In May, the Town of Bethany purchased 50.88 acres of undeveloped land from the Simpson family using monies from two grants written by the Land Trust: one from the State of Connecticut’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program and the other from Audubon Connecticut In-lieu Fee Program.
While owned by the town, the Simpson Preserve will be managed by the Bethany Land Trust per a stipulation in one of the grants. Partnering with the town, the Land Trust has begun developing a management plan, identifying unique natural features, presence of resident animals and plants, habitat, locations for potential trails, invasive species, and restoration needs to repair areas of erosion associated with previous use.
So far, multiple habitat types have been identified, including headwaters for tributaries of Hockanum Brook, streams, wetlands, steep to moderate slopes and upland forest. Habitat features include large trees for nesting raptors; cavity trees for sheltering wildlife; rock outcrops which offer shelter for small mammals and possibly unusual plants; oak and hickory trees which provide hard mast.
There are vernal pools present that fill with water during the wetter times of the year and dry up during the warmer, drier months. They provide unique habitat for several species and are where frogs lay their eggs.
Walk this wonderful preserve to see some of its natural features for yourself and help us by becoming an advocate for its restoration. You can access the trails either from the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot or from the end of either Northrup Road or Lebanon Road.
