The Schindler-Schmidt Conservation Area is a 123-acre parcel on the east side of Sugar Hill Road in the north central section of Tolland. The land was purchased in 2007. The property lies in both the Skungamaug River and Shenipsit Lake Watersheds and is located in the headwaters to Charter Marsh, an important State Wildlife Management Area; the Skungamaug is also a tributary to the Willimantic River, part of a water supply watershed for the Town.
The property contains a number of valuable resources including a mature interior Oak Hickory upland forest that has not been logged in over 90 years. There are also many hemlock and chestnut trees - a diverse forest with great habitat for wildlife. The two unique bogs provide an opportunity to view sundews and pitcher plants in their natural habitat. Cranberries were cultivated in the bog area in the 1800s.
The Palmer Conservation Area is 0.3 miles to the east on Kendall Mountain Road.
If visiting the Schindler/Schmidt Conervation Area, please be aware that the "Scenic Rock" is located on private property. At this point, visitors may not trespass. We thank you for your cooperation.
The main trailhead and parking for the Schindler-Schmidt Conservation Area is on the east side of Sugar Hill Road, near the intersection with Bakos Road. There is another access point from Kendall Mountain Road, about halfway between the intersection of Sugar Hill Road and Kendall Mountain Road in the west, and the Palmer Kendall Mountain trailhead in the east.
From Tolland Center or Route 195, take Old Stafford Road north and then turn left onto Sugar Hill Road. Keep heading north for about 1.6 miles on Sugar Hill Road, and the trailhead will be on your right, just before the intersection with Bakos Road.
From Crystal Lake, take South Road and turn left on Lord Road which becomes Sugar Hill Road. Stay on Sugar Hill Road for 1.4 miles, and the trailhead will be on your right just past the intersection with Bakos Road.
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