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Places We Protect

Burnham Brook Preserve

Connecticut

Burnham Brook Preserve Burnham Brook Preserve is home to a wide variety of oaks, hickory, beech, birch, maple, and conifers. © David Gumbart

This large forested preserve protects the headwaters of the Eightmile River.

Viewing

Overview

Description

Situated  on 1,122 acres, The Nature Conservancy's Burnham Brook Preserve is key to conserving the local waterway for which it is named, as well as Strong Brook and the headwaters of Eightmile River, key watersheds located within within the Tidelands of the Connecticut River region. As a result, TNC has worked with landowners and partners to expand the preserve whenever possible through acquisitions and conservation easements with positive outcomes. 

The preserve’s section of the Eightmile River is a classic Atlantic salmon habitat in nearly pristine condition. It also serves as a remarkable oasis for birds, wildlife and people in East Haddam. 

Burnham Brook Preserve also hosts the home of Dr. Richard Goodwin, one of the original founders of TNC in 1951. The historical building currently operates as a field office for TNC, Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee, and the East Haddam Land Trust. Together, these organizations work to ensure public access to miles of trails, engage with local residents, and seek new opportunities to protect and manage valuable open space.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hours

open year-round, dawn to dusk

Wheelchair Accessible

An all-terrain wheelchair (AKA track chair) can be reserved.

Highlights

hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study, cross-country skiing and other passive recreation

Size

1,122 acres

Explore our work in Connecticut

Visit

  • More than 180 bird species have been sighted on the preserve. This large and varied property also includes a wide variety of oaks, hickory, beech, birch, maple and conifers, as well as a mountain laurel and other shrubs, and many herbs and wildflowers.

    • Stay on designated trails. 
    • Bring out out everything you brought into the preserve.
    • To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are prohibited: collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling and use of motorized vehicles.
    • Pets are not allowed at the Burnham Brook Preserve.

  • Contact The Nature Conservancy’s Connecticut office 860-355-3716 or lshail@tnc.org with questions or concerns.

Burnham Brook Sightings

This preserve features forests, diverse wildlife and much more!

Dark waters flow through a green forest.
A fallen tree is surrounded by a forest boasting colorful fall leaves.
Pink and white flowers bloom on a branch.
A man wearing a hat and a vest navigates the outdoors with an all-terrain wheelchair.
Dark waters flow through a green forest.

Eightmile River, CT 2: View of river and trees bordering the water of the Eightmile River in Burnham Brook, East Haddam CT © David Gumbart/TNC

A fallen tree is surrounded by a forest boasting colorful fall leaves.

Burnham Brook Preserve: Burnham Brook Preserve is home to a wide variety of oaks, hickory, beech, birch, maple, and conifers. © David Gumbart

Pink and white flowers bloom on a branch.

Mountain Laurel: Mountain laurel typically blooms from late May to mid-June. © David Gumbart / TNC

A man wearing a hat and a vest navigates the outdoors with an all-terrain wheelchair.

All Terrain Wheelchair: A visitor tests the new all-terrain wheelchair at The Nature Conservancy's Burnham Brook Preserve in Connecticut. © The Nature Conservancy

Thanks to your support, The Nature Conservancy protects critical lands and waters throughout Connecticut.

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