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, view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills, and learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, 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. 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, view our photo gallery of the beauty to be found in The Hills, and learn how you can become involved in helping The Friends maintain this special corner of the world, or make a gift.
New Rules of Social Distancing in the Hills
The preserve is open, however with record breaking numbers of hikers, cyclist and trail runners in the Hills we must all do our part to self-monitor and practice proper trail etiquette. We also need to be aware of new safety guidelines and how to minimize the impact of heavy usage on the environment. Your health, the health of our community and the health of the Hills depend on your careful attention to social distancing.
Check here for guidance on how to reduce your impacts to the trail system and wildlife and the new rules of social distancing in the Hills.
RUN FOR THE HILLS
Rescheduled to a Future Date
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We are disappointed that we must postpone the Trail Run Fundraiser to a future (to be determined) date. Our priority is safeguarding the health of the community, participants, and supporters. Please continue to support our locally owned businesses. Be Safe and Enjoy the Hills!
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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 Pitch Pine Nursery, Southern Pine Beetle Testing and FrogWatch Project.
Informative and Historical Look at
Forest Succession After the Fire - Birding in the Oswegatchie Hills
Forest Succession After the Fire - Birding in the Oswegatchie Hills
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Michaela and Michael Dunn in partnership with The Natural Resources Conservation Academy at UCONN have produced ‘Birds After the Fire - Oswegatchie Hills’. This is a story of forest succession and birding after the 1962 fire in the Hills and features interviews with Bruce Dasinger, Andrew Dasinger, Rich Gallagher and Joe DeLaura. |
Seen in the Hills
Update on Landmark Land Acquisition
We are frequently asked about the status of negotiations to acquire the remaining Oswegatchie Hills. Multiple good faith offers have been made over the years to purchase the property at fair market value and protect the remaining undeveloped Oswegatchie Hills; none of which were acceptable to Landmark. This includes, most recently, written and compelling offers from the Trust for Public Land, which successfully negotiated protection of the 1,000-acre Preserve in Old Saybrook. We continue our efforts to prevent inappropriate over-development of this special place.
For information about the historical background, click here
For information about the historical background, click here
Now more than ever we need your help! Join the coalition
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