Nature Conservancy To Offer Free Guided Hikes At Devil’s Den Preserve

**News Release Submitted by The Nature Conservancy**

July 12, 2023

The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut (TNC) announced that free guided hikes will be offered to the public on July 22 at its Devil’s Den/Lucius Pond Ordway Preserve in Weston. Hikes will last approximately two hours (with breaks) and follow a moderately difficult five-mile loop. Anyone interested in taking part can find details and register at forms.office.com/r/EBXEpjZ6MJ.

The guided hikes will be led by preserve staff member Ben Croll, who will be sharing his knowledge about Devil’s Den’s historic and ecological significance, and elements of TNC’s work in the region. Attendees will also learn how to safely navigate the trails of Devil’s Den, including how to use the new digital kiosk.

The route will follow alongside the West Branch of the Saugatuck River system and include the Spoonwood trail which is on the preserve’s newest acreage. Said Croll, "I'm excited to show off some of the newest parts of Devil's Den. This is a very special place; I love being able to share that with people and exploring where we fit into nature."

The Devil’s Den preserve covers more than 1800 acres in Fairfield County’s Saugatuck Forest Lands and is an important part of southwest Connecticut’s largest remaining contiguous forest. The diverse landscape of the preserve is home to numerous varieties of plants and animals and will provide important habitat for native species that have to move in response to the effects of climate change.

More information on the preserve and how to visit can be found in English and Spanish at nature.org/DevilsDen.