Clean-Up Day At The Patricia Sprague Forest Preserve

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UPDATE: This cleanup was canceled and has been replaced with a clean-up at Schoolhouse Pond Preserve also at 9:00 a.m.

When: Saturday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Preserve parking lot on Railroad Ave. in Carolina
What: Join with the Charlestown Conservation Commission to help them maintain this beautiful property.

Patricia Sprague Forest Preserve is owned by the Town of Charlestown with a conservation easement held by the Charlestown Land Trust. Visit charlestownlandtrust.org to find out more about the Charlestown Land Trust. Visit the town’s website to learn more about the Charlestown Conservation Commission.

If you need one, the Conservation Commission can provide a volunteer hour letter for doing this work.

If you have questions, please contact Lynn Macalister, Commission Chair, at lynnandmitch@yahoo.com

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

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 designated by the U.S. Congress as a National 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.
  • 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.