The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Pleasant Valley Preserve falls © Rick Newton

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

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Why You Should Visit
This preserve, managed jointly by the Lyme Land Conservation Trust and The Nature Conservancy, provides trails through open fields and woodlands, and frontage on the Eightmile River. The preserve takes the name of the area made famous by Lyme impressionist painters Eugene Higgins, Robert Vonnoh and Oscar Fehrer-the father of the Catherine and Elizabeth Fehrer, who donated the land to the Conservancy.

Location
Lyme

Size
235 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The protection of this land provides numerous environmental benefits, including protection of water quality of the Eightmile River, which in turn affects the habitat of several rare species. The Eightmile River, which runs through the property, feeds into the Connecticut River by way of Hamburg Cove. Protecting the this property from development protects a part of the Connecticut River's watershed, as well as a considerable segment of one of its tributaries. Moreover, some species of fish swim up the Eightmile River to spawn.

The late Catherine and Elizabeth Fehrer, who died last February, first created the preserve in December 1991 with a donation of a 15 percent interest in the property to the chapter.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Lyme Land Conservation Trust maintains this property in partnership with the Conservancy. Both the land trust and the Conservancy have made protecting the watershed of the Eightmile River one of their top priorities.

Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
Well-maintained trails loop through woods and old fields, and along the Eightmile River.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
The trail passes through old fields now full of 20- to 30-foot cedars and dry oak woods. The preserve includes a ridgetop covered with large conifers and old white oaks, as well as rolling wooded hills, covered mostly with oak, hickory, beech and hemlock. The northwestern section of the property consists of a maple ash seepage forest. Among the important species found on the preserve is Virginia snakeroot, a plant generally found along rich slopes that is a threatened species in Connecticut.

What to See: Animals
In addition to watching for woodland birds, be sure to visit the banks of the Eightmile River, keeping an eye out for fish and invertebrates.

Plan Your Visit

Please enjoy your visit to this preserve.  The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing.  

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or ct@tnc.org if you notice any problems.  

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed:  collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles.  Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

Directions

From Interstate 95 north or south:

• Take exit 70 and follow Route 156 north, driving 6.6 miles and entering Lyme.
• Just before the grade school, town hall and library, turn left onto MacIntosh Road.
• At the first sharp bend in road (just past bridge), park at the dirt road on right.
• The trail begins at the gate. Follow woods road, bear right to stream and preserve sign (about a quarter mile).

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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