For more than a century, the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) has worked to preserve the mountain we call Sleeping Giant—a beloved natural landmark and vital ecological haven. Through donations and purchases of land, SGPA has worked in partnership with the State to expand the park to the 1,750+ acres it comprises today.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce a major milestone in that effort: SGPA’s acquisition of the Doolittle Property, a 28-acre parcel that was the largest remaining privately-owned inholding within the park boundaries.
Located on the northern side of the park, the Doolittle Property is a diverse and ecologically valuable piece of land. It includes 4 acres of open meadow, 20 acres of upland hardwood forest, and 4 acres of wooded wetland. Two headwater streams rise on the property and feed into Butterworth Brook, a tributary of the Mill River. These streams originate from a spring-fed pond and seasonal wetland, flowing through the rolling, plateaued terrain that characterizes the Giant’s “foothills.” A vernal pool located in the northeastern portion of the parcel further contributes to its ecological richness.
The land’s name honors the Doolittle family, among the earliest settlers in the region. With few exceptions, the property remained in Doolittle hands for over 200 years. SGPA first expressed interest in acquiring it in 1986, when Jessie Doolittle, the widow of Clifford Doolittle, was still residing there. Records show that discussions with both the Doolittles and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (now the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, DEEP) spanned a decade. In 1996, SGPA made a final offer, but the land was sold to another buyer.
With encouragement and support from CT DEEP and the State Parks Department, SGPA remained in touch with the new owner over the years, reiterating interest in the property. However, challenges related to valuation and the owner’s satisfaction with the land kept a sale out of reach. Meanwhile, the condition of the site deteriorated. The house fell into disrepair, and the cleared area surrounding it became cluttered with derelict campers, fishing boats, and inoperable vehicles.
Between 2014 and 2023, the property faced multiple foreclosure threats. SGPA prepared bids each time, but sales were repeatedly averted—until July 2023, when the foreclosure process finally advanced. After competitive bidding, SGPA prevailed, closing on the purchase in September 2023. With the property finally protected, cleanup began immediately to prepare it for future transfer to DEEP for formal incorporation into the park system.
Restoration efforts focused on removing the dilapidated structures, vehicles, trailers, boats, and scrap metal—most concentrated within the four cleared acres around the old house site. This work laid the foundation for a new chapter in stewardship.
Interim Land Stewardship Efforts
As the current owner, SGPA is committed to the stewardship of this special property. Under the guidance of the Environmental Stewardship Committee and with support from the Trail Crew and contractors, invasive plants and overgrown vegetation have been cleared. Native meadow plants have been seeded in bare soil patches, and the old, eroded driveway has been stabilized for long-term access. Planning is underway to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the meadows and surrounding areas.
Eventually, SGPA envisions trails extending through the Doolittle Property and connecting to existing routes on the Giant, offering visitors a new way to experience the mountain’s natural diversity.
For now, the entrance remains gated to prevent unauthorized access, and there is no formal parking at the site.
The acquisition of the Doolittle Property marks a historic victory for conservation at Sleeping Giant. SGPA remains committed to its thoughtful care and looks forward to integrating this gem into the broader park landscape.
Stay tuned for more developments as we continue our stewardship journey and work with the State to officially integrate the property into Sleeping Giant State Park.
In the meantime, we ask that the public refrain from visiting the site until we are able to better ready the property for visitation.
Support the Giant
SGPA was only able to conserve the Doolittle Property because of the generosity of donors like you. Consider making a gift today to ensure we have the resources needed to protect and care for parcels like this one today, and into the future. Donate Today >>