Blagden Preserve

Indian Point Blagden Preserve is a Nature Conservancy preserve located on land that escaped the devastating fire of 1947. At the entrance, an aged oak stands where it was planted on the day of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Tall red spruce, white cedar, and balsam fir predominate, and there is an 8-acre stand of tamarack on wetter ground in the center. The variety and maturity of the foliage supports abundant wildlife, numbering at least 12 species of warbler. Blackburnian warblers are of particular interest. Six species of woodpecker are present, including rarely-seen black-backed woodpeckers. There are over a thousand feet of shoreline, which can be good for shorebirds. Harbor seals frequent the ledges offshore.

Directions: After crossing the causeway onto MDI, take Route 102/198 toward Somesville. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Indian Point Road, then bear right at the first fork in 1.7 miles. The entrance is about 200 yards farther ahead and is marked by a small sign. From Somesville, reach Indian Point Road via Oak Hill Road. Turn left at the intersection and go 200 yards to the entrance.