Pease Brook Pond, Voluntown, Connecticut

Pease Brook Pond is a hidden gem nestled within the Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area in Connecticut. This scenic pond spans across three towns – Lebanon, Franklin, and Bozrah – making it a unique cross-community natural treasure. You’ll love the peaceful setting surrounded by mixed hardwood forests and fields that create a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities.

When you visit Pease Brook Pond, you’ll discover a wealth of recreational opportunities from fishing for wild trout to wildlife viewing in its 334 acres of diverse habitats. The area features old fields, hay fields, hardwood swamps, and small streams that support various wildlife species. With convenient parking available near Horiska Road, you can easily access the pond and the approximately one mile of trails that wind through this beautiful natural area.

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Pease Brook WMA

Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area is a hidden gem in Lebanon, Connecticut. This natural haven gives you a chance to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The WMA surrounds the peaceful Pease Brook Pond, creating a perfect ecosystem for wildlife.

You’ll find excellent hunting opportunities here, as the area is managed specifically for wildlife conservation and hunting access. The diverse habitat supports various game species, making it a favorite spot for local hunters. Remember to check Connecticut’s hunting regulations before your visit.

Beyond hunting, you can enjoy hiking through the serene woodlands and wetlands. The natural landscape offers beautiful scenery with native plants and animals. Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species that call this area home.

The quiet, unspoiled environment provides a perfect escape from busy everyday life. Whether you’re seeking adventure or just a peaceful nature walk, Pease Brook WMA delivers an authentic Connecticut outdoor experience.

Rating: 4.6 (7 reviews)
Location: 103-213 Horiska Rd, Lebanon, CT 06249

Historical Overview

Pease Brook Pond has played a significant role in Connecticut’s development since colonial times. This body of water connects to important waterways in the Lebanon, Franklin, and Bozrah areas.

Origins of Pease Brook Pond

Pease Brook Pond formed naturally as part of the Pease Brook watershed. The brook itself has been documented in Connecticut water resources for generations, flowing through Lebanon before joining larger regional waterways.

The pond likely served early settlers as a valuable water source around the late 1600s. This was when European settlement was expanding throughout Connecticut, with pioneers establishing communities in the area.

Water-powered mills became essential to early development, similar to those built on Mill Brook elsewhere in Connecticut. These mills helped transform the agricultural landscape and supported growing communities.

The 213-acre area surrounding the pond remained largely undeveloped, preserving much of its natural character that you can still enjoy today.

Pease Family Influence

The Pease family made their mark on Connecticut history starting in the 1670s. John Pease Jr. and Robert Pease were among the early European settlers who arrived from Salem, Massachusetts in 1679.

Though initially settled in other parts of Connecticut, the Pease family’s influence eventually extended to what would become Pease Brook and its pond. Their name permanently attached to this waterway suggests their significant presence or land ownership in the area.

The family likely used the water resource for agricultural purposes, possibly establishing mills or irrigation systems. Their pioneering spirit helped shape the development of Lebanon and surrounding towns.

Today, you can appreciate the Pease legacy when visiting the pond within what is now the Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area. Their contributions to early Connecticut settlement remain visible in the landscape you explore.

Ecological Significance

Pease Brook Pond serves as a vital ecological hub within Connecticut’s natural landscape. The pond and surrounding wetlands support a diverse array of wildlife and plant species that have adapted to this unique freshwater ecosystem.

Native Wildlife

The Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area spans 334 acres across Lebanon, Franklin, and Bozrah, creating a perfect haven for Connecticut’s native animals. You’ll find a rich variety of birds using the pond as a critical stopover during migration seasons. Waterfowl like wood ducks and mallards nest along the shorelines, while great blue herons wade through the shallows hunting for small fish.

Mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and foxes frequent the pond for drinking and foraging. The surrounding mixed hardwood forest provides shelter for these creatures. If you’re patient and observant, you might spot river otters playing in the water or beavers maintaining their dams.

The pond’s clean waters support various fish species that attract fishing enthusiasts. Small streams feeding into the pond create additional microhabitats for amphibians and reptiles.

Unique Flora

The vegetation around Pease Brook Pond creates a tapestry of habitats that contributes to the area’s biodiversity. You’ll notice a lovely transition from aquatic plants at the water’s edge to meadow and forest species as you move away from the shore.

Near the pond, cattails and bulrushes form protective barriers that serve as nesting sites for birds and shelter for small fish. The management area includes warm-season grass seedings, which provide excellent cover for ground-nesting birds and small mammals.

Old fields and hay fields surrounding parts of the pond burst with wildflowers during summer months, attracting important pollinators. These areas are managed to prevent succession into forest, maintaining valuable open habitats that have become increasingly rare in Connecticut.

The hardwood swamps feature red maple, black gum, and Atlantic white cedar—trees specially adapted to wet conditions. These areas help filter water flowing into the pond, improving water quality.

Recreational Opportunities

Pease Brook Pond offers visitors several enjoyable outdoor activities throughout the year. The 213-acre wildlife management area spanning Lebanon, Franklin, and Bozrah provides peaceful natural settings perfect for connecting with nature.

Bird Watching

Pease Brook Pond is a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts in Connecticut. The diverse habitat of old fields, mixed hardwood forests, and wetlands creates perfect conditions for spotting various bird species year-round.

Spring and fall migrations bring colorful warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds to the area. You’ll likely spot resident woodpeckers, hawks, and owls during your visit. The pond’s edges attract herons, kingfishers, and occasionally waterfowl.

Bring your binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your bird watching experience. Early mornings typically offer the best viewing opportunities when birds are most active.

Hiking Trails

You’ll find approximately 1 mile of trails winding through Pease Brook WMA, offering an easy walk suitable for most ability levels. The trails take you through varied terrain including wooded areas and along the peaceful pond.

Park at the medium-sized lot near 103-213 Horiska Road in Lebanon to access the main trailhead. The paths are well-maintained but retain a natural feel that outdoor enthusiasts appreciate.

During your hike, you might encounter wildlife typical to Connecticut’s forests. Deer, foxes, and various small mammals often make appearances.

The trails are especially beautiful in fall when the hardwood forests display vibrant autumn colors. Winter hiking is also possible when snow conditions permit.

Pack water and wear appropriate footwear, as some sections may be muddy after rain. The relatively short trail system makes this a perfect spot for a quick nature escape.