T R O U
T B R O O K V A L L E
Y C O N S E R V A T I O N A R E
A T R A I L M A P
A DOZEN OF THE ASPETUCK LAND
TRUST'S
WESTON PRESERVES - WALK MAPS, CLICK HERE
NEWS:
This
is the first parcel in Weston that the Aspetuck Land Trust received -
and it is very quiet and peaceful.
Weston preserve offers honey
of a hike
Greenwich TIME
By Scott
Gargan, Special Correspondent
Article Launched: 08/21/2008
01:00:00 AM EDT
Editor's note: This is the latest in an occasional series on area
hiking venues.
Just two miles from Cannondale train station, on the northern part of
an egg-shaped hill, lies Honey Hill Preserve, a 38-acre open space park
that supports an array of diverse plant life within a relatively small
area. Owned by the Aspetuck Land Trust, the preserve features three
interconnecting loop trails with plants ranging from white pine to
several distinct species of fern.
Parking is scarce at the preserve entrance on Wampum Hill Road (just
two narrow spaces). If the spots are taken, park along Honey Hill Road
or the cul-de-sac at the end of Mayapple Road and head north to the
preserve entrance (found just over the Wilton border in Weston).
Walk along the shaded pathway that leads into the park and bear right
on the white trail (designated by a white arrow). Follow the path north
to the center of the park and pass the entrance to the salmon-colored
trail. On the left is a majestic white pine forest - its uniformity and
patterned structure offer a striking contrast to the diversity and
sporadic arrangement of the park's majority hardwoods.
After crossing through a four-way intersection, head north into the
park, while observing the scattered rocks and bright-green ferns that
blanket the landscape. Stay on the white trail as it loops around the
northeast section of the preserve and south to where it meets the red
trail (there are several unmarked trails that connect to private
properties). Try identifying the various hardwoods - including oaks,
maples, tulip, poplar and black birch - that populate the area.
Proceed left onto the red trail, built along a section of old farmland
at the foot of a steep slope. Along the beginning stretch, observe the
growth of vegetation on each side - on the right, abutting private
property and former farmland, there is scant regrowth; on the left,
there are large oak trees, suggesting unspoiled terrain. Walk along the
red trail and observe the ferns and trifoliate plants surrounded by
stone walls.
After the red trail loop, make a left to return to the white trail,
which curves sharply to the right before meeting the salmon-colored
trail. Proceed on that trail and turn right onto the yellow trail
heading west. The terrain, typical of Fairfield County uplands,
descends into a murky swamp that forms part of the headwaters of
Mayapple Brook (a tributary of the Norwalk River).
The yellow trail continues uphill and crosses into Wilton before
looping back around to an opening in a stone wall. Visitors can hang a
right on the yellow trail and return to the marshlands (leading back to
Wampum Hill Road) or enter one of the two unmarked trails that lead to
municipal-use property owned by the Town of Weston.
Follow the trail on the right along a steep ridge that features some
impressive rock formations on the left and sweeping views of the
surrounding area on the right (portion takes an extra 30 minutes).
Proceeding north, the trail eventually comes to rows of humming
electrical lines. A distant horn from a Danbury bound train car can be
heard echoing against the surrounding woodland.
*
location: Honey Hill Preserve
entrance: Wampum Hill Road, Weston; northwestern portion crosses into
Wilton
topography: Rocky, slightly hilly terrain
land area: 38 acres
duration of hike: Approximately 1.5 hours; short, easy hike ideal for
families
rules & regulations: Open daily during daylight hours; dogs are
allowed off leash; private property surrounding park restricted from
access; remain on marked trails
Conservation
easements; Tax incentives expire soon
Weston FORUM
Oct 8, 2007
Landowners
who are considering establishing conservation easements on some of
their land are advised to act before the end of the year in order to
qualify for increased federal tax incentives.
Bruce LePage, executive director of
Aspetuck Land Trust (ALT), announced that the law passed by Congress
last year approving a “tremendous expansion” of the federal tax
incentives for conservation easement donations expires on Dec. 31.
The new law, Mr. LePage explained,
“raises the deduction landowners receive for such donations from 30% of
their adjusted gross income to 50% and extends the carry forward period
for donors to take tax deductions for voluntary conservation easements
from six to 16 years. In addition, it allows qualifying farmers and
ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income,” he added.
Mr. LePage warned, however, that the
increased tax incentives apply only to easements donated in 2006 and
2007. He pointed out that this legislation applies to donations of
easements only, not to land donations.
“ALT and other land trusts
throughout the country are working to make these increased tax
incentives permanent,” he added.
Those who have questions about the
new regulations may phone Mr. LePage at 372-2785.
Aspetuck Land Trust is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining open space in
Weston, Easton, Fairfield, and Westport. Since its founding in 1966,
the trust has preserved for public recreational use nearly 2,000 acres
of land in the four towns.
For more information, visit
www.aspetucklandtrust.org.
