Grand Opening Of The Patricia Sprague Forest Preserve

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When: Sunday, August 26, at 2PM
Where: Meet at the Preserve’s Railroad Ave Parking lot in Carolina
What: The parking lot is complete, the trails are marked, the Preserve is now open
Who: Join the Charlestown Conservation Commission and the Charlestown Land Trust for the grand opening of this beautiful preserve to the public

Take a 3 minute video tour of the property by clicking below

Hikers can now access the property’s trail system from the parking lot on Railroad Avenue in the village of Carolina. The trail system will provide hiking opportunities year round.

The 27 acre property contains a floodplain forest, vernal pools, and approximately 1600 feet of frontage on the Pawcatuck River. The Pawcatuck River has been nominated for Federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River. The Wild and Scenic River designation recognizes the presence of plant and animal species of national significance. The Pawcatuck River is also one of South County’s most important public recreational attractions.

  • The section of the Pawcatuck River that flows through this property is rated as “Pristine”.
  • The land is a hummocky glaciated landscape of high relief that contains a three-acre meadow adjacent to the river and a one-acre hay field bordered by a few old apple trees, in addition to oak forests and a variety of wetlands.
  • The steep slopes near the river contain unique glacial features.
  • Preservation of this property preserved a long stretch of the riverfront and protected the “wild and scenic” experience of those who travel the river by canoe and kayak.
  • Existing trails through the property include an old farm road and trails through forest and around fields.
  • There are also trails along the river and trails to the bluffs overlooking the river. There is dry access to the river and views of the river from different points.

The property was purchased by the Town of Charlestown with $341,250.00 from the town’s open space bond fund. The remainder of the purchase price was donated by the Charlestown Land Trust with a $258,750.00 RIDEM grant that they won for this property. To ensure that the property is always managed for wildlife protection and public access, RIDEM and the Charlestown Land Trust jointly hold a conservation easement.