The red trail winds through the meadow and then through a wooded section along an apparent glacial esker, past a glacial kettle, a vernal pool, and then along the border of a wetland. Eventually, the trail follows an old forest road that once led to a portable sawmill. It then loops around returning you to the parking area.
Traveling counterclockwise around the blue trail loop, the trail leads you along another old farm road to former pastures and hay lots. Leaving the meadows, the trail skirts another wetland before crossing an old drainage ditch plunging into a sandy area of mixed pines and hardwoods.
The East Haddam Land Trust (EHLT) acquired the 32-acre Golet Farm Preserve in July, 2015. Charles Golet had acquired the property in 1911 and for most of the next 45 years it consisted of a 32-head milking herd, chickens and a small orchard. The livestock supplied milk, cream, butter and eggs to the Moodus community.
Over several years small parcels were split off to provide home sites for some of Mr.Golet's children. Tom Smith, who is one of Mr. Golet's grandchildren, wanted to keep some of the land from being developed. Eventually, he and some cousins agreed to sell the remaining undeveloped property to the EHLT. However, Mr. Smith, with a spirit of tremendous generosity, decided to donate his 78% interest in the property, valued at $95,000, to the EHLT.
EHLT preserves and protects land in perpetuity for the public benefit. Since 1979, your donations have helped EHLT, a volunteer, non-profit land conservation corporation, preserve unique woodlands, fields, lakes, rivers and open spaces for the public benefit. EHLT is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Take Route 151 north toward Moodus Center. Take a right onto Route 149. Take the first right after the Post Office onto Great Hillwood Road. The dirt driveway to the preserve is on your right, across from the Senior Center
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