THE ORANGE LAND TRUST Goat Hikes, Trails, Owls and More

Goat Hikes, Trails, Owls & More

WRITTEN BY: JEANNE CONSIGLIO AND MARIA SANDILLO

Hiking, bird watching, picnicking, nature viewing are a few activities townspeople can enjoy within the magnificent open spaces maintained in conjunction with Orange Land Trust and the Orange Conservation Commission.

The Orange Land Trust (OLT) was organized and incorporated in December of 1968 as a private, 501C3 non-profit, staffed entirely by volunteers. The funds of the Orange Land Trust are the result of bequests, gifts, or donations from interested individuals and annual membership. The Orange Land Trust works in conjunction with the Orange Conservation Commission. The goal of both organizations is the acquisition, preservation, and protection of natural areas, including plants and wildlife and the unique habitats they require, within the Town of Orange. Together they are both responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and management of over 1,000 acres of open space, and 18 miles of hiking trails. OLT is a familiar entity at the Orange Country Fair with their Birds of Prey exhibit.

OPEN SPACE

The OLT currently holds 22 properties throughout the town, making a total of approximately 86 acres with a wide variety of habitats. Some parcels are under an acre, and some are over 20 acres. Several of these parcels are located adjacent to the Town of Orange conservation areas and have been developed for passive use with off-street parking, hiking trails, overlooks, and benches.

EVENTS

To raise awareness, the OLT participates in several events including the Ewen Farm Preserve Owl Prowl hosted by the Orange Conservation Commission. This year’s event drew 50 residents of all ages who followed a guide into the woods on an educational adventure in search of owls in their natural habitat. The highlight of the event was when the guide hooted with an owl and encouraged him to fly out of his tree for all to see. The group then celebrated the sighting with hot chocolate and a bonfire. It was a great way to spend time enjoying nature during the pandemic.

In preparation for the town’s Bicentennial celebration, the Land Trust hosted a trial run of a goat hike in November, 2021 at the Race Brook Tract with Kristen Sassano Gill of “Got your Goat.” To the surprise of all in attendance, Kristen arrived in a minivan filled with goats of all sizes. As the goats hopped out of the van, it was clear they were ready to hit the trails. Kids were offered goats on a leash while others walked the trails following their sure footed, able companions. Enthusiasm and interest in this event were so great, that it will be offered again on July 23, 2022 as part of the town’s Bicentennial celebration. Keep an eye out for registration information on the Orange Land Trust Facebook page (Orange CT Land Trust).

TUCKER’S RIDGE

Another favorite property is the Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge. Set along the 200 ft eastern palisade of the Housatonic River, Tucker’s Ridge offers dramatic views of the Housatonic Valley and a variety of scenery along the beautiful trails. Recently, the Land Trust invited members of the Tucker family

Photo: Jeanne Consiglio

The Goat Hike at Race Brook Tract in November of 2021.

Photo: Jeanne Consiglio

to join in a dedication of a memorial bench on the property. The bench was purchased by the Land Trust to honor Dr. Ed Tucker’s contributions to the Land Trust as president from 1983 - 2016. If you have never been to this property, now is the time to visit and explore.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

People drive by Fred Wolfe Park, Wrights Pond, Turkey Hill Preserve, Paul Ode Nature Trail, and Wepawaug Bend, but may have never visited. These and many other properties are open to the public and worth a visit. Take a hike, bring a picnic, walk your dog, bird watch, snowshoe, or photograph nature without leaving Orange. A guide to open spaces of Orange is available at Town Hall.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Land Trust awards scholarships to University of New Haven students that are studying Environmental Services and are in their Junior/ Senior year. This year, one of those scholarships was designated the Richard Wright scholarship to recognize his generous financial support of the mission of the Land Trust. There is also a scholarship named in honor of past President, Fred Kendrik (2017 - 2021).

Well-managed open space programs protect a community’s natural green infrastructure, providing places for recreation, preserving important environmental and ecological functions, and enhancing quality of life. Help the Orange Land Trust keep Orange GREEN by becoming a member.

The memorial bench located at Tucker’s Ridgea that honors Dr. Ed Tucker’s contributions to the Land Trust.

Contact Dr. Lawrence Messina (President) at OrangeCTLandTrust@ gmail.com or send a message via Facebook (Orange CT Land Trust) for membership information. 

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