Macricostas Preserve @jojogentry Welcome to our new series recognizing the wonderful local nonprofit organizations that play such a major role in contributing to the wellbeing of our Washington community.
One of Washington’s most beloved organizations is the Steep Rock Association, which preserves and manages four nature preserves and over 47 miles of recreational trails in Washington. The preserves, which are open to visitors in every season, include incredible scenery, splendid natural elements, and panoramic views for thousands of visitors each year.
Steep Rock Association is a nationally accredited land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes and riparian corridors in and around Washington, Connecticut and to enhance the community’s connection to nature through outreach, education, and passive recreation.
The history of Steep Rock began with the renowned American architect Ehrick Rossiter, who became incredibly fond of the natural landscape of Washington and purchased 100 acres of the Steep Rock reservation in the spring of 1889. After 36 years of ownership, Rossiter then donated the land to a carefully chosen group of trustees in 1925 to ensure the preservation of the land that he became so fond of.
In 1961, Steep Rock was formally incorporated as a land trust and increased its property to about 650 acres. Over time, more land and elements were added to the land trust, including the Hidden Valley footbridge, the boardwalks and trails of Macricostas Preserve, the Judea Garden, and more. Today, the Judea Garden, supported by dedicated volunteers, grows thousands of pounds of produce each season for those in need. Most recently, the Steep Rock Association acquired the Johnson Farm Preserve consisting of 52-acres of agricultural fields, sunny meadows, open forests, and 1.25 miles of hiking trails. Today, Steep Rock Association’s preserves include over 2,800 acres of land, with an additional 2,700 acres held in easements.
Today, Steep Rock Association oversees four unique preserves and over 47 miles of hiking trails for all to enjoy. Learn more about the features of each of the preserves below:
Hiking in the winter by @hanvansickle The Steep Rock Preserve is located at 2 Tunnel Road in Washington Depot and features:
@leahshiloh The Hidden Valley Preserve is located at 198 Bee Brook Road in Washington Depot and features:
@christopherivey Macricostas Preserve is located at 124 Christian Street in New Preston and features:
@steeprockassociation Johnson Farm is located at 37 West Mountain Road in Washington and features:
Judea Garden is half an acre of gardens filled with tomatoes, beans, squash, potatoes and more, all grown with the help of an amazing team of volunteers and supporters. The garden will be entering its 14th season and produces thousands of pounds of produce for members of the community each year.
Steep Rock Association hosts many interesting events for the community throughout the year. Here are a few upcoming events:
The Steep Rock Association’s preserves are open year-round. To learn more about the Steep Rock Association’s latest news and events, visit steeprockassoc.org and follow them at @steeprockassociation.
