September 2026 Newsletter

Breaking Ground

Steep Rock celebrated a momentous occasion on August 25 when current and former Trustees, volunteers, staff, and community members put shovels in the dirt and broke ground on the new Edward and Kirsten Peckerman Stewardship Center, a cornerstone of the Steep Rock Center for Conservation at Macricostas Preserve. Over 20 years since it was first envisioned by former Board President Ed White (second from left), the stewardship center will include a greenhouse and distribution room for Judea Garden as well as a stewardship workshop and equipment facility featuring a 28kW solar array with 78 panels. Located adjacent the Macricostas Preserve parking area (which will be closed weekdays), the Center for Conservation will create new opportunities for people to learn, volunteer, and connect with the natural world while strengthening Steep Rock’s ability to care for more than 6,100 acres of protected land. It will also support Judea Garden’s ongoing work with a dedicated space to grow and distribute fresh produce to community members in need. We are eternally grateful to the Edward and Kirsten Peckerman Charitable Trust, Reese Owens Architects, West Mountain Builders, and everyone who helped make this moment possible! For more about Steep Rock’s Center for Conservation, click HERE.

See you on the trails,
Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Annual Community Picnic, September 19

A Steep Rock tradition for over 60 years! Don’t miss our Annual Community Picnic on Saturday, September 19, from 12–2 PM at the Riding Ring at Steep Rock Preserve. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of food, fun, games, and live music as we celebrate and give thanks to our community. See you there!

3 Peaks in 3 Week is back!

It’s that time again! Lace up your trail shoes, leash your dog, and get outside for some fresh air and fall color while you boost your health and wellness. Hike to the highest points in three Steep Rock Association preserves and take in our scenic viewsheds at their autumn best: the Summit at Steep Rock, the Pinnacle at Hidden Valley, and Waramaug’s Rock at Macricostas. Register, complete the Challenge, qualify to win awesome prizes. 3 Peaks in 3 Weeks kicks off September 27, and if you haven’t joined this annual challenge before, this is the year for it! >more

Parking Changes at Macricostas Preserve

While construction is underway for the stewardship center at Macricostas Preserve, the main parking area at 124 Christian St, New Preston will be closed Monday-Friday, 5 am-5 pm. During that time, parking will be available at the ancillary lot just east of Christian Street on Route 202. Parking in this lot allows direct access to the southeast corner of the hayfield. Limited parking is also available at 116 Christian St, where there will be signs directing hikers to the Meeker Trail access point. The main parking area and trailhead should be open evenings and weekends. >Alternate Parking Info