People have a new way to connect with nature at The Nature Conservancy's Burnham Brook Preserve with access to an all-terrain wheelchair. Beginning Spring 2025, TNC opened up a reservation system for the wheelchair (also called a track chair) to give visitors an extra way to see the preserve's grassy fields, vibrant vernal pool, and tall and mighty trees. Current trails are accommodating the track chair and new ones are being mapped out for the future.
It’s not common to find track chairs at hiking trails, but TNC doesn’t shy away from pioneering new initiatives. And Burnham Brook itself is a symbol of new beginnings—the property was originally owned by Dr. Richard Goodwin, a TNC founder. He donated the land to TNC, along with his home, which is now the preserve’s field office.
There was a lot to do when the track chair morphed from an idea to an official addition—from assessing existing trails and finding a track chair company, to exploring a future chair’s possible functions and power. Then, once the chair was delivered, TNC got it working and made necessary adjustments.
TNC received generous funding for the chair from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and support from Athletic Brewing Company’s Two For the Trails conservation grants program for further trail development. Students from Franklin Academy in East Haddam helped with trail prep while learning about the safe use of hand tools and proper pruning techniques.
More About the Track Chair
TNC's track chair can be reserved in two-hour increments. It is located at TNC's Burnham Brook Preserve. There is an open field at the end of Dolbia Hill Road on the right, with a small parking area accessed through a break in the stone wall. A volunteer will meet you at the pavilion immediately adjacent to the parking area. NOTE: Although the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers all-terrain wheelchairs at several state parks, Burnham Brook is the only TNC preserve in Connecticut where this is offered.
FAQ
-
No, visitors must be able to self-transfer or have a companion who can assist.
Also, track chair users must store their personal belongings and medical equipment (including transfer chairs) in their own vehicle.
-
Yes, the weight limit is 300 lbs.
-
Yes, there is a handicap-accessible porta-potty.
-
Children ages of 7-18 may use the track chair when accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 7 may not control the chair on their own. A staff member or volunteer will control the chair with a remote joystick. NOTE: Only one person is allowed on the chair.
-
Yes, staff may control the track chair for you during your visit.
-
No, the track chair can be bumpy especially when navigating over rocks and sticks.
-
Consider bringing water, a hat, bug spray, snacks, proper clothing for the weather and a camera. People accompanying someone using the track chair are encouraged to wear turdy, close-toed walking shoes.
-
Due to the inherent risk posed by the track chair itself, and a concern for the safety of your pet or service animal, track chair operators are not permitted to possess pets/service animals while operating the chair. However, if it is necessary to bring your pet or service animal, they will be required to be kept under the control of an accompanying friend or caregiver.
-
Reservations are required to use the track chair. Visitors can not show up without one.
Ever reservation requires that the track chair user and any accompanying companion fill out a standard waiver form.
If you have a reservation and need to cancel it, please send an email to bbtrackchair@tnc.org to let TNC know you will not be coming.
-
TNC's all-terrain wheelchairs contain sensitive electronics that should not get wet. When inclement weather is likely, we will cancel reservations and ask that you reschedule. When unexpected inclement weather occurs during a preserve visit, the group must make its way back to the preserve field office immediately. While we understand it can be frustrating to have plans change due to rain, we also want to ensure that our chairs remain operational and functional, and that your experience is enjoyable.
-
There are currently 1.2 miles of trails available to visit. These pass through open fields and the surrounding forest. There are a variety of birds and plants to observe and different habitats, including a vernal pool. A vista trail is being planned for the future.
Track Chair Safety Guidelines
Safety of TNC's all-terrain wheelchair (AKA track chair) users, companions, volunteers and staff is our highest priority. Each track chair user must follow these guidelines:
- Turn off the controls before entering or exiting the chair.
- Note the listed weight limit for the track chair is 300 lbs.
- Always use the lap belt and 4-point harness.
- Only one person is allowed on the track chair at a time.
- Stay on designated trails at all times.
- Avoid slopes greater than 20 degrees by staying on designated trails.
- Be cautious on inclines.
- Approach obstacles such as rocks and roots at an angle and not head-on.
- Avoid trying to go over large obstacles (rocks, logs, etc.) between the chair’s tracks. This can damage the undercarriage and or cause the chair to get stuck.
- Controls should not be exposed to rain. In case of inclement weather during your visit, you will be asked to return to the parking area.
- Do not attempt to climb stairs—natural or otherwise.
- Do not submerge the track chair or attempt to cross standing water where depth cannot be readily determined.
- Minors under 18 years of age are not permitted to use the track chair unaccompanied.
- For everyone's safety, including safety for petx or service animalx, pets/service animals are not allowed on the track chair. TNC recommends leaving them home when possible, but if they must accompany a user, they must be under the control of the companion/friend or family member.
- A TNC staff member or volunteer will accompany you on your visit for safety purposes.
People who reserve the track chair at TNC's Burnham Brook Preserve, and their companion(s), must fill out a waiver when they arrive for their reservation. Preview the waiver ahead of time below.
All-Terrain Wheelchair
The Nature Conservancy's staff tests out an all-terrain wheelchair before making it available at the Burnham Brook Preserve.
Thanks to your support, The Nature Conservancy protects critical lands and waters in Connecticut.
More Connecticut Stories
Long Island Sound Program
The Nature Conservancy works across three states to protect and restore the Long Island Sound for people and nature.
Connecticut Conservation News
Get highlights about The Nature Conservancy's conservation wins in Connecticut.
Connecticut Places We Protect
Learn more about the places that The Nature Conservancy protects in Connecticut.