Comprised of two parcels, one of which is protected by a conservation easement and the second one having been purchased outright. It is this second parcel that trails have been developed on. The 16-acre parcel was purchased at a generouse below market price from the estate of Caroline B. Rice in the spring of 2001. The features valued by the town and state largely rest on the dense forested hillside and its relationshop to Bryant's Brook in the valley below. Sugar maple, several oak species and red cedar dominate the forest. The understory has telltale features of excess deer browsing in that

The main trail system leads visitors in a loop around the island. There is also a side trail that parallels the Norwalk River. Clearings made along the river provide excellent sites for fishing, picnicking or relaxing by the water's edge. The eastern portion of the main loop trail passes through an upland area that is in a mid-successional stage. Schenck's Island is an oasis in a densely developed park of Wilton. Wildflowers bloom continuously from early spring until late fall. An ambitious hiker can exit Schenck's Island over the footbridge and follow an easement trail into Bradley Park that

The property, nestled east of the Marble/Van Haelewyn Preserve and north of the Richards Preserve, has been considered desirable open space and the diverse natural features that it contains. A ridgetop stand of beech, a lush wetland valley and rolling open woodlands combine to make this parcel a marvelous open space.

Waterford spans 33 scenic square miles, bordered by water on three sides. This charming shoreline town offers an array of attractions, from a stunning state park and theaters to convenient travel options. Along its coast, you’ll find beautiful beaches perfect for boat rides or deep-sea fishing adventures, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy a visit to the renowned Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Harkness Memorial Park captivates visitors with its breathtaking views.

The Black family acquired the property in 1958. Earlier owners included members of the Olmstead family with Charles Olmstead building the original house some time before 1823. In October of 1999, the Town of Wilton purchased a conservation easement over the property to ensure the land will be protected. Sitting at the crest of Olmstead Hill Road the farm features rolling vistas of stone wall-lined fields against a woodland backdrop. The farm, still cultivated for hay, supports several horses and goats. Records from the Wilton Historical Society list the Black Farm “… as one of the finest and

Featuring hiking, picnicking and athletic fields and is a prime fishing site.

The diverse terrain ranges from flat flood plains and swamps to moderate to steep slopes, cliffs and rocky crests. Rock formations include complex schists and fine-grained gniesses. Huckleberry Hills Brook, a prominent feature of the preserve, flows from the north. The brook appears to run continuously over the year. Fed by a drainage system which includes Kent Pond and Henderson Pond, Huckleberry Hills Brook ultimately drains into Rock Lake and Norwalk Preserve.

A popular walking spot, one can stroll to the water's edge and often see ducks or swans. A great blue heron, black-crowned night heron or green-backed heron may occasionally be observed by quiet visitors.

The preserve is an ideal spot for a family walk. The trails are wide and relatively smooth, and the landscape offers a mix of rises, wetlands, and modest outcroppings. Rock walls thread through much of the preserve indicating it was once a collection of woodlots harvested by early settlers to fuel their stoves and fireplaces. The two miles of existing trails have been expanded into recently-acquired contiguous acreage, and into town-owned open space. Historical note: General Benedict Arnold and 400 Connecticut militia pursued 2,000 British troops through portions of this remote section of

Mostly open deciduous woods comprise the 74.5 acre preserve. However, two superior stands of planted evergreens along with two open fields give the Gregg Preserve a diversity of cover types, which make a visit most intriguing. The network of trails occured mainly under private ownership. One section of the trail system follows and crosses Mayapple Brook with a series of wooden bridges. The brook meanders throughout the parcel flowing generally from east to west. The parcel's largest wooded swamp situated in the north drains to the south and makes up a part of the Mayapple Brook watershed. The