Opdahl Farm

History

Butterfly milkweed provides nectar to many species of butterflies. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin

The Opdahl family farmed this land from 1936 to 1972.  In 1997, the family donated 43 acres of the property to The Nature Conservancy to ensure it remain forever undeveloped.  The old barn and silo are reminders of the area’s agricultural past.

Description

The parcel has both woodland and open fields.  The Nature Conservancy, working with the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, restored an old field to early successional habitat that supports the endangered Karner blue butterfly.  In the spring and summer, wildflowers sway amongst native little bluestem grass creating a prairie-like scene.

Trails

The trail’s surface ranges from mowed vegetation to forest floor to boardwalk.  The trail is level.  Muddy or wet spots are rare.  Download a map of the trails (PDF).

Uses

The Opdahl Farm 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: 43.16353 -73.70271
• From Saratoga Springs: Take Adirondack Northway to Exit 16. Turn right onto Ballard Road. Drive approximately 0.6 mile. Just before old barn on right, turn right at grassy access.
• From the north: Take Adirondack Northway to Exit 16. Turn left onto Ballard Road. Drive approximately 0.7 mile. Just before old barn on right, turn right at grassy access.
• From the south: Take Adirondack Northway to Exit 16. Turn right onto Ballard Road. Drive approximately 0.6 mile. Just before old barn on right, turn right at grassy access.