DOROTHY MAIER PRESERVE

The 32 acres making up the Dorothy Maier Preserve were donated to the Warren Land Trust (“WLT”) in 2001 by a generous group of townspeople.  This wooded parcel is situated on a rocky, northeast-facing slope, abutting a large wetland complex which is part of the Lake Waramaug watershed. In 2003, the property was named after Dorothy Maier, afounder and longtime President of the Warren Land Trust.  Dorothy was a passionate advocate for the environment, as well as an active and engaged member of the Warren community at large. 

The Hiking Trail

The Dorothy Maier Preserve was the first WLT holding to be marked with a trail. In honor of our 30th anniversary, the trail was recently extended to a 1.5 miles round trip loop and, although there are some steeper sections, it is navigable by schoolchildren and those seeking an easy to moderate hiking experience.  The trailhead is located on Sackett Hill Road, across the street from the Warren School.

Along the way, hikers will find a range of indigenous plant and wildlife species,as well as curious historical artifacts such as a saw blade embedded in a tree trunk! The tree canopy consists of oak, varieties of birch, tulip tree, and American beech. Beneath that canopy are witch hazel, highbush blueberry, winterberry, spicebush, and abundant mountain laurel. The trail and the many rocky ledges along the way are lined with emerald green mosses,ferns, and mushrooms during the summer and early fall months.  Look out for New York ferns, Solomon’s Seal, wild sarsaparilla, ground pine, partridge berries and Indian pipes; to name just a few of the plants to be found that are native to the region.