Saturday, June 8: Opening Day for 447 Additional Acres at Deer Pond Farm – in New York!
The future is looking optimistic at Deer Pond Farm! Photo by Jim Arrigoni.
June 2, 2019 – For almost two years hikers, birders, and nature lovers of all kinds have enjoyed the network of trails on the section of Connecticut Audubon’s Deer Pond Farm that lies in Connecticut. But the other section of this beautiful preserve, in New York, has been off limits.
That will soon change.
Starting June 8, an additional 10 miles and 447 acres of Deer Pond Farm, in Pawling, New York, will be open for the enjoyment of the public.
The New York section is contiguous to the Connecticut section, forming an 835-acre preserve of deep forest, hills and hollows, meadows and wooded swamps along the highlands of the state border.
It is one of the area’s great nature sanctuaries, and Connecticut Audubon is celebrating by inviting the public to a free opening event on Saturday, June 8, highlighted by a ribbon cutting and brief ceremony at 10 a.m.
Deer Pond Farm is located at 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT. Parking and access to the New York and Connecticut trails are from this address.
The New York section, in Pawling, is a gentle, sloping half-mile mile walk from the parking area.
At the June 8 event, early risers are invited to join Connecticut Audubon staff for a guided bird walk on the newly accessible trails, at 8 a.m. The western vistas from these trails offer spectacular views from two distinct vantage points overlooking the Taconic Mountains in the distance.
Among the species you can expect to see and hear are Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Louisiana Waterthrush, Black-and-White Warbler, Wood Thrush, and American Redstart.
A bird banding demonstration will follow at 9. At 10:30, after the ceremony, falconer Christine Peyreigne of Christine’s Critters will present a birds of prey demonstration.
A second guided bird walk will follow at 1 p.m.
Additional education and activity stations will also be provided by Connecticut Audubon staff and volunteers. Several regional environmental organizations will also be participating. Lunch will be available under a tent.
The opening day programs and guided hikes are free but RSVPs are requested. Links to RSVP to all of the June 8 programs are here.
Deer Pond Farm is a gift from the late Kathy and Walter Wriston. The Connecticut section of the property has been open for guided walks since summer 2017.
It is one of 20 sanctuaries, encompassing 3,300 acres, owned and managed by the Connecticut Audubon Society.
