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...
Wildlife baby season: if you care, leave them there “Hello Steep Rock? My cat brought a baby bunny into the house. It doesn’t look injured, but what should I do with it? I think it’s too young to be away from its mother.” Calls of concern similar to these are happening all across the state …
Wildlife baby season: if you care, leave them there Read More »
One of our Citizen Science volunteers decided to take her efforts one step further and found a unique way to support our conservation efforts. Kathy Coe, a longtime resident of Washington and SRA supporter, decided to use her creativity as a way to benefit our conservation mission. Kathy created an adorable colony of felted New …
With each donation you give, you help ensure the lands you love are well cared for and maintained as wildlife habitats, hiking trails, and places to enjoy with family and friends. But our work, as well as the work of all nonprofit organizations, may be devastated by the federal tax reform bill. What’s important to …
Nature provides us with the opportunity to rejuvenate and explore. We asked visitors to share memorable experiences they have had in our preserves. Please enjoy reading about these priceless moments, and be inspired to create your own. “Today was my first day hiking the trail to the lookout, a gorgeous day with old friends.” – …
Eliot Johnson is a part-time farmer and the owner of West Mountain Builders. Eliot lives, farms, and does business on property that once housed his grandfather’s dairy farm – which began in 1941. A spirit of service endures via Eliot’s contribution to the volunteer Board of the Washington Art Association; he also previously served as …
One of Steep Rock’s initiatives is to protect and enhance biodiversity. Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of habitat types and species present on our preserves. Often, ecosystems containing a high degree of biodiversity are more productive than those without. This is due to an enhanced connectivity between organisms resulting from each playing their …
What’s the cutting all about? EARLY SUCCESSIONAL HABITAT MANAGEMENT Read More »
Hickory tussock moth larvae have made their presence known in hardwood stands this month. Whether foraging on nut leaves, suspended from a silken strand, residing on low vegetation, or cruising over ground, this caterpillar’s showy appearance makes them stand out. Predation is of little concern to this distasteful species. Long abdominal hairs are barbed and stick to an …
Garden Clean Up Day(s) Spring 2017 Help us in Judea Garden as we prep for spring and begin to plant. With your help, we’ve grown, harvested, and distributed over 30,000 lbs. of fresh produce to members of our community who have limited financial resources. Drop by the Garden any time during volunteer hours to lend …
Hurrah! Hurrah! We are thrilled to announce that Steep Rock Association (SRA) has achieved national recognition through a rigorous accreditation process. We had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of the accreditation application. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent project of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) awarded our accreditation, …
Steep Rock Association achieves Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Read More »
As notified in the previous edition of VISTA, Steep Rock Association has submitted an application for accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance, seeking recognition for excellence as a conservation organization. A vital element under review in regard to policies and practices is the stewardship of our conservation easements. Conservation easements (or “conservation restrictions”) are legal …
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