Putnam Pike, Rte. 44 Glocester, RI

The Steere Hill area is comprised of four abutting parcels acquired from 1967 to 2010 with a total of 448 acres. Steere Hill is open year round from sunrise to sunset. During the winter months it is open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In warm weather Steere Hill is a popular place for horseback riding, jogging, geocaching, dog walks, and casual walks. The 68 acre Phillips Farm was the first property acquired by the GLT in 1990. Phillips Farm is an historic homestead that was known variously through the years as Phillips Farm, Cutler Farm, and Cutler’s Tavern. Before the 1920’s this farm was the Cutler Farm and the site of the historic Cutler Inn and Tollbooth. The area encompasses a variety of different habitats including wetlands, forest, and open fields. The elevation of this relatively compact parcel (approximately 68 acres) varies sufficiently so that many excellent views of the natural features are afforded over a short walk. Although most of the trees are second growth, many have reached full maturity; among them is a stand of American beech. There is also an apple orchard that is over 100 years old. The extensive streamside wetlands support a diversity of ferns and flowering plants which bloom in succession from early spring well into the summer. West of Phillips Farm is the 208 acre Steere Hill Nature Preserve acquired in 2002. During the early 20th Century, both Phillips Farm and Steere Hill were used for orchards, hayfields, woodlots, and livestock. Recently the GLT has created wildlife habitat of tall native grasses for threatened ground nesting bird species in Phillips Farm and the summit of Steere Hill. West of Steere Hill is Heritage Park, a 115 acres woodland acquired by the Town of Glocester in 1967 as part of the state’s Green Acres program. South of Heritage Park is the 57 acre LePlat Woodland acquired by the GLT in 2010.

Steere Hill & Phillips Farm

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