Center Groton Preserve

The property is an important component of a moderate-sized, unfragmented, core forest block, comprising more than 250 acres with areas greater than 350 feet from roads and development. Core forest is critical for conservation of deep-forest-dependent wildlife species. Protection of this property extends protection of high-value wildlife habitats identified at GOSA’s Avery Farm and Candlewood Ridge preserves. The property features a high ridge trail, scenic rock features, historic stone structures, 14 acres of forested wetlands, wildlife-productive vernal pools, a mall waterfall, and two streams flowing toward the Ledyard Reservoir, which is a part of the Groton Reservoir system, and on to Long Island Sound. The property contributes to Groton’s climate resiliency by filtering drinking water resources, providing cool shade, and storing large amounts of carbon. The wetlands provide water storage and flood control, along with drought relief through ground water recharge.