Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area at Low Plain
The wildlife management area was named as a tribute to Esther Currier, a 22-year member of the New London Conservation Commission, who identified its potential as a nature preserve. The trail map (Low Plain) shows the Davis Path and several side trails. These trails provide a self-guided nature walk that introduces the wildlife and plants in Low Plain. Guides for the nature walk are available at the parking area off Route 11.
Gaywing or Fringed Polygala (Polygala paucifolia), June 2005, picture by Ruth White
Flora to be seen in June and early July.
Fauna to be seen in November.
Trails at Low Plain
Plants: The main feature of the area is a beaver pond created by a dam across Chandler Brook. The dam flooded an area that was previously forested. Many types of grasses, sedges, and aquatic plants can be seen in the pond and along the shore. The variety of plants was created by human activity. The gravel Davis Path provided access to several gravel pits in the area. Red maple, alder, gray birch, yellow birch, quaking aspen, black cherry and a number od shrub varieties now grow in the old pits. One of the side trails runs along an esker. The esker was created by material deposited by a melting glacier. The esker is now overgrown by mature pine and fir trees interspersed by occasional beech and maple trees.