Forests
Forest Preserves
We protect and study forest preserves in the state of Connecticut, vital habitats for wildlife and natural ecosystems. We have the 1500 acre Egler Preserve in North Norfolk and Colebrook (a semi-managed forest with no logging) and the 1000 acre Spaulding Pond Preserve (a forever wild forest with no logging) in South Norfolk. Together, these preserves are the central focus of our conservation efforts and commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region.
The Egler Preserve in North Norfolk
Aton Forest, established by Dr. Frank Egler, began with the family’s purchase of the Stenman Farm and 200 surrounding acres in Norfolk, Connecticut. Over the years, the family added acreage, transforming former farm fields into forests. Frank Egler, who began botanical studies on the property at age 16, later dedicated himself to ecological research, including extensive studies on plant communities, vegetation management, forest succession, and the environmental effects of herbicides. By 1945, Frank had moved to Norfolk full-time, gradually establishing Aton Forest as a scientific field station, where he published numerous influential studies on ecology, vegetation management and naturalistic landscaping, gaining recognition as a leading authority in the field.
In 1962, Aton Forest formally took shape as a field station, eventually gaining non-profit status in 1990 to secure the land and support long-term ecological research. Over time Frank supported and contributed to his wife Happy Kitchel’s project, the Spaulding Pond Preserve in South Norfolk, which Aton Forest now oversees. Today, Aton Forest encompasses 2,459+ acres of semi-managed and forever wild conserved lands, owning 1,500 acres and holding conservation easements over an additional 997 acres, including the Spaulding Pond Preserve.
Dedicated to Frank Egler’s vision, Aton Forest continues its mission of “long-term, low-cost, low-impact” research, supported by the Aton Forest Fellowship, which advances studies on local flora, fauna, and ecological processes.
Spaulding Pond Preserve in South Norfolk
The Spaulding Pond Wilderness Preserve, established by Happy Kitchel Egler with support from her husband, Frank Egler, is a testament to her passion for conservation and scientific research. Happy’s work preserved over 1,000 acres of the northern hardwood forest—an ecologically valuable beech-birch-maple-hemlock habitat unique to Connecticut. Happy’s vision was to create a protected Natural Area, where human influence is minimized to allow for long-term, low-impact ecological studies, while fostering an appreciation for the intrinsic wild qualities that so inspired her.
The wilderness encompasses diverse terrain, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, home to an array of wildlife such as beavers, bears, moose, and even rare species like the northern salamander. A 1997 survey identified 218 plant species, 45 bird species, and 14 animal species within the reserve, marking it as an area of significant ecological importance. Spaulding Pond Wilderness comprises 14 tracts acquired over more than a decade, each with its own conservation story, supported by an endowment initiated by Happy. Her legacy continues, as Spaulding Pond remains a vital natural laboratory for studying forest ecosystems, ensuring these lands remain a sanctuary for nature and a resource for future research.
Visit Aton Forest
Aton Forest welcomes inquiries from ecologists, naturalists, scholars, and researchers who want to learn more about the forest, and engage with its myriad resources.
Volunteer
We could always use help with a number of tasks at Aton Forest. To inquire, please contact us if interested.
Volunteer activities include: trail work, gardening, naturalistic landscaping, archival work, outreach, fundraising, graphic design, and various research projects like stream crossings, invasive plant eradication, breeding birds.
Donate
Aton Forest is a charitable non-profit organization and graciously accepts tax deductible donations. Financial support from the public allows us to continue protecting land, conducting ecological research here, and offering educational programming. For your convenience, we accept donations online via paypal and through the mail:
Aton Forest, Inc.
PO Box 509
Norfolk, CT 06058
