The 700-acre Hidden Valley Preserve is mixed forest and meadows with wooded hillsides cascading into the River Valley below .
Macricostas Preserve is 400-acres offering an array of landscapes, as meadows and farm fields blend with wooded ridges and wetlands.
The 998-acre Steep Rock preserve offers hiking trails which follow the river banks and provide access into great hiking trails.
Our goal was to provide fresh produce for members of our community with limited financial resources.
We offer many trails designated for Hiking & Riding for adventurers of all skillsets.
Campers are surrounded by nature offering tent camping at 3 different sites.
Looking to sit back and cast a line? Steep Rock offers fishing at many locations.
Organized group events of 25 or more people, bring family and friends and enjoy the day.
Join us as we work to keep Steep Rock a treasure for generations to come...
We offer many programs and events such as morning yoga and hayrides at Macricostas...
Are you ready for a NEW hiking challenge. Well you've come to the right place...
Interested in the natural world and its inhabitants? Want to contribute to meaningful science or hone your naturalist skills? Simply looking for a different excuse to get outside?
If your answer is “YES” to any or all of the above, please consider volunteering for one of Steep Rock Association’s citizen science projects. The data you collect improves our knowledge as well as yours of biodiversity in the area. If the joy of actively conducting research and becoming intimate with the local environment isn’t enough, take pleasure in your findings being analyzed by professional scientists working to address large scale, crucial issues. Nationwide programs like the Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey, FrogWatch USA, NestWatch, and the Christmas Bird Count are incredible opportunities to become engaged and do something meaningful in your community this year! SRA initiated an annual macroinvertebrate sampling effort in fall 2017 and a bustling winter of science included our first cottontail pellet survey. Before long, in spring/summer 2018, we will be looking for volunteers to conduct our first marsh bird survey. Please frequent the “Programs and Events” tab to view and register for upcoming projects with us.
Are you a high school or college student who loves the outdoors and want to gain experience in gardening or conservation work, all while getting paid? Build your resume and gain real-world skills in agriculture or outdoor recreation and conservation by applying for one of Steep Rock Association’s 2019 summer internship programs: Judea Garden Intern …
Macroinvertebrates are great indicators of water quality. Certain species are very tolerant of degraded water while others like many stoneflies and some mayflies have a low tolerance for poor water quality. The presence of low-tolerance species indicates high water quality and a healthy lotic system. The Riffle Bioassessment by Volunteers (RBV) is a DEEP program …
Riffle Bioassessment by Volunteers (RBV) Program Read More »
Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey: A Citizen Science Opportunity Training: Friday, January 11, 2019, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM @SRA Office (2 Green Hill Road) Survey: Saturday, January 12, 2019, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (assigned locations) Bundle up and become a citizen scientist by scanning sections of the Shepaug River for bald eagles. The data …
Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey: A Citizen Science Opportunity Read More »
Calling Marsh Birds – Beams of mist shine from the headlights as I turn into Macricostas Preserve’s parking lot. Wheels lightly crunch over dirt and gravel until slowing to a stop. Another vehicle is stationed at the trailhead and two Steep Rock Association (SRA) citizen scientists emerge. Convening and taking one last glug of coffee, …
They’re not the easiest to obtain. Stooping, crawling, and dipping through young forest, citizen scientists with Steep Rock Association (SRA) earned their cottontail scat (or pellets). The native species, New England Cottontail (NEC), prefer this brambly habitat type over more open fields and meadows where the non-native eastern cottontail dominates. Forest succession and interspecific competition …
Cavity nesting species like eastern bluebird and tree swallow benefit from the availability of artificial nest boxes. Nests constructed in them often have greater success compared to those in a natural cavity, being less susceptible to predation and having a beneficial microclimate as a result of mindful placement. As spring approaches and migrating birds return …
BLUEBIRD BOX CLEANING in preparation for NESTWATCH Read More »
Three bald eagles of varying age were observed on Lake Waramaug this morning. The photos below depict morphological changes immature eagles undergo as they reach maturity. It usually takes four to five years to develop the characteristic white head and tail of adults. An adult was also seen in flight, although not documented. Updated January 20, …
Steep Rock Association is a land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington, CT and the Shepaug River Valley and to enhance the community’s connection with nature.
(860) 868-9131 | info@steeprockassoc.org
PO. Box 279
Washington Depot, Connecticut 06794
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm