The 10-acre Olde Field Preserve is a terrific site for vegetation education as it contains over 100 species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, including Dwarf Ginseng, Mad Dog Skullcap, Hog Peanut and Enchanter’s Nightshade. There are bluebird-nesting boxes at various locations.
The interior land was given to the East Haddam Land Trust because it also is a great place to find wildlife. Open meadow and early succession woodland are used extensively by deer, songbirds, raptors, coyotes, and other wildlife. In early spring, the understory shrubs are a yellow mass of tiny spice-bush flowers, and in mid-to-late summer, the fragrance of sweet pepperbush fills the air.
The blue trail leads out to an old field and loops back to the entrance.
From Route 82 take Mt. Parnassus Road east about 2 miles. Take a right onto Parker Road (aka Peter’s Path). The preserve is about 1/3 mile south of Mt. Parnassus Road on the left side of Parker Road where a trailhead sign marks the property.
NOTE: Parking is very limited as Parker Road is narrow and turning around could be challenging.
Success! A new password has been emailed to you.
