Potter Meadow Preserve

Potter Meadow in Columbia, Connecticut, was given to Joshua’s Trust by Whitehall Properties in 1988. This 34-acre land trust preserve lies entirely within the floodplain of the Willimantic and Ten Mile Rivers.

Potter Meadow was owned by the Buckinghams, who were conservators to Uncas, father of Joshua. Starting in the 1830s, the Potter family used it as pastureland. Today, as a nature preserve, it provides excellent wetland and riparian habitat that lends itself to wildlife observation and birding.

Potter Meadow sits near the intersection of several other Connecticut hiking trails/greenways, including the Air Line State Park trail and the East Coast Greenway. Visitors should be aware that the entire parcel may be submerged and impassable after heavy rains and may be muddy at other times.

Directions:  Go west from Willimantic on Route 66. After crossing the Willimantic River take the first left onto Cards Mill Road and immediately take another left onto Commerce Drive. Follow the road to the end and park. There is room for several cars. Climb over the guardrail to access the trail into the preserve.