The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Why You Should Visit
Selden Creek Preserve has a scenic trail through a towering mixed forest, leading to a scenic overlook that provides opportunities to glimpse the variety of birdlife on Selden Creek.

Location
Lyme

Size

207 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
One of the most biologically significant sites on the lower Connecticut River, this preserve takes the name of the creek that divides it from the 600-acre Selden Island State Park. Selden Creek Preserve fronts one of the most important tidal wetlands of the lower Connecticut River and provides a buffer area for roosting bald eagles.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Selden Creek is a key site in the chapter's Tidelands of the Connecticut River program, which focuses on the region's tidal marshes.

Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
An extensive trail system leads through woods, with occasional steep slopes. A trail leads to a scenic overlook with a dramatic cliff—be careful near the edge. Map available at parking area.

What to See: Plants
The preserve’s mixed forest is immediately adjacent to a freshwater tidal marsh.

What to See: Animals
A variety of birdlife can be seen in the marsh, including wintering bald eagles. In the spring, stop by the vernal pools near the trail; these are essential habitat for woodland frogs and salamanders. 

Things To Do

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 I-95 north or south:

• Take exit 70 and follow Route 156 north to the Hamburg section of Lyme.
• About 4.7 miles on this road, take a left onto Old Hamburg Road after Reynolds Subaru.
• This turns into Joshuatown Road on your left almost immediately.
• Follow Joshuatown Road, and when you pass Mitchell Hill Road on your right, check your milage; there is a little parking area on left, 1.4 miles from Mitchell Hill Road.

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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