In conjunction with the Connecticut Mountain Laurel Chapter of Wild Ones and the Colchester Garden Club
DESCRIPTION: Cohen Woodlands is a 206-acre natural open space acquired by the Town of Colchester from the family of Rubin H. Cohen in 2001 with two additional acquisitions in subsequent years. The property is certified as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. The property is largely forested, with a variety of wetlands, but the central area contains two large fields and two manmade ponds separated by McDonald Road.
We will explore a stretch of pond shoreline, then follow the blue trail through mixed deciduous forest. Tree species previous recorded include American beech, American hornbeam, white oak, red oak, unidentified oak species, sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch, shagbark hickory, and unidentified hickory species. White pines were planted near both ponds. The trail passes stone walls and an old barn foundation, then becomes swampy lowland forest where it parallels Cabin Brook before exiting the woods near McDonald Road. If time permits, we will botanize the woodland edge and large open field from a mowed path along its edge. The total distance is less than 1.5 miles on mostly level terrain that may be wet in areas. A partial plant list will be provided, but the goal is to develop a more comprehensive list of herbaceous and small woody plants that will be used to help prioritize conservation needs for the park’s native plant communities.
The park has a gazebo, picnic tables in the shade and two portable toilets near the parking area. For a downloadable brochure with trail map and park rules, click here.
This event is cosponsored by Wild Ones and the Colchester Garden Club, whose members are interested in learning more about the diversity of native and introduced plants that may be found in Cohen Woodlands.
LEADERS: Gail Reynolds gail.reynolds@uconn.edu and Lydia Pan lcpan01@gmail.com. Questions on the day of the trip, call/text Lydia at 860-383-3580.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING. The property is located at 96 McDonald Rd, Colchester which can be accessed from rte 354 (Parum Road) or Marvin Road (off of rte 85 or rte 354)
(NOTE: If using GPS, avoid Dutton Rd, which is narrow and partially unpaved.) The unpaved parking area is in front of the large field adjoining the Butterfly/Pollinator Garden. Meet at the gazebo.