The McDonald Nature Preserve is located in the center of Wilbraham on Washington Road. It was acquired in 2009 through the cooperative efforts of former landowner Marlene Coleman, the Town of Wilbraham, the Minnechaug Land Trust, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Self-Help Program.

The preserve can be reached by taking Grove Street from Boston Road and proceeding approximately 0.25 miles to McDonald Way. Take a left onto this small dirt road. At the end take another left onto Washington Road. This is another dirt road that will take you to the parking area.

Although the property which was purchased in 2009 is only 29 acres, it lies in the center of other existing town-owned conservation lands including the White Cedar Swamp, together making a natural corridor through the center of town. Hiking trails are defined that allow for an enjoyable walk from The McDonald Nature Preserve to Nine Mile Pond, or to the Wilbraham Middle School. An alternative would be to access the trails from the Middle School by parking there.

A stewardship committee is actively working on making this area more accessible and easier to navigate. Another goal of the committee is to return some of the fields to agricultural use. An existing barn on the property could help to facilitate this.

This land was farmed for many years by Alton and Helen McDonald. Alton used to hay the fields on his property, as well as some of the fields the town owned that you will pass on your hike.

This area is reserved for “passive” (meaning physically active) recreation. In the summer it is excellent for hiking, but be aware of ticks. Winter allows access to some areas that are wet in the summer, like those near the White Cedar Swamp. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are excellent ways to travel in the winter.

According to Professor Glenn Motzkin in his 2009 report, The Wilbraham Atlantic-White Cedar Swamp, "The White Cedar Swamp in Wilbraham, Massachusetts is the best example of a cedar wetland in the Connecticut Valley, supporting several white cedar stands as well as rare or uncommon species. In addition to extensive forested wetlands, the site includes a small cedar bog and an open wetland where Atlantic white cedar is associated with species typically found in calcareous wetlands. This is the only documented occurrence of such an association in Massachusetts...Cedar wetlands in Springfield, Hampden, and Ludlow are small and highly disturbed by human activity. Thus, the Wilbraham White Cedar Swamp represents the most extensive and highest quality cedar wetland in the Connecticut Valley, and is of regional and statewide conservation significance." There are cedar trees in the cedar swamp area, but the highest concentration exists in the forested areas of the Alton's Way Trail.

All passive recreational activities are permitted. Please be careful not to leave litter and not to deface the property. Please park in designated areas and be respectful of neighborhoods in the area.

 It is less than one-half mile from Decorie Drive to the actual swamp. The cedar bog and stands of white cedar trees are approximately one and a half to two miles out from Decorie Drive down the Alton's Way Trail. There are numerous spur trails that meander off in different directions. Some take you back to your original position; others are dead ends. These trails are worth exploring. However, they offer some breathtaking scenery.

The main trail is leaf-covered and flat. Wet areas spring up, quickly after any rainfall. Be aware of ticks and mosquitoes. Visiting in the winter, in early spring, or in late fall is suggested.

This trail is located at the end of Decorie Drive in Wilbraham.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at McDonald Farm Nature Preserve.