The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Spiderweed Preserve © John Matthiessen

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

How to Prepare View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit
This preserve offers a three-mile hike through dry oak woods, along massive rock outcrops, over a rock bluff with a view toward the south, down to a stream, past overgrown fields, and along an old farm lane. Although the vista overlooks Route 9, visitors can see distant mowed fields and may spot some turkey vultures, which can often been seen from this opening in the forest cover.

Location
Middletown

Size
Approximately 150 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The preserve was created by a donation from Helen Lohman of Middletown in 1967; she named the area after the sad state in which she found her gardens every spring.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The chapter monitors this site on a regular basis.

Hours
Dawn to dusk

Conditions
A trail provides easy access year-round, with a gradual incline leading to a lookout.

What to See: Plants
In the spring, look for bloodroot and trillium.  Jack-in-the-pulpit and geranium are common.

What to See: Animals
Watch for turkey vultures from the overlook; in spring, the ledges have vernal pools, which 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

Directions
From Route 9:

• Take exit 10. Turn left (north) on Route 154 (Old Saybrook Road), and continue for 0.7 mile. 
• Turn right onto Dripps Road, which immediately bends to the right at a junction with the preserve’s entrance at an old grassy lane. 
• Park there, and follow the white blazes up the old 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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