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The Trails at Roaring Brook
Trails are open dawn to dusk


In 1964, the State of Connecticut assumed ownership of the 100-acre Werner farm adjacent to the Nature Center property. Through an informal arrangement with the CT Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Nature Center utilizes the Werner's Woods property as an outdoor classroom, maintaining hiking trails, bluebird boxes, and wildlife habitats. The trails are used for educational programs, as well as by the community for passive recreational activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, birding and nature photography.

In 2002, the CT DEP purchased an additional 65 acres from an abutting property owner, addition to Werner's Woods and increasing the size of this State Wildlife Refuge.

For our trail map, click here.

This refuge is home to a variety of native wildlife species – over 150 bird species have been sighted on the property. Self-guiding trail guide, trail maps, animal track cards and wildlife field guides are available in our nature store.

Our native plant butterfly and wildflower gardens as well as our birds of prey viewing area provide opportunities for visitors to view wildflowers, birds and butterflies in season.

For checklists of the animals seen at the Nature Center trails or in the vicinity, click on the following:

 

Jay Creek
(red trail)

The old quarry on the Quarry Trail
(yellow trail)

Along the Quarry Trail
(yellow trail)

The Porritt Wildflower Trail

The old dish mill dam
(light blue trail)
The old Werner barn and field at the top of the Hillside Trail
(blue trail)
Vernal pool observation deck