By: Jeff Dickey-Chasins
Volunteer, Middlesex Land Trust
The Middlesex Land Trust 2025 Hike Series kicked off Saturday, March 15th, with a hike through Palmer Taylor Preserve. Hike leader John LeShane led a group of us on a leisurely stroll through one of the Land Trust’s largest holdings.
We set off from the Red Barn just off Middle Haddam Road. Less than a quarter mile in, we came across a scattering of snowdrops (small flowering plants with white drooping flowers), the white and green a sharp contrast with the forest’s brown leaf litter. Then John took us up Snowdrop Hill – a mound that had been sculpted into a rock garden filled with snowdrops. The summit wasn’t that high, but it allowed us to see the size of the Preserve – and a short distance away, Philosophers’ Knob, where Harry Taylor once had a cabin in the early 1900s and would host friends for “philosopher’s weekends,” where they would gather to discuss the world – and drink whiskey.
Next, we crossed the Airline Trail, following the Taylor Brook Trail. John pointed out the differences between black and yellow birches, the various invasives that are becoming all too common in Connecticut forests – such as Oriental bittersweet and burning bush – and how to estimate the age of a tree based on the distance between branch growth. We passed a big open area that had been a hay field during the Preserve’s life as a farm, and then wound our way along the trail before cutting north toward the trailhead.
We also stumbled on a Land Trust volunteer removing invasive plants. He seemed happy to take a break! The trail paralleled Taylor Brook as it neared the trailhead, just off Middle Haddam Road. John continued to quiz us on which tree was what, and I think everyone learned something – I know I did! I would encourage you to visit the Preserve if you haven’t already – it’s beautiful, and something for everyone, no matter their age or level of outdoor skills!
Don’t miss out next time! Come enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and join us for free, volunteer-led hikes on lands protected by the Middlesex Land Trust. Click here for more information.