Great Mountain Forest

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Great Mountain Forest
Old Man McMullen Pond in Great Mountain Forest.jpg
Old Man McMullen Pond in Great Mountain Forest.
Relief map USA Connecticut.png
Red pog.svg
Location in Connecticut
Location Falls Village, Norfolk, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States
Coordinates 41°57′55.332″N73°16′14.16″W / 41.96537000°N 73.2706000°W / 41.96537000; -73.2706000 Coordinates: 41°57′55.332″N73°16′14.16″W / 41.96537000°N 73.2706000°W / 41.96537000; -73.2706000
Area6,000 acres (24 km2)
Elevation1,740 ft (530 m) Crissy Ridge (closed to public)
Established2003
Governing bodyGreat Mountain Forest Corporation (a 501c3 private operating foundation)
Website www.greatmountainforest.org

The Great Mountain Forest is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, education and awareness located in Falls Village, Connecticut in the Town of Canaan, Connecticut and Norfolk, Connecticut. Great Mountain Forest contains over 6,000 acres of wetlands and uplands, including recreational trails and private forest roads. [1]

Contents

History


Facilities, Missions and Recreation

The Great Mountain Forest administrative office is located at 200 Canaan Mountain Road, Canaan, Connecticut. The "west gate" into Great Mountain Forest is a few hundred feet to the south (and down hill) of 200 Canaan Mountain Road.

The Great Mountain Forest forestry office is located at 201 Windrow, Norfolk, Connecticut. This location is near the "east gate" into the Great Mountain Forest property.

The Great Mountain Forest is an actively managed forest including planting, thinning and harvesting operations. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings as lumber trucks regularly carry loads on the forest roads.

The Great Mountain Forest also has a conservation awareness mission, often holding educational programs for both adults and children where experts explain the natural history and habitats found on the property.

Yale Camp sign at intersection of Chattleton Road and Windrow Road Extension in Great Mountain Forest Yale Camp sign at intersection of Chattleton Road and Windrow Rd Extension in Great Mountain Forest.jpg
Yale Camp sign at intersection of Chattleton Road and Windrow Road Extension in Great Mountain Forest

Yale University's School of the Environment (formerly the School of Forestry and Environmental Science) maintains a permanent camp on the property where they hold an orientation session for incoming graduate students.

There are approximately 13 miles of forest roads as well as several miles of trails on the property which can be used for walking, running, and cross-country-skiing. Mountain biking is permitted on the forest roads but only on specifically designed trails. Horseback riding is not permitted on the property.

Hunting is permitted in specific areas and times during the year.

Boating using only Great Mountain Forest's small craft is allowed.

Research and Conservation

Porcupine just off dirt road between Old Man McMullen Pond and Wapato Pond in Great Mountain Forest Porcupine just off dirt road between Old Man McMullen Pond and Wapato Pond in Great Mountain Forest.jpg
Porcupine just off dirt road between Old Man McMullen Pond and Wapato Pond in Great Mountain Forest

The Great Mountain Forest contains large areas of mountainous highlands, wetlands and freshwater lakes and ponds.

Many varieties of flora and fauna exist in Great Mountain Forest. A 2021 census recorded 21 moose living in Great Mountain Forest.

See also


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References

  1. The Great Mountain Forest website. http://www.greatmountainforest.org/ accessed 4 September 2021