A path worn by many passing feet leads to a large stone. Take a left.

From there, rows of newly planted native crab apple trees reach across Nettleton Preserve — a Newtown Forest Association (NFA) property. They stand amid remnants of an existing orchard chocked by invasives and overgrowth.

Newtown Forest Association Vice President Bart Smith last Tuesday, a clear and sun-filled November afternoon, stepped through old meadow growth where short stalks of goldenrod still bloomed to look at one of the 26 new trees going in.

The new and old trees will create a flowering orchard, he said, meant to provide “a place of quiet reflection.” A dedication will take place in the spring.

The project is funded by The Sandy Hook Tree Fund, which the NFA established after 12/14. Holmes Fine Gardens of Sandy Hook is doing the tree planting, while Sarah Middeleer developed the landscape design.

With spades in hand and shoveling fresh soil over root balls, Jesse Birden and Anjel Valentine worked to settle the young trees in place. The 26 trees will play their part in a larger Nettleton Preserve Memorial Tree Project meant to “reclaim meadows orchards and the vista the property now has from overgrowth of dead and storm-damaged forest with specific tree and invasive brush removal,” according to a project overview prepared by NFA President Bob Eckenrode and Stewardship Chairman Dan Dalton.

The effort, which began last year, has succeeded in exposing old stone walls, removing overgrowth, and providing new trail space and “places for walks and contemplation.” Residents driving up Castle Hill Road approaching Old Castle Drive may recall late last year the abundance of trees cleared then.

The panoramic view is a favorite for residents, who have long admired the scene when facing northeast. From Old Castle Drive, the scene includes the steeples of Newtown Congregational Church and Trinity Episcopal Church, along with Newtown Meeting House — the former congregational church building — and Newtown’s iconic flagpole. Beyond that is five miles of rolling hills.

“The Nettleton Preserve offers so much for the people of Newtown,” NFA mmber Aaron Coopersmith told The Newtown Bee in January. “To some it is secret sunset spot, the location of that memorable scenery where old friends meet and new relationships begin. To others it holds a hidden treasure trove of berries and endless beauty.”