The Cultural Easton
by Jonathan J Webster
Easton is known for its open spaces—but mostly in Upper Easton. Lower Easton, however, has its own little gem. The Wheeler Wildflower Preserve is one of the Aspetuck Land Trust’s newest properties. Located on Sport Hill Road, near the blinking light at Beers Road, it was preserved just last year in 2024. At just under an acre, it’s one of the smaller open spaces in town, so you won’t need a map to navigate. But that doesn’t make it any less worthy of your attention—or your presence.
I’d long looked at the parcel with curiosity, as one does with undeveloped land in Lower Easton. When I saw the Land Trust putting up their sign, I was thrilled. Before that, I’d assumed a private homeowner was embarking on a personal rewilding project.
In truth, Wheeler is a quiet example of something revolutionary: letting land be. It shows how we can reduce the size of our lawns, not with neglect but with intention, like path mowing, which creates a welcoming space for both people and pollinators. Little undisturbed patches like this are gold for migrating birds and insects. And they serve as living reminders of what’s possible on our own properties, even with houses and driveways in the mix.