Neilmann (Town)
Ownership
The Town of Wilton owns the Neilmann parcel.
Trails
Trail surfaces are forest floor and boardwalks. Primitive boardwalks cross several wetland areas. The terrain is flat. Seasonally, high water may cover the trail.
Vernal pools support many reptile and amphibian species and help with flood activity. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin
History
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is located on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican, Mohawk, and Abenaki people. This parcel was protected in 1999 using a combination of local funds and state grant money.
Description
The 145-acre parcel is primarily wooded with wetlands and vernal pools. The woods reveal old logging roads and stumps that are clues to the land’s history. The western portion of this property encompasses part of Miller Swamp, the largest wetland in the Town of Wilton.
A fun fact is that Miller Swamp drains into the stream system that leads into Fish Creek and from there into the Hudson River. Old Gick Farm has a stream system with Delegan Brook, that travels through to Camp Saratoga and into the Snook Kill, which finally drains into the Hudson River. That means that the lands of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park are in two different watersheds!
A springtime walk along the Neilmann Parcel trails will engulf the visitor with the sounds of frogs and toads. Because of these wetlands, during certain times of the year, you may encounter mosquitoes!
A boardwalk welcomes visitors to the Neilmann parcel. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin
Uses
The Neilmann Parcel is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Unleashed dogs, dumping, unauthorized vehicles, fires, camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping are prohibited.
Directions
GPS: 43.133464, -73.682101
From the north: Take the I-87 South to Exit 16. Take a left onto Ballard Road and drive for 2.1 miles. At the traffic light, make a right onto Route 50 and drive 1.2 miles. Turn at the second left onto King Road and continue for 0.9 miles. Turn at the second right onto Ruggles Road. The parcel entrance and parking lot is on the right side of the street.
From the south: From the Wilton Mall (Exit 15 on I-87), go north on Route 50 for about 4.2 miles. Make a right onto King Road and drive for 0.9 miles. Turn at the second right onto Ruggles Road. The parcel entrance and parking lot is on the right side of the street.