Trade Wind Fields Preserve

Here is the classic sandplain grassland habitat, whose survival in this location was just a matter of good fortune: the land was used for decades as a grass-strip airport and the regular mowing and rolling that accompanied that use prevented the land’s succession into woodland. Important sandplain pollinator species such as wavy-leaf milkweed and butterfly weed are scattered throughout the grassland.  Ongoing rescue efforts for the sandplain species continue.  

A portion of the property continues to be used as an airstrip. Pilots are welcome to land here but must have an approved permission-to-land slip in advance; details may be obtained by telephoning the land bank office.