WOODBURY

The Flanders Land Trust holds in trust more than 2100 acres of open space in the towns of Woodbury, Bethlehem, Southbury and Middlebury, and includes seven nature preserves and sanctuaries. The Nature Center found at the corner of Flanders and Church Hill Roads serves as the main teaching campus of Flanders. Seasonal programs for all ages and school programs are listed on the website. The several protected properties across the towns provide ample opportunity for hiking, with maps available. The award-winning Botany Trail at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary was developed in 1965 by members of the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club of Woodbury, who continue to maintain and improve it.

This simple 18th century farmhouse was restored and opened to the public in 1925. The following year, Gertrude Jekyll was commissioned to design an appropriate garden to enhance the new museum. Mysteriously, her garden plans were never fully installed in the 1920’s, and the garden plans lay undiscovered until the late 1970’s. Today, 300 feet of foundation plantings and English-style mixed borders exist according to her original plans.