Spring has sprung! For walking, paddling, picnicking or savoring nature’s beauty, these lakeside preserves are the perfect close-to-home spot for a spring adventure. Visit our Properties page to learn more.

Hahlawah Preserve’s forest trails and Ball Pond invite visitors to walk, paddle, kayak, or simply enjoy nature.

Hahlawah Preserve’s 10 acres are located in three parcels on New Fairfield’s Brookwood and Weldon Woods Roads, and on Ball Pond East. The preserve offers forestland, lakeside trails, and access to 83-acre, spring-fed Ball Pond. Paddling, kayaking and canoeing are permitted on the pond, and are often enjoyed by CVRLT’s families.

Komlo Preserve’s forests, meadows, and pond are home to a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Komlo Preserve is popular with CVRLT members for walking, hiking, and paddling, but its 26 acres are also home to a wildlife sanctuary. Its man-made pond is a habitat for beaver, ducks and geese, with a heronry at the edge of the forest. Many of nature’s wonderful moments can be enjoyed in this protected habitat, close to New Fairfield’s town center!

New Fairfield native Nicole Vesey enjoys a career in the healthcare industry, and continues her lifelong connection to nature as CVRLT’s Secretary.

While growing up in New Fairfield, Nicole recalls, “I’ve always had a connection to nature.” As a Western CT State University and UConn student, she adds, “I majored in biology because I’m so fascinated with the natural world and all its beauty and mystique.” During her four-month volunteer internship with the Conservation Ecology Centre at Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia Nicole “took care of all of the animals we rescued, researched the endangered Tiger Quoll’s community behavior in the wild, and helped research the soil makeup of the manna gum trees to find out why they were dying.”

A medical affairs vendor liaison at CVRLT supporter Boehringer Ingelheim, Nicole has served on CVRLT’s board since 2019.

Volleyball, hiking, pets and travel are Nicole’s favorite leisure-time interests. An alumna of UConn’s club volleyball team and WCSU’s women’s team, Nicole enjoys playing volleyball and coaching a high-school age club volleyball team. “I also spend time with my dogs and cats (rescues), hiking with my pitbull, Reign, travel, and dancing.” We thank Nicole for contributing her talent and dedication on our board and as a hike leader.