UConn's forests are important resources for educational as well as recreational uses. In March 2010, a land conservation deal between the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and UConn conserved an additional 531 acres of forest land and three miles of blue-blazed hiking trails in the towns of Willington and Mansfield.
In order to preserve the University's natural areas, members of the UConn Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) and the EcoHusky student organization cooperate in efforts to improve trail signage and increase use of the parcels.
UConn offers many locations for hiking and biking. Both the Fenton Tract and the HEEP Trails are close to campus and offer many different routes to explore. You can also discover many varieties of trees on campus through the Campus Tree Touring Guide. Be sure to print out a map if you don't already have one!
Although Mansfield has many town parks with beautiful scenery, only Schoolhouse Brook Park permits biking. Check out this website to find other trails throughout Connecticut, which includes information on mileage, difficulty and more: Rails to Trail Conservancy. You can return many of these trails to the Storrs area!
Trees and Forests
The University of Connecticut is working to provide effective tree preservation and management for on campus tree and forest resources. As part of this, UConn has been designated as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Currently, most of the tree preservation efforts come from the UConn Arboretum Committee and the Campus Tree Care Plan. In addition, UConn celebrates Arbor Day annually with a dedicated tree planting.
The University also has a number of notable and unique tree species on campus that can be viewed by following the walking tree tour.
Although there are many forests within the UConn property lines, there are even more surrounding it! Click here for a list of all of the CT State Parks and Forests and here for a comprehensive guide for the many parks and trails in Mansfield.