Basin Preserve

The Basin represents 1,910 acres of prime land given to The Nature Conservancy by an anonymous donor in 2006. It is one of the most generous gifts ever received by TNC. The preserve protects four miles of shoreline in an area important to migrating and wintering waterfowl. The unbroken forest supports large populations of songbirds, particularly Hermit Thrushes, Veeries, Ovenbirds, and Black-throated Green Warblers. There are good numbers of Black-and-white and Yellow-rumped Warblers in the deep woods, while Chestnut-sided and Yellow Warblers abound in the secondary growth near the basin itself. Ospreys and Bald Eagles are also common around the basin. There are several snowmobile trails through the woods, and foot trails are planned. Traffic is light and the preserve can be birded from the road. Much of the birding is concentrated around the basin, where Tufted Titmouse adds to the din.

Directions: While on Route 209 passing Center Pond, look for Basin Road opposite the pond’s midpoint. Basin Road turns to dirt after 0.4 miles and continues completely through the preserve. One spur brushes the basin.