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.
The Nature Preserve is Safe Forever!
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Thanks to the East Lyme residents who voted overwhelmingly to support the resolution!
The 130 acres at the heart of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve is now owned by the town of East Lyme and can never be leveraged again. |
The referendum on October 17, 2023 resulted in the following:
QUESTION 1 Shall the resolution appropriating and authorizing bonds in the amount of $2,350,000 for the purchase of the properties known as Brainerd Road, Oswegatchie Hills, and Hathaway Farms, be approved? YES 1501 NO 110 QUESTION 2 Shall the resolution approving the purchase of real property for a cost not exceeding $2,350,000 be approved? YES 1420 NO 162 |
Discover the HillsWelcome! The Oswegatchie Nature Preserve is free and open to the public to explore year-round. Starting in 2001 the Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve (FOHNP) started efforts to preserve and protect this place of quiet beauty above the Niantic River. In 2007 the nature preserve was dedicated and now consists of 457 acres. The Oswegatchie Hills contain rugged woodlands, vibrant wetlands and spectacular rock formations that serve as essential habitats to flora and fauna while protecting the fragile Niantic River.
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Conservation, Research & EducationFor over 15 years we have been stewards of the Hills, protecting the flora and fauna and making the hiking trails safe. We work with environmental organizations participating in studies ranging from the FrogWatch Project to the Southern Pine Beetle Study and others. In addition, we created a Pitch Pine Park to provide a pitch pine nursery to help replenish the endangered tree in the Hills, as well as to provide information to visitors about the history and uses of pitch pines.
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Save the HillsFor over 20 years, since the threat to develop the Hills intensified, we continue our work to protect the adjacent 236 acres that are threatened with over-development. In 2016 the Friends joined forces with Save the River-Save the Hills and Save the Sound to establish the Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition. This rare coastal forest is the last mile of salt water frontage in CT that is not yet protected or developed. The health of the Niantic River is dependent on the health of the Hills.
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