Photos
Description
Sprague Land Preserve
Mukluk Sprague Land Preserve
Location: 625 acres in Franklin and Sprague, CT
Parking: Small lots past 154 Holton Rd North Franklin, CT
The Sprague Land Preserve is a large and varied property along the Shetucket River. It is formerly known as the Mukluk Preserve. Most visitors to the Sprague Preserve are awed by the exceptional terrain and habitats in an otherwise unassuming area. The terrain ranges from mixed lowlands along the river to fern hillsides and hardwood ridgelines. Thanks to the Friends of the Shetucket River Valley and many other local conservation foundations the property has grown from 270 acres to approximately 625 acres with the addition of the Watson Farm and Robinson properties.
There are eleven miles on a network of hiking trails, dirt roads, and utility corridors. Along the blue trail, there is a small waterfall that runs strong after rains but slows to a trickle in the summer. There are also two other waterfalls on the property (four if you include the Shetucket River dam). All three are along the blue trail. The entire property is hilly with several steep up/downhills. There are a number of downed trees, but side paths have been created around them.
“Work with property owners, State, Friends of Shetucket, and others to acquire additional open space parcels and/or conservation easements along the Shetucket River with the goal to create a trail from Baltic Village to the Sprague Land Preserve that includes handicapped access, exercise equipment, art, education, parking, and river access.”
History:
The original 270 Mukluk Preserve was purchased in 2005. The 230-acre Watson Farm property was purchased in 2012 and the 125-acre Robinson property was added in 2016. The property has been used for many things since the early 1700’s so it is a wealth of historic and cultural artifacts, including stagecoach roads, tavern and barn foundations, ice ponds, etc.
Links:
Peter Marteka – Sprague Offers One Of Largest Preserves In Southeast Connecticut
Town of Sprague – Ride the Shetucket River
Town of Sprague – 2018 Plan of Conservation and Development
Lois Bruinooge @ The Last Green Valley