Preserve Description

Here is visible evidence of the passing of the great glaciers: a ridge moraine, a kettle-hole lake and boulders from rocky outcrops farther north. The low wetland was once an acidic bog with sphagnum moss and cranberries. Now tamarack, yellow birch and red maple grow there, along with tussocks of cinnamon fern, and mountain holly and winterberry. On the drier land is an oak/hickory forest with red, white and black oak, as well as shagbark hickory and in the understory are sassafras, dogwood, and hazelnut. The varied habitat means a variety of birds and wildflowers are present.

This preserve is named in honor of Sam and Adeline Ropchan who were among ACRES Land Trust’s first members in 1960, and who provided the funds to purchase the property.