Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve opens

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Overview photo of Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve by Steve Perry

On Oct. 19, the Granby Land Trust opened its newest property, the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Located at 253 Loomis Street in North Granby, the preserve was donated to the Land Trust by longtime board member Jamie Gamble

In Gamble’s vision statement for the property, he says, “This 210-acres of diverse habitat represents a unique combination of woods, wetland, open fields and ridgeline to be cherished by the creatures living here and nature lovers exploring the landscape. With the stewardship of Granby Land Trust, Inc. (GLT), I imagine this property maintaining its unique niche for generations to come. This land is being donated for the purposes of passive recreation and active preservation: to provide trails to the public for activities including hiking, exercise, leashed dog walks, picnics, education, research, and wildlife observation.”

The Granby Land Trust is exceedingly grateful to Gamble for this incredible gift, and vows to steward the property in accordance with his wishes. Gamble has created a stewardship fund to ensure both that appropriate habitats are preserved and that the property is otherwise maintained as it should be.

Peggy Shaw on the new birding platform at Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

Already, with Gamble’s support, the GLT board has overseen significant property enhancements, including two new bridges, improvements to the dam and cabin, construction of two birding platforms, and upgrades to the trails.

All are welcome to hike the preserve’s 3.5 miles of trails. The GLT has constructed a new parking lot and trail kiosk at the entrance to the preserve, at 253 Loomis Street. To protect and preserve the fragile wildlife diversity that exists on this spectacular property, dogs must be leashed at all times. Please see the trailhead kiosk for other important rules.

Newly constructed bridge at Dismal Brook. Photos by Don Shaw

To learn more or to download a map, go to granbylandtrust.org and click on Trails, then GLT Properties with Trails. You can also download a map via the Avenza app, then track your progress as you walk the trails. Due to poor cell service at Dismal Brook, we suggest downloading this map before you leave home.