The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

From atop the rocky summit of a 120-foot calcareous cliff, enjoy gorgeous views of pocket grasslands that resemble savannas, sloping meadows, a rich oak woodland and a limestone woodland. Five springs burble gently through the property, and two ponds rest in the valley below. In the spring and late summer, glorious wildflowers fill the fields with color and vibrancy. Because of its varying habitats, Nellie Hill is a hotspot for migratory birds.
Why We Selected This Site

To preserve a rare calcareous red cedar barren plant community, limestone woodlands, and at least ten state and globally rare plants.

What We Do Here
The rare plant communities at Nellie Hill are threatened by invasive plants, including autumn olive, black locust, privet, black swallow-wort, buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet and garlic mustard. The Nature Conservancy is implementing a model weed management program that relies heavily on volunteer involvement. Large groups of volunteers have already removed invasive species, marked trails and rebuilt an entrance kiosk.

Things To Do

Rare plants at the preserve include green milkweed, New England blazing star, Virginia false gromwell, Carolina whitlow grass, mock-pennyroyal, Torrey's mountain mint, yellow wild flax, large twayblade, and side-oats grama.

A resident pair of pileated woodpeckers make oval holes in the trunks of white ash, and you might also spot chestnut-sided warblers, white-eyed vireos, Louisiana water thrushes, woodland warblers and prairie warblers. Red foxes have been sighted at the preserve.

Plan Your Visit

This 144-acre preserve is located in Dutchess County, New York.

Directions

• Take Route 22 north toward Dover Plains.
• Pass Dutchess Route 6 and follow for another 0.25 miles.
• The parking area is off Route 22; the preserve sign is set back from road.
• Follow the path up the hill to the preserve entrance.

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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