Highstead

For those in Connecticut who cherish unspoiled nature and seek a deeper connection with the ecological wonders of New England, Highstead in Redding offers an truly exceptional experience. More than just a traditional botanical garden, Highstead is a vibrant 100+ acre preserve and a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to inspiring curiosity, building knowledge, and advancing sound stewardship practices for plants and wooded landscapes. Founded in 1982, this remarkable property encompasses a diverse mosaic of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, showcasing both native and cultivated plant varieties. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a peaceful environment where the focus is on ecological integrity and natural beauty. It's a place where the wildness of Connecticut's landscape is celebrated, providing a tranquil haven for quiet contemplation, nature observation, and educational exploration. While it may not have manicured flowerbeds found in typical botanical gardens, its emphasis on naturalistic landscapes and conservation sets it apart as a unique and invaluable resource for the community and beyond.

Highstead is gracefully situated at 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA. This address places it in the scenic and largely rural town of Redding, known for its commitment to preserving open space and its natural beauty. The preserve's location offers a sense of escape while remaining accessible for residents of Fairfield County and the wider Connecticut region.

Access to Highstead is designed to maintain its serene atmosphere. Visitors are generally encouraged to sign in at the Barn upon arrival, where self-guided tour brochures and other visitor resources are available. The preserve operates primarily during weekday hours, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and is typically not open on weekends or holidays, though special events like "Open Trails Days" may occur on select weekends. For group visits or specific appointments, calling ahead is recommended. While parking is available on-site, it is not explicitly detailed in size, but typically adequate for the type of visitation Highstead experiences. Important guidelines for visitors include: no dogs, bicycles, or play equipment; staying on designated paths and boardwalks; and refraining from picking plants or flowers. These rules ensure the preservation of the fragile plant environment and the quiet enjoyment of all visitors. Its location on Lonetown Road provides relatively easy navigation, and while it's tucked away, it's a worthwhile journey for those seeking genuine tranquility and natural immersion.

• Self-Guided Walking Trails: Highstead features over two miles of undulating trails winding through its 100+ acres of diverse habitats. These trails are accessible for self-guided tours, with interpretive signs and plant labels to enhance the visitor experience.

• Native Plant Collections: Visitors can explore dedicated collections of native trees and shrubs, including indigenous plants from within a 100-mile radius, and a thorough collection of Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Connecticut's state flower, for which Highstead is the International Cultivar Registration Authority.

• Educational Programs & Workshops: Highstead hosts various educational programs, including talks, demonstrations, and workshops on topics related to ecology, conservation, and land stewardship. These are often open to visitors, collaborators, and members.

• Guided Walks and Tours (by appointment or special event): While self-guided tours are standard, Highstead may offer guided tours for groups by appointment or as part of their scheduled events, providing deeper insights into the preserve's ecology and collections.

• Research & Ecological Study: Highstead serves as a hub for scientific research, conducting long-term monitoring and partnering with academic institutions to understand and enhance the regional landscape. This research informs land management practices.

• Library and Herbarium Access: The timber-frame headquarters includes a library and an herbarium with over 1,000 specimens, providing resources for those interested in deeper study of plants and conservation.

• Conservation Advocacy: Highstead actively champions land conservation throughout New England and beyond, working with regional partnerships and leading initiatives like the "Stand Up For Forests" campaign to raise awareness about the value of forest conservation.

• Unspoiled Natural Landscape: Highstead truly shines in its commitment to preserving and showcasing "unspoiled nature." The diverse blend of woodland, meadow, and wetland habitats creates a raw, authentic natural experience.

• Ponds and Aquatic Diversity: The presence of ponds adds a serene element and contributes to remarkable biodiversity. Visitors rave about the "butterfly and dragonfly diversity" around these water bodies, making it a hotspot for insect enthusiasts and photographers.

• Unique Plant Collections: Beyond typical garden displays, Highstead boasts significant collections, including rare Kalmia (Mountain Laurel) species (it's the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Kalmia), native trees and shrubs, and deciduous azaleas, offering a specialized botanical experience.

• Diverse Walking Paths: With three different length walking paths, visitors can choose an experience that suits their time and energy levels, from short strolls to longer explorations around the grounds and ponds.

• Ecological Research Focus: Highstead's role as a center for ecological research, including studies on deer Browse and forest regeneration, offers a unique educational dimension, showcasing how land stewardship informs conservation.

• The Highstead Barn and Headquarters: This timber-frame building serves as the central hub, housing a greenhouse, library, herbarium, and spaces for workshops and lectures, enriching the visitor's understanding of Highstead's mission.

• Tranquility and Peace: Consistently highlighted by visitors, the preserve offers profound peace and tranquility, providing an ideal setting for quiet contemplation and a break from the everyday.

As a non-profit conservation organization focused on land stewardship, research, and education, Highstead does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its primary "offer" to the public is the invaluable opportunity to experience its preserved natural landscapes and benefit from its educational resources, often free of charge for general visits.

However, Highstead does engage with the public through various initiatives that could be considered beneficial "offers" or opportunities:

• Open Trails Days: Highstead occasionally hosts "Open Trails Days" (e.g., typically on a Saturday in late spring), where the preserve is open to the public for self-guided tours beyond its regular weekday hours. These events often include special presentations (e.g., talks on old-growth forests, guided moss walks) that are free and open to the public, though registration may be required.

• Educational Events and Workshops: While some workshops might have a fee, many lectures, talks, and guided walks (especially during Open Trails Days) are offered free of charge, providing valuable learning opportunities.

• Online Resources and Library Access: Highstead provides a wealth of free conservation resources through its online library, including research papers, interpretive trail guides, and pamphlets on various plant collections.

To stay informed about upcoming public events, open days, or any free educational opportunities, it is highly recommended to visit Highstead's official website (highstead.net) and check their "Events" or "Visit" sections. You can also sign up for their newsletter if available, to receive direct notifications about their programs.

For more information about Highstead, including planning a visit, inquiring about programs, or supporting their conservation efforts, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA

Phone: (203) 938-8809

Mobile Phone: +1 203-938-8809 (This is the same main phone number, formatted for ease of use.)

Email: While not listed in the provided information, a general contact email such as info@highstead.net is often available on their official website (highstead.net). For specific inquiries, staff emails (e.g., gelkins@highstead.net for the Executive Director) might also be found on their "Our People" page.

Website: highstead.net (This is the primary resource for detailed information, visitor guidelines, event calendars, and more about Highstead's mission and work.)

It is always advisable to check their official website for the most current operating hours, visitor guidelines, and specific event information, as these can sometimes change.

Highstead is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Connecticut, particularly those residing in Redding and surrounding Fairfield County towns, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and educational opportunities. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that resonate deeply with community values and needs.

Firstly, for anyone craving an escape into "unspoiled nature," Highstead provides just that – a meticulously preserved landscape of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands that feels genuinely wild yet accessible. This is a rare commodity in an increasingly developed region, offering a vital space for mental and physical rejuvenation. The presence of ponds and the rich diversity of butterflies and dragonflies create a captivating environment for nature observation, whether for a seasoned enthusiast or a curious child.

Secondly, Highstead offers various lengths of walking paths, accommodating different preferences and fitness levels. This flexibility makes it ideal for a quick, invigorating stroll or a more extended, reflective hike. The "peace and tranquility" highlighted by visitors is a consistent draw, providing a serene backdrop for contemplation and stress relief.

Beyond recreation, Highstead serves as a living classroom and a hub for conservation. Its commitment to ecological research, native plant collections, and the broader "Wildlands & Woodlands" vision means that a visit is not just a walk, but an opportunity to learn about New England's ecosystems and the importance of land stewardship. This educational component adds significant value, making it a perfect spot for families, students, and anyone interested in environmental issues.

While the general operating hours are weekdays, the special "Open Trails Days" and other public events provide convenient opportunities for wider community engagement. Highstead is a local treasure that embodies Connecticut's natural heritage, offering residents a consistently peaceful, beautiful, and educational retreat right in their own backyard, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique environment that defines our region.

Highstead

127 Lonetown Rd, Redding, CT 06896, USA