Pole Bridge Preserve
Introduction
Pole Bridge Preserve is a 78 acre habitat for wildlife, plants and birds, with parking and trails that provide recreational opportunities for residents. The property has the potential to be part of a larger greenway/trail system with future links to Connecticut’s Upper & Lower Paugussett State Forests.
Public Access
The best way to access the preserve is to walk up the old woods road off Pole Bridge Road. There are also neighborhood accesses (a marked narrow right-of-way easements off Fox Hollow and Bristle Lane cul-de-sacs, and a pedestrian easement off Brandywine Lane). Please be sure to respect homeowners’ property lines.
Description and Special Features
Wildlife found at Pole Bridge includes fox, coyote, whitetail deer, skunks, rabbits. Red-shouldered hawks and other raptors, short-eared owls, savannah sparrow, chickadee, cardinal, tufted titmouse, northern flicker and junco have been observed; as well as eastern box turtle, salamanders and native brook trout.
Geological features include glacial till soils, rock outcroppings, wetlands, streams, vernal pools, charcoal mounds, forests and meadows are part of this preserve. It sits within the Housatonic River Watershed and is located less than one mile from Lake Zoar. More than 80% of the property drains directly into Pole Bridge Brook, a Class “A” rated watercourse.
Trees and vegetation consist of a variety of hardwood and softwood forests are noted in this preserve (Hemlock, Black, Red and White Oak, Black Birch, White Ash, Hickory, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Bigtooth Aspen, and Black Cherry). The diverse understory includes tree seedlings, hay-scented ferns, arrow wood, green briar, and several invasive species.
Geological features include glacial till soils, rock outcroppings, wetlands, streams, vernal pools, charcoal mounds, forests and meadows are part of this preserve. It sits within the Housatonic River Watershed and is located less than one mile from Lake Zoar. More than 80% of the property drains directly into Pole Bridge Brook, a Class “A” rated watercourse.
Trees and vegetation consist of a variety of hardwood and softwood forests are noted in this preserve (Hemlock, Black, Red and White Oak, Black Birch, White Ash, Hickory, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Bigtooth Aspen, and Black Cherry). The diverse understory includes tree seedlings, hay-scented ferns, arrow wood, green briar, and several invasive species.
History and Acquisition
Purchased in 2002, Pole Bridge was a prioritized parcel obtained under Newtown’s Open Space Acquisition Program. The preserve now consists of 78 acres. This land has a history of multiple uses such as agriculture, poultry and cattle farming, mineral and fossil prospecting, charcoal production, and firewood harvesting.
The preserve’s dedication was held on May 31, 2003. It includes: 34 Pole Bridge Road, which was purchased with help of a 50% matching grant from the State. The purchase was supported by the Town, the Open Space Task Force and the Trust for Public Lands. Additional acreage at 52 Pole Bridge Road was obtained by the Town as part of the Fox Hollow Lane development in 1979. Smaller parcels at 15 Bristle Lane and off Jeremiah Road were obtained by the Town as part of the Feather Meadow subdivision in 1987/1989.
The preserve’s dedication was held on May 31, 2003. It includes: 34 Pole Bridge Road, which was purchased with help of a 50% matching grant from the State. The purchase was supported by the Town, the Open Space Task Force and the Trust for Public Lands. Additional acreage at 52 Pole Bridge Road was obtained by the Town as part of the Fox Hollow Lane development in 1979. Smaller parcels at 15 Bristle Lane and off Jeremiah Road were obtained by the Town as part of the Feather Meadow subdivision in 1987/1989.
About the CommissionThe Newtown Conservation Commission is dedicated to the acquisition, preservation and protection of 2,000 acres of town-owned open space. In addition, the Commission is actively working to encourage healthy habitats and increase the diversity of our native wildlife and vegetation.
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3 Primrose Street Newtown, CT 06470 (203) 270-4276 |