The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will host a nature walk at their Stetser Preserve in Jefferson on Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Jenn Barton, a passionate observer of the natural world, will lead the walk along the trail to the pond and back. Barton studied at the University of Vermont in the Field Naturalist Program before coming to Maine where she has lived and worked since. A knowledgeable naturalist, she brings curiosity and enthusiasm to her forest and field explorations.

The Stetser Preserve protects 150 acres of forest and wetland habitat on the Egypt Road and was donated to SVCA in 2005 and 2006. The property is to remain undeveloped, but allows for recreation and forestry. The pond on the property had filled in with cattails and wetland plants by the 1950s when the original landowners began restoring it to an open water pond. It was stocked with trout in 1960. The spur trail to the pond provides a wonderful view and opportunities for wildlife watching.

The walk will be fairly easy though there are some small hills and areas of uneven terrain. The Stetser property includes upland forest with rocky outcrops, mature pines and low riparian areas. The pond and the stream that feeds it is home to a number of amphibians and other water loving species.

The First Bancorp sponsors the Stetser Preserve as part of SVCA’s Adopt-a-Preserve program where local businesses provide annual funds for kiosk, parking lot and trail maintenance.

The preserve is located just off Egypt Road in south Jefferson. From Alna, take Route 194 to Egypt Road and drive 2.5 miles north on Egypt Road to the parking area on the right. From Jefferson, take Route 215 south to Egypt Road and drive 1.25 miles south on Egypt Road. Parking area is on the left.

For more information, go to www.sheepscot.org or call 586-5616.