Sunny Valley Preserve

Hours

Dawn to dusk; office hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Conditions

About 450 acres of the preserve are in active agriculture, and 1,200 acres consist of natural lands. There are 13 miles of recreational hiking trails and farm observation sites.

What to See: Plants

Sunny Valley Preserve comprises a variety of terrain along both sides of the Housatonic River Valley, including large stands of hemlock and mixed second growth hardwood forest.

What to See: Animals

Migratory species such as the worm-eating warbler, cerulean warbler, northern goshawk and scarlet tanager have found a secure nesting place in Sunny Valley's forests. The preserve's grasslands and a wide range of vegetation also provide habitat for such species as the Eastern meadowlark, bobolink, American kestrel, and Cooper's hawk, which are known to be declining in the Northeast.

Discover the butterflies and moths at the 6-acre butterfly field, which is maintained with plantings to attract a multitude of species. Download the guide to the butterfly field.

Please enjoy your visit to this preserve. The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study, butterfly observation 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, carry out everything you brought in, and contact our office at 860-355-3716 or lshail@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. We do allow dogs on our hiking trails; all dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pet.