Project Description
About Phillips Preserve
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
PHILLIPS PRESERVE TRAILS REOPENED
Following several years of closure and extensive forestry work in response to the southern pine beetle outbreak, Phillips Preserve has reopened to the public. Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation undertook significant efforts to remove hazardous and affected trees, improve public safety, and reduce the risk of wildfire.
As part of this work, sections of the trail system were restored and rerouted to accommodate changes to the landscape. Updated trail maps and guides are now available to help visitors navigate the preserve. Visitors may notice substantial changes to the forest canopy and surrounding landscape as the woodland begins to recover.
The Phillips Preserve consists of 68.8 acres of oak and pitch pine forest on the west side of Lake Tashmoo in Tisbury. The property is noted for its hilly glacial topography, and the land slopes down to the shore of Aunt Rhoda’s Pond, a bay connected to Lake Tashmoo.
The Phillips Preserve was generously given to Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation by Marjorie Acker Phillips of Washington, D.C. In 1980, Ms. Phillips granted a conservation restriction on the premises to Sheriff’s Meadow, thereby permanently protecting the property from development. In 1985, Ms. Phillips passed away, leaving the property to Sheriff’s Meadow in her will. Sheriff’s Meadow remains deeply grateful to Ms. Phillips for this extraordinary conservation gift.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Phillips Preserve via the Margaret Lindsay Memorial Trail. Margaret Lindsay owned land abutting the preserve, and in 2005, the Margaret Lindsay Foundation generously provided funding to establish this public walking trail.
Beginning at the trailhead on Northern Pines Road, the trail winds through the preserve toward Aunt Rhoda’s Pond before looping back through the woodland to the trailhead. Following extensive forestry and trail restoration work, portions of the route have been adjusted. Visitors are encouraged to consult the updated trail map when planning their walk.
DIRECTIONS
From Vineyard Haven, take a right from State Road onto the Lambert’s Cove Road. Take the first right onto Northern Pines Road. Follow Northern Pines Road .5 miles. Parking is on the left
