Aton Forest

Natural Area Forest Preserves
Ecological Research Field Station

We protect forest preserves, conduct high-value forest succession research, educate professionals and the public, preserve the legacy of ecologist Dr. Frank Egler, and provide a place for natural and human communities

Welcome to 501(c)(3) Aton Forest

Where Forest Preserves and Ecological Research Thrive

Our mission is to protect and steward the natural area preserves of Aton Forest, continue the forest succession and ecological research and demonstration pioneered by founder Dr. Frank Egler, and leverage his practical and intellectual legacy for the benefit of the natural and human communities in our bioregion. Come help us as we Reimagine the Ecological Field Station in this special place in the early anthropocene era.

Help Us Protect and Understand Nature and Ourselves

Your contribution matters. By supporting 501(c)(3) Aton Forest (EIN 061-288452), you help preserve vital natural areas, protect biodiversity, and advance ecological research.

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Get to Know Aton Forest

Learn more about our forest preserves, scientific and field research, and the visionary ecologist behind it all. Together, they tell the story of 501c3 Aton Forest and its ongoing work in conservation and research.

Local Connections

Nearby Places to Explore

We are blessed by surrounding beautiful places stewarded by fine organizations and partners. They offer recreation, research and community connection opportunities. We invite you to explore these places and support these organizations as do we.

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Great Mountain Forest

South Norfolk and Falls Village, CT. A 6,000 acre Forest Legacy Preserve with rich historical legacy, miles of trails, a sustainable forestry operation, frequent events and education opportunities, a forest research program, and more.

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Norfolk Land Trust

Over 4,000 acres of protected lands. 20 miles of trails (map guide). Frequent events with the Norfolk Library. Holder of the conservation easement of Aton’s semi-managed North Egler Preserve.

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Colebrook Land Conservancy

Over 1,400 protected acres and 3 public hiking trails in our neighboring town to the east. Aton Forest spills over into Colebrook, down across the beautiful Sandy Brook, on the lower part of which is known as the Kitchel Wilderness donated by Happy Egler’s mother, Helen Binney Kitchel.

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Campbell Falls State Park Preserve

A magical waterfall on the Whiting River with park entrances via both CT and MA. Located in Norfolk, CT. Hiking and Stream Fishing.

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Haystack Mountain State Park

A 354-acre public recreation area off North Street (Route 272 north). A trail up the 1,680-foot-high mountain leads to an observation tower listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hiking.

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Wood Creek Pond Boat Launch

A 145 acre shallow pond with 12 parking spaces located off Ashpatog Road in North Norfolk, CT. Beautiful, remote, and wild. Boating and Fishing.