100 years of impact, beautifully captured—grab The History of Steep Rock Association and be part of what’s next. >buy
Steep Rock is a nationally-accredited, non-profit land trust serving Washington, CT and the greater Litchfield Hills community
Land & Water
Protecting nearly 6,000 acres of forest, fields, farms, meadows, and waterways that's home to 33 rare or endangered species.
Food & Community
Helping to feed 200 families in need each week with organic vegetables grown at Judea Garden.
Recreation
Stewarding roughly 50 miles of scenic nature trails through breathtaking landscapes in Washington.
Special Projects
![Deno and George Macricostas](https://steeprockassoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Camp-House-768x541.jpg)
The Macricostas Family has launched a 2:1 match challenge to support the completion of the Isaac Camp House. For every dollar donated towards educational programs and exhibits at the house, the family will contribute two dollars towards the restoration.
![Special Projects HVX Upgrades](https://steeprockassoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Special-Projects-HVX-Upgrades-768x541.jpg)
Thanks to you, Hidden Valley grew by 206 acres in 2023. These lands stretch along scenic rivers and connect to pollinator meadows. Help us create new pathways on this beautiful land. With a trail development budget of $95,000, every contribution helps.
Testimonials
Jeremy Kline
Have hiked hundreds of miles in Connecticut…and the Steep Rock system boasts some of the finest trails that can be found. Best views. Best sites. Best design and maintenance. Bravo to these top-notch locations!”
RJ
Thank you for all that you do to help and enhance the quality of life in our community…We all benefit from every preserve.
Robert
A gorgeous place for a hike. It is pet friendly, has beautifully mapped trails and is built to have little to no impact on the environment
Events & Programs
february 2025
Event Details
Centennial Event - Shepaug Railroad: A Historic Era Virtual Speaker Series with Peter Vermilyea, Thurs., Feb. 20, 2025 Many of Litchfield County’s most serene landscapes once hummed with the sounds
Event Details
Many of Litchfield County’s most serene landscapes once hummed with the sounds of industry. This is certainly true of Washington’s Steep Rock Preserve, home for three-quarters of a century to the Shepaug Valley Railroad, which connected large portions of Litchfield County to the nation’s burgeoning railroad network. This virtual presentation will focus on the construction and operation of that railroad, while also exploring its impact on the local community and the environment. About Peter Vermilyea Peter Vermilyea teaches history at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT, and for the University of Connecticut. He is the author or editor of three books including Hidden History of Litchfield County, for which he received the CultureMax award, and Litchfield County and the Civil War.
Steep Rock's Centennial Events are made possible by the support of Platinum Sponsors Chipman Mazzucco Emerson, LLC; Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC; New Morning Market; William Raveis Lifestyles Realty; and Gold Sponsor Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance & Risk Management.
Time
(Thursday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm