The Rice Nature Preserve, located east of Main Street in Wilbraham, was acquired through the cooperative efforts of former landowner Jesse Rice, the Town of Wilbraham, the Minnechaug Land Trust, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Self-Help Program. It abuts other existing Town-owned conservation lands located to the east.

Here is a photograph of the Rice Fruit Farm in Wilbraham, looking towards the East.. The upper 150 acres are now known as Rice Nature Preserve and belong to the Town of Wilbraham. The lower 90 acres have been placed under an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) and will continue to be owned and farmed by the Rice Family. The red line is a rough sketch of part of the dividing line between the two properties. The trailhead on Highmoor Drive is just below the bottom right corner. Sunrise Peak is at the top right.

 

Public Access

The public may use the Rice Nature Preserve for passive conservation and recreation purposes, subject to reasonable regulations by the Wilbraham Conservation Commission. Principal public access to the property is located at the main trailhead at the end of Highmoor Drive. Parking for eight cars is provided on the Highmoor Drive cul-de-sac.

Passive Recreation

Passive outdoor recreational activity includes hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, educational studies, and nature observation.

A trail system has been established with approximately 3.4 miles of maintained trails. The designated trails are marked with signs at trail junctions and white rectangular blazes along the way. The main access to the high meadows views is via the Highmoor and Rachael Phelps trails. A nice loop with varied terrain is Highmoor, Rachael Phelps, Underpeak, turning left briefly on Sunrise back to Rachael Phelps at the top, and return on Rachael Phelps and Highmoor. For a longer trip, an eastern view is seen at the east end of Sunrise trail. Note that the trails are rough in spots, with some rocks and roots. Sturdy footwear is advised. Please limit use of trails under wet conditions to minimize erosion.

Leave No Trace

If you pack it in, pack it out! Leave nothing but footprints. If you will not be reusing the map, please return it to the map box.

Prohibited Activities- Expressly prohibited activities include:

• Using the property from dusk to dawn, except by permission of the Conservation Commission
• Operating any type of motor vehicle except as required for maintenance or handicapped access.
• Camping except by organized youth groups or others with Conservation Committee approval.
• Lighting campfires or other forms of open flame.
• Carrying firearms and hunting (except by permission of the Conservation Commission)

Property Maintenance

The Minnechaug Land Trust maintains the property under a land use and management plan with the Wilbraham Conservation Commission. Tax deductible donations for maintenance expenses can be made by sending a check to the Minnechaug Land Trust, PO Box 455, Hampden, MA 01036, indicating "Rice Nature Preserve Stewardship Fund" in the left hand corner.

---

CONTACT INFORMATION: Please send EMail to HLP455@aol.com.