Location

Overview

Reynolds Field, with its gently rolling knolls and swales, sits between the base of the Taconic Mountains and the West Branch of the Green River. This property fills a number of roles: Its open fields provide crucial habitat to ground-nesting bird species, and its use as a hay meadow enhances the aesthetic and rural integrity of South Williamstown while providing an open space link between other protected properties.

Williamstown Rural Lands maintains a lease with a neighboring farmer to allow the continuation of agriculture on the property, primarily through hay production. Because the field is important habitat for field-nesting birds — like bobolink, eastern meadowlark, savannah sparrow, and red-winged blackbird — we mandate that the first cutting of hay cannot take place until July 10, after these species complete their nesting cycles.

Though the idyllic field is the property’s show-stopper, the north end features a section of dense woods with ferns, a mix of trees both young and old, intermittent streams, and edge habitat.

Size: 21.86 acres

Longest Walk: 0.25 miles

Acquired: 1994

Photo Gallery

History

The Reynolds Field has historically been used as a hay field by a local dairy farmer.

Activities

Birding, Nature Study