Aton Forest

Facebook Instagram Linkedin-in
aton forest logo
Aton Forest Weather Station
Menu

Natural Areas
Ecosystem Research Field Station

We protect natural area forest preserves, conduct high-value vegetation and ecosystem research, educate professionals and the public, preserve the legacy of ecologist Dr. Frank Egler, and provide places for natural and human communities.

Learn More

Welcome to 501(c)(3) Aton Forest

Where Natural Areas and Ecosystem Research Thrive

Our mission is to protect and steward the natural area preserves of Aton Forest, continue the forest succession and ecosystem research and demonstration pioneered by founder Dr. Frank Egler, and leverage his practical and intellectual legacy for the benefit of the natural and human communities in our bioregion. Come help us as we Reimagine the Ecosystem Research Field Station and Norfolk’s Natural Area land trust in these special places in the early Anthropocene era.

Help Us Protect and Understand Nature and Ourselves

Your contribution matters. By supporting 501(c)(3) Aton Forest (EIN 061-288452), you help preserve vital natural areas, protect biodiversity, and advance ecological research.

Donate

Learn More

Get to Know Aton Forest

Learn more about our forest preserves, scientific and field research, and the visionary ecologist behind it all. Together, they tell the story of 501c3 Aton Forest and its ongoing work in conservation and research.

Forest Preserves

Forest Research

Dr. Frank Egler

Local Connections

Nearby Places to Explore

We are blessed by surrounding beautiful places stewarded by fine organizations and partners. They offer recreation, research and community connection opportunities. We invite you to explore these places and support these organizations as do we.

Great Mountain Forest

South Norfolk and Falls Village, CT. A 6,000 acre Forest Legacy Preserve with rich historical legacy, miles of trails, a sustainable forestry operation, frequent events and education opportunities, a forest research program, and more.

Learn More

Norfolk Land Trust

Over 4,200 acres of protected lands. 20 miles of trails (map guide). Frequent events with the Norfolk Library. Holder of the conservation restriction on Aton’s north Egler Natural Area Preserve and south Spaulding Pond Natural Area Preserve.

Learn More

Colebrook Land Conservancy

Over 1,400 protected acres and 3 public hiking trails in our neighboring town to the east. Aton Forest spills over into Colebrook, down across the beautiful Sandy Brook, on the lower part of which is known as the “Kitchel Wilderness” donated in 1961 by Happy Egler’s mother, Helen Binney Kitchel.

Learn More

Campbell Falls State Park Preserve

A magical waterfall on the Whiting River with park entrances via both CT and MA. Located in Norfolk, CT. Hiking and Stream Fishing.

Learn More
haystack mountain road fall ct

Haystack Mountain State Park

A 354-acre public recreation area off North Street (Route 272 north). A trail up the 1,680-foot-high mountain leads to an observation tower listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hiking.

Learn More
wood creek pond image by janet serra

Wood Creek Pond Boat Launch

A 145 acre shallow pond with 12 parking spaces located off Ashpatog Road in North Norfolk, CT. Beautiful, remote, and wild. Boating and Fishing.

Learn More