Pawling Nature Reserve

Pawling
Nature Reserve
Country	USA
State	New York
Region	Hudson Valley
County	Dutchess
Town	Pawling
Landmark	Hammersby Ridge
Location	Main entrance
- elevation	800 ft (244 m)
- coordinates	41°36′10″N 73°33′37″W / 41.60278°N 73.56028°WCoordinates: 41°36′10″N 73°33′37″W / 41.60278°N 73.56028°W
Highest point	Hammersby Ridge
- elevation	1,053 ft (321 m)
- coordinates	41°36′12″N 73°34′08″W / 41.60333°N 73.56889°W
Lowest point	Quaker
Area	1.64 sq mi (4 km^2)
Biome	Second-growth oak forest
Plant	Devil's bit,
Founded	1958
Management	The Nature Conservancy
For public	yes
Location of Pawling Nature Reserve within New York
Website: Pawling Nature Reserve

The Pawling Nature Reserve is located in the northern section of the Town of Pawling, New York, United States. It is a 1,060-acre (430 ha) area located along the top of Hammersby Ridge, near Quaker Lake owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.

Acquired in 1958 from a local citizens' group, it is preserved to protect several diverse communities, including plant and animal species considered rare or threatened in New York, such as the Devil's bit, soapwort gentian, maidenhair spleenwort and some salamander communities. It also helps protect the watershed of the Great Swamp to the east.^[1]

More than 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails^[1] cross the preserve, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, which provides access for hikers who take the Metro-North Harlem Line from New York City and get off at the nearby stop along NY 22/55. The preserve's main access is a large parking lot on Quaker Lake Road. In addition to the natural environments, the trails also offer scenic views of the Harlem Valley region.

References

1. "Eastern: Pawling Nature Reserve". The Nature Conservancy. 2009. Retrieved March 28, 2009.

External links

• Pawling Nature Reserve Website
• The Nature Conservancy: Pawling Nature Reserve
• Map of the Pawling Nature Reserve