The Nature Conservancy Roger and Virginia Drury Preserve

Barnum St, Sheffield, MA

About Roger and Virginia Drury Preserve

The Roger and Virginia Drury Preserve in Sheffield offers a family-friendly hike through a rich lowland forest teeming with wildlife. The hike is a mellow 2.5-mile round trip on the Drury Trail that brings hikers to Schenob Brook, which flows north into the Berkshires from Twin Lakes in Connecticut through many miles of fragile wetland habitat. At the brook, hikers can take in an exceptional view of Mount Race before heading back, and birding enthusiasts should be on the lookout for great blue herons, kingfishers, and other birds that thrive in these wetlands. Wildlife viewing is aided by an abundance of coyotes, bobcats, and turkeys who call the preserve their home. Snowshoeing in the winter offers an excellent opportunity to track the footprints of these animals as Western Massachusetts gets blanketed in snow.

As a wildlife preserve, visitors are asked to remain on marked trails and boardwalks to protect the fragile ecosystem. Due to the swampy conditions, trails can often be muddy, so waterproof shoes are recommended. Mosquitoes should be expected in the warmer months, so visitors should apply bug spray. The preserve is located on Barnum Street, a charming dirt road, and it contains a small parking lot with an informational kiosk and trail map.