Nature Area

Nature Area

The Oak Hills Park Nature Advisory Committee (OHPNAC) is a volunteer body of Norwalk residents, created to assist the Oak Hills Park Authority in the protection and betterment of the natural resources in the park. The group is an advocate for the continued conservation, protection, and sustainability of the natural environment at Oak Hills Park. The nature trails and garden areas provide a unique oasis of tranquility and sites for community events and activities right here in our own backyard. We believe this is a positive step for Norwalk and an asset for the park, setting a high standard for other communities to follow.

The nature area is located east of the restaurant/clubhouse at the end of the main road into the park, and is composed of three features:

Nature Trails

A nature trail, renovated in 2014 as an Eagle Scout service project, is marked by oval green “Nature Trail” signs at both the eastern edge of the restaurant parking lot and at the edge of the Fountain Garden. The main trail, suitable for all ages, takes hikers down into a 1.5 mi. woodland setting, a magical experience in the midst of suburbia. Along the way, visitors can explore natural flora and fauna. The trail has three sections, demarcated with blue, yellow, and orange tree blazes.

Great Lawn Walking Path and Meadow

The field located to the east of the employee parking lot is the Great Lawn. This area is a work in progress with lawn, native plantings, natural meadows, and an oval gravel pathway.

Highlighting aesthetic beauty as well as biodiversity, the planting plans call for native, sustainable, and disease-resistant plants in a variety of colors, shapes, and bloom times. They will support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds; and will provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife.

Fountain Garden

The “old rose garden,” including a solar-powered fountain and stone wall, located at the northeastern end of the restaurant parking lot, is newly designated as the Fountain Garden. This garden and the Great Lawn serve as venues for events, community gatherings, family activities, and informal relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

Your donation today to “Supporters of Oak Hills Park” will assist us in the following needed efforts in the nature center:

• Construction of steps at the end-point of the nature trail (natural materials such as wood ties and gravel)
• Durable markers to identify plants, trees, and wildlife in the woodland trails
• Plantings, materials, and light equipment to install and maintain native plantings
• Rustic benches for the “gathering circle” for school kids and other groups to meet