CT Botanical Society Fieldtrip – Wequetequock Cove, Stonington

Sunday, August 3, 9:30 am to 11:30 am (Rain date August 10) – Wequetequock
Cove Preserve, Stonington

WCP consists of two meadows and hedgerows between Palmer Neck Road and Wequetequock
Cove.  There are two entrance points through the stone wall, one to each meadow with a
connecting trail between them.  Mowed grass paths go around each meadow.  The total
distance of the combined paths is just under a mile.  A few notable species seen in September
2024 were salt marsh fleabane Pluchea odorata, annual and perennial salt marsh American
asters Symphyotrichum tenuifolium, S. subulatum, annual woolly bean Strophostyles helvola
and Eastern gamagrass Tripsacum dactyloides.  The preserve hosts many thicket nesting birds,
shorebirds and waterfowl.  Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to avoid poison ivy.  Drinking
water, sun protection and insect repellent are strongly recommended — there is very little shade.
Beth Sullivan has been familiar with this preserve for over 10 years as its management has
changed to allow it to evolve from open grassland toward shrubland.  Last year she started an
iNaturalist project to inventory the plant communities and would love it if participants would
contribute their observations.
Directions: From Rte 1 in Stonington, turn south onto Greenhaven Rd.  Turn right In less than
200 ft onto Palmer Neck Rd toward the Barn Island boat launch.  Continue 0.6 mi
to 41°21'07.3"N 71°52'45.1"W.  The preserve is on your right.
Parking: Drive to the entrance into the preserve at its far end, just past a yellow road curve
marker.  Park with care along the mowed shoulder of Palmer Neck Rd on the preserve side.  A

few cars can park beyond the entrance and more can line up behind the curve marker sign. Be
aware of poison ivy along the stone wall. There are also a couple of small pull outs on the
opposite side of the road for additional parking.
Leaders:  Beth Sullivan [email protected] or Lydia Pan [email protected]