Conserved Land In Bridgewater
New Public Trails In The Works
There are four non-profit organizations permanently protecting land in Bridgewater. Some of the preserved land is strictly for conservation and is closed to the public, some are “working lands” leased to farmers. Two organizations, the Bridgewater Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy, also offer public access for passive recreation. See the conservation map below.
In 2023, the BWLT officially opened Tappen Brook Trails, thanks to a long-term lease agreement with Eversource Energy. This new network connects to existing Nature Conservancy trails and includes stretches above and along Lake Lillinonah. The BWLT is excited to offer improvements at Tappen Brook Trails including additional trails to explore in 2024. The expansion is due to the generosity of the Witkin family who has offered a passive recreational trail easement through their 60 acre parcel located along Hemlock Road. This land connects to open space parcels owned by the Nature Conservancy and the Bridgewater Land Trust.
Part of this expansion will include a 5K Course (3.1 miles) that will start and end at the Bridgewater Town Park. The course will feature gentle slopes with an elevation gain of 328 feet. Along the way, you will see old growth forest, numerous stone walls, glacial erratics, vernal pools and several water courses. Mile markers will be visible every 1/2 mile. Christian Feuer, president of the BWLT, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to offer this experience to the entire community. What could be better than a healthy outdoor activity through beautiful Bridgewater land.”
The trails can be accessed from the Bridgewater Town Park at the end of Tappen Road.
