preserves

Escape From Isolation and Enjoy The Fresh Air at Open Land Conservancy Preserves

You have likely been inundated with emails and news reports about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact throughout the region. Most businesses are closed and you are being encouraged to stay isolated at home.
Open Land Conservancy nature preserves and their miles of beautiful trails are OPEN! More families are taking advantage of being outside, enjoying a walk in nature, some fresh air, and a break from the relentless news. We all know that being outside in nature can reduce your stress and fear, and the exercise can boost your immune system.

We encourage you to come visit our nature preserves. Check out our web site for directions and trail maps. https://www.openlandconservancy.org

Also, please check out the CDC web site for updated guidance about COVID-19 to govern your own decision making. We certainly encourage all to follow best practices to protect yourself and others:

  • Practice social distancing in the great outdoors - don't gather in large groups and keep at least six feet from one another

  • Keep your dogs on a leash and away from others at all times, and pick up after your dog

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after visiting an OLC nature preserve

  • Take hand sanitizer with you and use it if you touch another person or a brochure holder

  • Avoid touching your face, eyes and nose

  • Please stay home if you are sick or showing symptoms of illness or if you are in a high-risk category with a medical condition

We recognize that this situation is evolving and we will abide by the guidance that we receive from state and local public health officials. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue enjoying nature in this challenging time. Fresh air, sunshine and outdoor activity are as important now as ever.

George Lorimer Preserve - 88 acres of meadows, woods, ponds, stream, and extensive trail system are managed to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife in a beautiful rural setting. Parking lot on North Valley Road

George Lorimer Preserve - 88 acres of meadows, woods, ponds, stream, and extensive trail system are managed to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife in a beautiful rural setting. Parking lot on North Valley Road


Thank you for your support of Open Land Conservancy in our mission to save open space, care for nature and connect people to the outdoors. We are gratified by the number of local residents who have recently joined OLC as members and made $80 donations in celebration of our 80th birthday. We are an all-volunteer organization and depend on your support to keep our trails open.

OLC 2020 Birding Blitz Series- May event Cancelled

Please note the May event has been cancelled.

BioBlitz

Citizen Science Guided Walks June 13 2020, 9:00am-12noon

Free Event, Rain or shine!

Come join us for the first BioBlitz at the Lorimer Preserve! Help our experts observe and record flora and fauna species observed during our themed one-hour walks around the Preserve.

A “BioBlitz” is a snap shot survey technique used by scientists in the field to quickly assess an environments health. We will record our findings using the iNaturalist mobile app. There will be environmental experts to guide participants on each themed walk. Our findings will influence how OLC Preserves are managed in the future.

Citizen Science is a great way to Learn About and Give Back to the natural environment. No experience or registration required and all ages welcome.

We recommend you down load the iNaturalist mobile app on your phone before our walks.

Themed walks: 

  • Plants 

  • Insects 

  • Amphibians/ Mammals

Questions please inquire through our website.

Photo credit to Rick Bunting, Photographer & Birder

Photo credit to Rick Bunting, Photographer & Birder

Time:

All walks 7:30 AM - Noon

Location:

Meet at Lorimer Preserve Parking Lot Parking limited, carpooling encouraged.

Walk Dates: 

1. February 29th  

2. May 10th - CANCELLED

3. June 13, 2020

4. September 12th

Walk Sites in order

1. Lorimer Preserve

2. Valley Creek Preserve

3. Cool Valley Preserve

4. Cedar Hollow Preserve

5. Miller Preserve