From the parking lot, the Orange Trail crosses the property through both wooded and open areas. A bridge traverses a small intermittent stream in the northern section. A still visible water cistern provided running water to a home on Comstock Avenue in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Past some old stone walls, the trail then cuts through two open fields, with a bench at about halfway. Here, the Orange Trail splits in two, forming a loop that connects to the pedestrian access on Walnut St and then loops back to the bench.
The Orange Trail also provides access to the Red Trail, a newly developed woodland trail through the deciduous forest located on the east side of the property, as well as to the Blue Trail which connects the Orange and Red trails by way of another open area.
Johnson Farm contains three distinct eco systems, open grassy fields, early stage shrubland and mature forest. The farm hosts a large variety of trees. Given its varied habitat and flora, many different species of birds can be found across the seasons: Carolina wren, brown thrasher, eastern bluebird, eastern towhee, American goldfinch, wild turkey, mockingbird, grey catbird, song sparrow, multiple woodpecker species and, along forest edges, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls and occasionally turkeys. Similarly, diverse mammal residents include ground hogs, eastern chipmunk, gray squirrel, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, raccoon, coyote, fox and bobcat.
The farm is a wonderful reminder of Connecticut’s farming heritage. Soon after World War II, Axel and Mabel Johnson purchased an approximately 140-acre woodlot which included assorted pastures. The lot was eventually split between their two sons Murwin and Hanford, with Murwin receiving 50 acres, based on the value of the acreage. In addition, Murwin, his brother Hanford, and sister Sandra each received 3-acre building lots.
Murwin Johnson considered himself a “hobby farmer” since his main occupation for over 30 years was as an inspector for the Dairy Division of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Starting out raising chickens and selling their eggs, his primary hobby over many years soon became raising sheep. Typically, he managed 35-40 sheep annually, one year as many as 75. His sheep were Border Leicester, known for quality wool fleece. The property was acquired in 2015 from Murwin Johnson’s widow, Polly.
Our preserve rules and dog policy can be found on the Essex Land Trust website.
The preferred entrance is a driveway on the right at the top of Read Hill Road. Parking is available for five or six cars. From Essex and Route 9, take exit 3 and head west on Middlesex Ave, then continue on Main Street towards Ivoryton. Turn left onto Comstock Avenue and left again onto Read Street.
A second entrance on Walnut Street opposite Melody Lane is for walkers only, as it doesn’t have parking.
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