One year ago, Steep Rock Association celebrated a significant milestone with the expansion of Hidden Valley Preserve. Thanks to your support, we were able to add 206 acres of core forest and riparian habitat to this remarkable landscape. As we mark the first anniversary of this expansion, it’s a perfect time to update you on our plans to create a 2-mile trail system that will let you experience the wonders of nature within one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of Washington.
In this special update, Steep Rock’s Executive Director, Brian Hagenbuch, offers a video tour of the Bantam and Mt. Tom parcels, showcasing their geological, ecological, and historical features and why your contribution is vital in advancing land conservation in the Litchfield Hills. Such efforts are critical for protecting habitats for endangered bird species, ensuring wildlife such as bobcats and their kittens have connected corridors of land to roam, and enhancing carbon sequestration as a natural climate solution to reduce threats to our communities.
As we strive to be good ecological stewards of our protected properties, we are grateful for your ongoing help. Your commitment helps sustain our work to protect thriving ecosystems while offering awe-inspiring recreational opportunities that will benefit nature and people for generations to come.
For more information about the proposed trails or to donate to this project, click here.
Acquisition of the Hidden Valley Expansion parcels was funded in part by generous donations from supporters like you and key partnerships with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation-a supporting organization of the Northwest CT Community Foundation, Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation, David L. Klein Jr. Foundation, and Connecticut Land Conservation Council.