Niantic River and extending from Veterans Memorial Field to Golden Spur in East Lyme, Connecticut, as publicly-accessible land where visitors are inspired to appreciate and respect nature and nature preservation. It will remain a pristine habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna, and serve 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 and filled with ponds, streams, and spectacular rock formations, sloping to an unspoiled saltwater frontage, will remain a place of quiet beauty forever.
Mission
To acquire the undeveloped land within the Oswegatchie Hills and to maintain a public nature preserve for future generations to enjoy. In order to accomplish this mission, The FOHNP will:
FOHNP plays a key role in the establishment, management, and expansion of the Preserve. In addition to creating, marking and maintaining approximately seven miles of trails, the Friends have fought hard to prevent inappropriate over-development of this special place.
Our Vision for the Nature Preserve
We envision a 700-acre Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, adjacent to the Niantic River and extending from Veterans Memorial Field to Golden Spur in East Lyme, Connecticut, as publicly-accessible land where visitors are inspired to appreciate and respect nature and nature preservation. It will remain a pristine habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna, and serve 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 and filled with ponds, streams, and spectacular rock formations, sloping to an unspoiled saltwater frontage, will remain a place of quiet beauty forever.
Mission
To acquire the undeveloped land within the Oswegatchie Hills and to maintain a public nature preserve for future generations to enjoy. In order to accomplish this mission, The FOHNP will:
- serve as a leading grassroots force for preservation of the Hills;
- increase public awareness of the environmental, educational and recreational significance of the Hills to the town and region;
- raise funds needed by partnering with federal, state and local governments and other organizations and by securing contributions from private sources; and
- coordinate the day-to-day operations and maintain The Preserve through active participation on The Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve Council, as described in the Management Plan dated December 15, 2006.