A primary initiative of our Land & Water Management Plans is to protect and enhance biodiversity – the variety of habitats and species supported by our nature preserves. While some cover types such as mature forest are self-sustaining and their habitat quality often improves with...
The forests of the eastern United States cover 926,000 square miles: an area far greater than those of the American West. Scientists consider this the most intact temperate deciduous and mixed forest region on Earth.In the middle of this world-renown resource, Follow the Forest seeks...
Your pets are welcome at all Steep Rock Association nature preserves that are open to the public. When visiting our Preserves with your pets, please help us protect this land you treasure by abiding by the pet rules. These rules help protect you, your pets,...
https://vimeo.com/852725022?share=copyOn June 27th, we received a call from a hiker in Hidden Valley Preserve that trees were down on some trails, and she was “seeing sky where I usually see trees!”Upon investigation, we discovered that a microburst from the previous day’s thunderstorms had snapped off or...
Grab your rubber boots and polarized glasses. It’s not too late to explore a vernal pool near you.Vernal pools are woodland depressions that hold water in Spring and then typically dry throughout Summer. Several amphibians are dependent on the temporarily inundated environment for breeding and...
As one drives and rides around the periphery of Lake Waramaug or boats its waters, you can’t help but notice the lush, unfragmented forested hillside looming over the lake’s northeastern bank and Route 45. This wildland extends to the ridgetop, through Pinnacle Valley, and across...
Written by Skylar King, 2022 Judea Garden Summer Intern ...
Many of us share a favorite “dog days” activity of swimming in the river, but it is important to recognize that the Shepaug and other watercourses are sensitive ecosystems increasingly stressed by low flow and warm water during the months of summer.Watercourses are very complex...
July is a fascinatingly wild time of year. Life histories of organisms spanning all taxonomic kingdoms converge, forming a bustling and bursting environment that beckons for natural study. Learn about biodiversity in the preserves and the interconnections that shape natural communities through our experiential “Notes...
The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” rings true for Steep Rock Association. Photography is an incredible tool for performing scientific research, telling the story of our conservation impact, and highlighting the importance of open space. This year, we aim to increase photographic...