Welcome

The Preserve

Essex, Old Saybrook, Westbrook

Protected in spring 2015 after many years of conservation efforts, The Preserve is a 963 acre forest located in the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook. It was recognized as the largest remaining unprotected coastal forest between Boston and New York before its acquisition for conservation. Situated between Long Island Sound and the mouth of the Connecticut River, it is part of a relatively intact forest block of more than 6,000 acres and protects the drinking water supply for 2 towns.

Seventy acres in Essex are owned and managed by the Essex Land Trust, with the majority of the remaining acreage jointly owned by the state of Connecticut and the town of Old Saybrook. The property is managed as part of the state forest system and open to the public for passive recreation.

A management plan, including recreational opportunities is currently being developed. Please check back as information on access, hiking trails, and parking is posted in the future.

Vernal Pool at The Preserve

Content last updated February 2019