This large preserve contains a diverse assortment of topographies and wildlife. The east side of the preserve is covered by a series of wetland areas including a red maple swamp, a shrub swamp, a marsh, a stream, and a series of linked ponds that were formed by earlier gravel mining in Ashford.
To the west of the wetlands, the land rises steeply to exposed bedrock ledges and continues on a more gentle slope through an oak-hickory forest with mature trees and a largely closed canopy. The stone walls that dot the forest provide clues to the land’s past life as a pasture, most likely used in colonial times and until World War II. Intermittent streams run from the forest in the west to the wetlands in the east.
The Rankin Preserve abuts a large town-owned parcel. Both parcels play an important role in protecting a part of the Mt. Hope River watershed, as well as the many wetland habitats associated with it.
Joshua's Trust preserves natural habitats and heritage sites in northeastern Connecticut. To learn more contact:
The trailhead is on Route 89, 0.5 miles north of the intersection of Route 44 and Route 89. Traveling north, watch for the Trust sign and a section of split rail fence on the left.
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