After a year of preparation, the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Deer Pond Farm in Sherman has opened its 10 miles of trails to the public. The preserve is now open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, for hiking, birding and nature study.

The Sherman preserve had been previously opened only for guided walks in limited areas and at limited times. Deer Pond Farm occupies 835 acres in the highlands spanning the border of Connecticut and New York. Most of it is a deep forest of hills and hollows, with wooded swamps throughout, but there are also meadows and other grassy areas. The preserve also offers spectacular views from a high point of 1,200 feet to the southeastern hills. Connecticut Audubon acquired it in a bequest from the late Kathryn Wriston in mid-2017. The 10 miles of trails that are opening to the public are on the Connecticut half of the preserve. Plans to open the New York half are still in development.

For more information, visit CTAudubon.org/Deer-Pond-Farm-Home. Location: Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd, Sherman.