Fox Parcel

History

Pine barren vernal ponds are a rare ecological community in New York State. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin

Historic records indicate Karner blue butterflies were once found on this property. As woody vegetation took root and grew, it shaded out the butterfly’s host plant, the wild blue lupine. Eventually, the butterfly disappeared. Proposed for subdivision several times, a partnership of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, The Nature Conservancy, and the Town of Wilton, along with a grant from the Saratoga County Open Space Protection Program, succeeded in protecting this 89-acre parcel in 2005. The Nature Conservancy owns the Fox parcel.

Description

The Fox parcel offers an interesting and visually dynamic combination of sandy uplands and pine barren vernal ponds, a designated rare community in New York State. Across the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, almost 130 acres of the sandy uplands have been restored to early successional habitat, which allows for the recolonization of the Karner blue butterfly.

The Fox parcel's trails pass through woods and fields. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin

Trails

Trail surfaces are mowed. Terrain is gently rolling. Wet areas are common. Download a map of the trails (PDF).

Uses

The Fox parcel is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Unleashed dogs, dumping, unauthorized vehicles, unauthorized fires, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and trapping are prohibited.

Directions

• View on Google Maps
• GPS: 43.145356, -73.692304
• From Saratoga Springs: Take NY Route 50 north approximately 4.0 miles passed Adirondack Northway Exit 15. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park sign and parking area are to the right.
• From the north: Take Adirondack Northway south to Exit 16. Turn left onto Ballard Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to intersection with NY Route 50. Turn right onto Route 50. Drive approximately 0.75 mile. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park sign and parking area are to the left.
• From the south: Take the Adirondack Northway north to Exit 15. Turn right onto NY Route 50. Drive approximately 4.0 miles. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park sign and parking area are to the right.