SNEAK PEEK: THE YEAR AHEAD

Steep Rock is poised for an incredible year in 2023. Among our highest priorities include completing the acquisition of 206 acres adjacent to Hidden Valley Preserve, which will increase the size by 26%. Stewardship projects will focus on a new 0.5 mile trail at Hillside Farm, completing the stone steps to the Macricostas Lookout, and culvert replacement and trail upgrades at Steep Rock Preserve. We will continue protecting nature through our community science initiatives surveying for dragonflies, monitoring the pollinator meadow, and checking nest boxes. In 2023 we will reach an incredible milestone: celebrating the 15th season of Judea Garden, growing and distributing fresh organic vegetables to food banks and residents, as well as continue offering a variety of programs, events, and activities for you to enjoy. And finally, our work continues on the Steep Rock Campus at Macricostas Preserve, a hub for conservation, education, and recreational activities in Washington and the Litchfield Hills. We couldn’t accomplish these efforts without generous supporters like you. Thank you for your investment in land preservation, conservation, helping neighbors in need, and inspiring our continued efforts.

See you on our trails…

Brian Hagenbuch, Ph.D.
Executive Director

 

Featured Highlights

Stone Steps

Steep Rockers 

Steep Rock is extremely grateful for the efforts of its newest volunteer group – the “Steep Rockers”—who are specially trained in trail-related stonework. The group is currently building a set of 36 stone steps on a highly eroded section of Meeker Trail leading up to the Lookout. Volunteers hand split, haul, and shape the stone using little but hand tools, sweat, and grit. Check out a video of their work  >video

#SteepRockLove stories

During #ValentinesDay week (February 12-18), we’re sharing #SteepRockLove stories. Let us know what you love about our preserves with the hashtag #SteepRockLove! 

"Steep Rock is my happy place and when I need calm or renewal I head right to the river! So glad it's there." --Nancy & Dave 

Bird House at Macricostas Preserve

Tax-Efficient Ways To Help Nature  

Do you have a traditional IRA and are interested in tax-savvy ways to help nature? If you are 70½ years of age or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Steep Rock and receive tax benefits in return. You can give any amount up to $100,000 per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity like ours without having to pay income tax on the money. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover or qualified charitable distribution (QCD). >more 

 

Upcoming Events

Steep Rock Preserve: Tunnel Road Bridge Closure in 2023

In 2023, the Town of Washington will be replacing the Tunnel Road Bridge over the Shepaug River. The bridge will be closed from April 1 --November 1. There will be no parking or access to Steep Rock preserve on the west side of the bridge coming from River Road or Lower Church Hill Road. The only access to Steep Rock Preserve will be on Spring Hill Road off Route 199/Roxbury Road. All equestrian access and SR1 and SR2 campsites will be closed for the 2023 season. We apologize for the inconvenience and welcome you to visit our other preserves open to the public. Please contact SRA if you have questions.

Equinox Fire Pit and Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
March 20, 2023, 5:00pm

The Spring equinox is on Monday, March 20th. Another new season, another celebration! Please stay tuned for on our Instagram, Facebook, and Events and Programs Page upcoming details on our Firepit Party. 

 
If you appreciate how we protect nature and turn residents into neighbors on our trails, make Steep Rock your first gift of 2023. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279, Washington Depot, Connecticut 06794
860-868-9131  •   info@steeprockassoc.org

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