Properties

Black Brook Preserve

Frog Hollow Farm

Pringle Wildlife Preserve

Other Recreation Opportunities in Windham

Access Park on the widened shoulder on Windham Center Road before the soccer field   Acerage 17 acres   Attractions nature walks, bird watching, learning opportunities   Photos

Pringle Wildlife Preserve

Description

A 17-acre parcel of land located at the corner of River Road and Windham Center Road. Jim and Jane Pringle of Windham, who used the property as farmland for their cattle for about 20 years, generously donated it to the land trust in December of 2006. Before that it belonged to George Lowell who used it as a dairy farm for roughly 50 years.

The Preserve is a fairly flat field with marshy areas that surround Otter Brook, which flows through the length of the property. Dr. Pringle has noticed the wetlands getting larger because of the growth of vegetation in the streambed since the cattle are no longer grazing on it.

In the early spring, there are ducks and great blue heron that take advantage of the waterlogged sections. The open field is a perfect spot for hawks to prey on the small field mammals. Later in the spring, tree swallows flitter over the property feasting on the insects that are attracted to the various wildflowers that spread throughout the field. In the back end of the property, towards Sterling Drive, there is a wall of shrubs and young pines that have sprouted up creating a shady shelter for deer and other animals (as evidenced by the existing trails that lead into them). On top of the hill, what look to be two fox dens have been spotted!

Location Access

Access to the PWP is off of Windham Center Road. From North Windham take River Road to the first blinking light at intersections of Windham Center and River. Make a left at this light and park on the widened shoulder to your right on Windham Center Road before the soccer field.

Activities

We are working towards having a trail that runs along the stream and crosses bog bridges to a loop trail towards the rear of the property. We’ve inquired about linking up with “Let’s Go!” which is a local initiative that promotes healthy eating and physical activity among children and families, in order to gather more ideas on how we can get the community out to utilize the trails. We are also hoping to create a space on the PWP for classrooms to use as they see beneficial to the preserve, i.e. wildflower/butterfly gardens and birdhouses. We have an Eagle Scout who has generously volunteered his time and has some exciting projects that he’s planning for the preserve! Once the trails are set, the PWP will be a great place for a healthy walk for a family, a safe place for a jog, and a wonderful spot for children to explore.