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EASTON, Conn. The 52 bird species found in the Randalls Farm Nature Preserve in Easton should be a big attraction for nature lovers, according to a survey prepared by the Aspetuck Land Trust, which dedicated the tract as public parkland Friday.
Turkey vultures and red wing blackbirds were two of the types pointed out by Bruce LePage, Aspetuck Land Trust trail steward, during a guided tour of the preserve following the dedication ceremony.
The 34-acre sanctuary was donated to the land trust by Mrs. Henry B. DuPont III, who grew up in Easton as a member of the Wheeler family, which owned some of the original Easton farmland on Hayes Street.
Im happy to have donated the land as open space," she said. "My family has always been very generous with land.
She bought the land in 1988 and originally conceived of using it to develop a town center, similar to Westons. But enough people didnt want it, she said, so she donated it to the land trust after a lengthy negotiating period with town authorities.
LePage called the Randalls Preserve, a former dairy farm, a unique property. Farm fields are difficult to come by because they grow back as forest. This property features farm fields, wetlands, a pond and forest.
Besides the bird species, he said, deer, turtles, butterflies and bees are prevalent, providing spectacular opportunities for nature and animal lovers.
When asked if dogs are allowed in the preserve, LePage said yes, indicating there are only two prohibitions motor vehicles and bikes. Horses will be allowed with permission from the land trust. They will not be permitted in certain areas because they can damage the wetlands.
Brigit Lindeberg of Easton found the preserve fascinating." "Were out of touch with nature," she said, "so its great to able to renew our relations with birds and plants.
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