Smithfield Plantation is conserved land held in public trust since 1989 at the corner of the old Libby Road and the Huntington Hill Road in Litchfield. It is used mostly for educational purposed as a nature and conservation center, dedicated to advancing a hands-on science curriculum at local schools and organizations such as 4-H clubs and the Girl and Boy Scouts.
There is a natural amphitheater at Smithfield Plantation. In 1995, Eagle Scout Darren Collins, with his Boy Scout Troop, created benches, and a podium at the amphitheater. It was used for several years as a classroom by Litchfield students. Darren and several of the people who originally helped make the benches, recently refurbished them and added a new trail facility to the Amphitheater area.
In 2008, Smithfield trustees received grants for a forestry plan and for a Safari in a Box (a kit that contains workbooks and lesson plans that introduce youth to the important concepts of habitat, wildlife management, and impacts resulting from human and wildlife interactions). This can be borrowed from the chairman or town office.
The Smithfield Plantation Trustees are currently working on getting a maintenance and handicap accessibility route to the amphitheater.
Visit Litchfield Conservation Commission online for more information and a printable map or contact:
From the East: Follow Rte 126 & 9 (Lewiston Road) east to the blinking light at Batchelders Corner. Take a left onto Hallowell-Litchfield Road at the Country Store. Follow Hallowell-Litchfield Road to Libby Road. Take a right onto Libby Road at the Fire Station. Follow Libby Road watching for sign and parking area for Smithfield Plantation on the left.
From the West: Follow Rte 126 & 9 (Lewiston Road) west to the blinking light at Batchelders Corner. Take a right onto Hallowell-Litchfield Road at the Country Store. Follow Hallowell-Litchfield Road to Libby Road. Take a right onto Libby Road at the Fire Station. Follow Libby Road watching for sign and parking area for Smithfield Plantation on the left.
From the South: Follow Rte 197 (Richmond Road). Coming from the east take a right or from the west take a left onto Hallowell-Litchfield Road at the Libby Tozier School. Follow Hallowell-Litchfield Road to Libby Road. Take a left onto Libby Road. Follow Libby Road watching for sign and parking area for Smithfield Plantation on the left.
From the North: Follow Hallowell-Litchfield Road taking a right on Libby Road at the Fire Station. Follow Libby Road watching for sign and parking area for Smithfield Plantation on the left.
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