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...
Thank you for your interest. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2020 season. Please check back in 2021. Are you a high school or college student who wants to gain experience in gardening, conservation, or non-profit administration? Build your resume and gain real-world skills by applying for one of Steep Rock Association’s 2020 …
On January 21, 2019 members of the town of Washington hosted a town wide “Washington Gives” event to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. The community event offered various volunteer and donation opportunities to help the community in Washington, CT and beyond. Steep Rock Association invited volunteers to take photographs …
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, …
Bushwhacking 101: Nature Preserve Monitoring Have you ever seen those yellow “Steep Rock Nature Preserve” property signs dotting the roads of Washington? Behind those signs is a collective 2,500 acres of pristine wilderness, scattered over 30 individual preserves. Some of that acreage is old growth hemlock forest while other parts are wetlands brimming with biodiversity …
It Takes a Village to Build a Garden and a Garden to Feed a Community Judea Garden is celebrating its 10th season of providing fresh, organic produce for its neighbors in need. Over the past nine season we have grown, harvested and delivered 33,000 pounds of food. None of this would have been possible without …
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