Located at or near FirstLight Power Resources' facilities are numerous opportunities for the general public and school groups to enjoy nature and learn about their environment. These include nature trails, information
and science centers, and recreational facilities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Nature Trails and Shepaug Eagle Viewing Area Along the
Housatonic River. Discover the natural and cultural history along the Housatonic
River at our nature trails.
Housatonic River Nature Trails/Shepaug Eagle Viewing Facility
Falls Village Nature Trail
Falls Village, CT
The People Shaping the Landscape Trail is located in Falls
Village, Connecticut, and meanders through forests and fields and
traces the story of a land rich in history from the Native
Americans' use of the Housatonic River for food and
transportation to the glorious vision and instant failure of an
industrial canal system. Across the river is a second nature
trail, the Falls Village Historical Trail, which describes the
old industrial uses of the land including a Civil War cannon
factory and a railroad repair shop.
Falls Village Station Nature Trail
Route 7, Falls Village, CT
The 3/4-mile loop in the beautiful northwest corner of
Connecticut meanders through the forest and fields. Along the
way, post markers and a trail guide point out how the landscape
changed from virgin oak, pine, and hemlock to logged-over land
where a booming iron industry arose in the 18th century,
requiring huge amounts of wood to make charcoal for smelters and
forges. The stone ruins of a never-used dike and canal system
from that era can also be seen, as well as signs of reforestation
once previous land uses were abandoned.
Directions: From Route 7 South turn right at the blinking light
at the junction of Route 126 North.
From Route 7 North turn left at the blinking light at the
junction of Route 126 North. Proceed straight on Route 126 for
1/2 mile and turn left at the stop sign. Bear right immediately
onto Water Street. The parking lot is on the left.
Contact: Gary Smolen, FirstLight Power Resources
Candlewood Lake Nature Trail
New Milford, CT
The Lakeside Trail traces changes in the lake and forest around
Candlewood Lake. From the geologic history of the rocks to the
creation of the beautiful lake, change is an integral part of
Dike Point. This one-mile self-guiding trail will introduce you
to the ecology of a forest and lake and is open from 8 a.m. to
sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Candlewood Lake Nature Trail Dike Point
Route 7, New Milford, CT
Candlewood Lake, the largest man-made lake in Connecticut,
covers eight square miles and is the reservoir for the Rocky
River hydroelectric station in New Milford. Dike Point Recreation
Area, located on Candlewood Lake, offers canoe and small boat
access, a picnic area, and a nature trail along the lake. It is
open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A 3/4-mile loop, this lakeside trail meanders along the
eastern shoreline of Candlewood Lake and returns through the
cool, shaded forest. The trail emphasizes change over time and
examines the picturesque landscape of the area: its geology, the
succession of vegetation covers, the creation of soil and altered
environment due to the creation of a man-made lake. Recent
evidence of people living along the shore is also examined.
Directions:
From Route 7 North, 3.8 miles north of the junction of Route 25
South, turn left at the stoplight onto Sullivan Road.
From Route 7 South, 2.8 miles south of the junction of Route 202,
turn right at stoplight onto Sullivan Road. Take an immediate
right after .1 mile onto Old Town Park Road and proceed straight
for .7 mile. The parking lot is on the left.
Contact: Gary Smolen, FirstLight Power Resources
Shepaug Dam Eagle Viewing Facility
River Road, Southbury, CT
The environment in the vicinity of this station, the
largest hydroelectric station in Connecticut, provides a unique
habitat for wildlife and is an important winter (December through
March) feeding site for bald eagles. The movement of water below
the dam prevents it from freezing and provides an abundance of
fish upon which the eagles may feed. Reservations for an
opportunity to visit the Eagle Observation Area must be made by
calling (800) 368-8954. There are restrictions placed on the
number of visitors allowed at one time. This area is only open on
specific dates from December to March. Call the reservation
number for details.
For more information:
Shepaug Hydroelectric Station
River Road, Southbury, CT
Eagle Viewing Facility: Winter - The environment in the vicinity of this station, the largest hydroelectric station in Connecticut, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and is an important winter (December through March) feeding site for bald eagles. The movement of water below the dam prevents ice from forming so there's always access to an abundance of fish upon which the eagles may feed. Reservations
for a visit to the controlled Eagle Observation Area are required; call 1-800-368-8954. There are restrictions placed on the number of visitors allowed at one time. This area is open only on specific dates from December to March. Tours of the station are available year-round for people 12 and older by prior arrangement. Call 1-800-286-5000 and ask for Norwalk extension 3463.
Directions: From Westbound I-84, take Exit 14 (Route 172). Turn
right off exit ramp and left at stoplight. Proceed straight for 1
mile, turn left over high and immediately right onto Fish Rock
Road for .6 mile. From Eastbound I-84, take Exit 13 (River Road).
Turn right off exit ramp. Both routes now merge, and you should
keep right on River Road and continue for 3.2 miles to the
Shepaug Recreation Area. The river will be on your left.
Shepaug Dam Nature Trail: The area is open for summer
picnicing and fishing from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a
nature trail with the theme Wildlife and Woodlore is available.
For more information:
Shepaug Hydroelectric Station
River Road, Southbury, CT
Nature Trail: Summer - This same area during the summer offers picnicing, fishing access, and a nature trail. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor
Day.
Directions: From Westbound I-84, take Exit 14 (Route 172). Turn
right off exit ramp and left at stoplight. Proceed straight for 1
mile, turn left over high and immediately right onto Fish Rock
Road for .6 mile. From Eastbound I-84, take Exit 13 (River Road).
Turn right off exit ramp. Both routes now merge, and you should
keep right on River Road and continue for 3.2 miles to the
Shepaug Recreation Area. The river will be on your left.
Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360
1-800-859-2960 or 413-659-3714
Environmental programs and recreation programs, guided nature walks,
cross-country skiing and lessons, narrated interpretative riverboat tours, canoeing, camping, hiking and more.
Turners Falls Fishway
Turners Falls, MA
Open Wednesday through Sunday,
9:00 am – 5:00 pm from mid-May to June.
Free admission, no reservations required.
For school program reservations,
call 413-659-3714 or 1-800-859-2960.
Underwater viewing windows offer visitors of all ages a chance to see American shad, sea lamprey and other migratory fish
during their upriver spring journey to spawn.
Directions:
Traveling south or north on Rte. 91, take exit 27 for Rte. 2 east (Greenfield/Boston). Take a right at the second light and go over the bridge. Turn left onto First Street. The fishway is on your left.
Traveling west on Rte. 2, travel 9 ½ miles beyond Erving Center and turn left at the first light. Go over the bridge and turn left onto First Street. The fishway is on your left.
Please see the fishways brochure (PDF: 134KB) for more information on spring viewing of migrating fish at FirstLight Power's Turners Falls Fishway in Turners Falls, and Holyoke Gas and Electric's Robert E. Barrett Fishway in Holyoke.
