The Preserve is a thousand-acre forest that stretches across Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook, one of the last and largest tracts of intact coastal forest remaining between Boston and New York.  

Studded with pristine wetlands, vernal pools The Preserve is home to a wide array of state-listed rare and threatened birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles -- and plant species. Come see why it is so valued by families, walkers, hikers, bird-watchers, and horseback riders. 

It took close to 20 years—and scores of people—to secure protection for The Preserve. But part ownership by the state of Connecticut Forestry Division has resulted in the go-ahead to log 40% of it and to start in the very center of the forest. 

Timber harvesting means access for heavy equipment and building stream crossings. Logging equipment disturbs and compacts soil vital to heathy forests and invites invasive plant seeds deeper into the forest. Forestry creates openings and edges that threaten wildlife species reliant on large forest tracts to thrive, such as the wood thrush and scarlet tanager. 

Visit this treasure before it’s too late!

Tell Governor Lamont to protect The Preserve by reclassifying it as a Natural Area Preserve, which would protect this extraordinary forest from logging for generations to come. 

If you’d like to be kept updated on the situation, email ThePreserveProtect@gmail.com.