The Hills are Alive!

While humans are being asked to stay indoors to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, other species have been waking up to spring.

Two people taking a selfie Description automatically generated
Patti and Paul Parulis in Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve.

If you cannot get to your favorite patch of nature, Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition members have been capturing and sharing the natural splendor of East Lyme’s Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. The 236 acres of coastal forest our coalition seeks to protect adjoin the town preserve that was established in 2007.

Volunteers are posting their favorite photos on the Friends of OHNP Facebook page, and Save the Sound is creating a series of virtual hikes of OHNP.

Thank you to Paul J Parulis, who takes daily hikes in OHNP and volunteers on the Friend of OHNP stewardship team, and wife Patti, for these recent photos.

A close up of a rock next to a forest Description automatically generated
Mosses and lichens have been thriving in frequent rains and cool temperatures.
Low bush blueberries and huckleberries are blooming in the Oswegatchie Hills now.
Skunk cabbage has unfurled.
American Wintergreens are putting out new growth, getting ready to produce small white blossoms in June-July.
Shadblow or Serviceberries have bloomed, which usually means that shad fishing season is here!
Pileated woodpeckers have found dinner; no, woodpeckers are not a cause of death to the tree, but the insects found inside may have done it in.

Enjoy these and more photos on FOHNP and Save the Sound Facebook. Please sign on to our Save Oswegatchie Hills Coalition.

And if you hike Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, thank you for practicing social distancing so people can continue to enjoy these natural treasures.

Get Involved
Jump in

Join the fight! Memberships start at just $25 – support that’s badly needed now for a healthy, sustainable environment over the long term.

Join now

Take part

Join a Cleanup!
Help remove litter and debris from the shoreline, protecting marine life and keeping our waters clean.

See more

Connect with us

Stay in touch by joining our activist network email list. We'll keep you up-to-date with current initiatives, ways you can take action and volunteer opportunities.

Sign up