Introducing Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary

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A view of Beaver Dam Brook from the top of the Ridge Trail at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

In late November, Massachusetts Audubon opened Tidmarsh, a 479-acre wildlife sanctuary in Plymouth. Land conservation is always something to celebrate, but this acquisition is also noteworthy for its scope.

In recent years Tidmarsh was a working cranberry farm. Before Mass Audubon granted it permanent protection as a wildlife sanctuary, the property underwent a significant restoration. It took years – and the removal of nine dams – to return Tidmarsh to its natural state. Thanks to the efforts of Audubon and its partners in this project – the Town of Plymouth, the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- Tidmarsh is now – once again – a winding coastal stream bordered by freshwater wetlands. In fact – in the Northeast – it’s the largest freshwater ecological restoration to date.

Tidmarsh is a most-welcome pin on Mass Audubon’s map. While Audubon manages 57 wildlife sanctuaries across the state, until now, its presence on the South Shore was limited to three properties in Marshfield and Duxbury. This new sanctuary in Plymouth fills the gap between the three South Shore sanctuaries and the four on the South Coast (Wareham, Attleboro and South Dartmouth/Westport).

At the center of the property is Beaver Dam Brook – a stream that meanders for three miles from its inland headwaters to Plymouth Harbor. Once impeded by a series of dams -- a necessary part of the cranberry bog system -- the brook now flows freely to the sea . . . for the first time in over a century!

Wildlife has taken notice. In the spring, river herring were spotted in the brook, making their way upstream for their annual migration (which is now possible, due to the absence of dams). Muskrats have returned as well. And birds are rediscovering this property too. Common species such as red-shouldered hawks and northern harriers have been spotted regularly, as well as more-rare visitors such as king rails, blue grosbeaks and Caspian terns.

Tidmarsh is a new property with big plans. There are already three miles of well-tended trails, with more on the way. There is already plenty to see. From the parking area, follow the Entrance Trail (0.4 miles) past a small pond and through a forest of pine and oak. This will lead you to a large open meadow. You can take the Ridge Trail (to the left) uphill to an overlook that features a spectacular view of the entire property.

Or if you have more time, follow the Meadow Trail (to the right) to either of two longer paths. The Farm Road Ramble takes you over Beaver Dam Brook, along the edge of the wetlands, and eventually to the scenic Madar Loop (about 1.4 miles total). The Volunteers’ Trail, along the wetlands’ opposite bank, runs farther into the sanctuary. You can hike for a mile each way, with many views of the newly-restored wetlands and stream. There are plans in place to eventually connect these two trail systems, so that visitors can tour the entire stream valley in one long loop.

One of the most inspiring things about the Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is what it means, in terms of the Big Picture. First there was Beaver Dam Brook, and the wetlands that surrounded it. Then came the influence of agriculture and industry, where unfortunately nature took a backseat. The birds went away; the fish and furry creatures found other places to inhabit. Now the original habitats have been restored. The wetlands are capable of serving their natural function once again – to contain floodwaters and support the water supply against drought. As the increasing consequences of Climate Change become more evident, Tidmarsh brings a sense of hope that it is not too late to protect our planet.

Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 60 Beaver Dam Road in Plymouth, not far from Route 3A in Manomet. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Before your visit, be sure to check Mass Audubon’s website (https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/tidmarsh). At the time of this writing, the sanctuary was temporarily closed due to parking lot construction.

by Kezia Bacon, December 2017

 Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Visiting Marshfield’s John Little Conservation Area

I led a walk last weekend at the John Little Conservation Area in North Marshfield. In preparation, I spent some time reviewing the history of that particular part of town. Things have changed, of course, since North Marshfield was developed in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, yet because certain aspects of this village remain unchanged – especially in comparison to other parts of our region – it’s easy to image what life was like when the European settlers first arrived.

The John Little Conservation Area, located at 905 Union Street, was established in 2009, thanks to Community Preservation funds to purchase an initial 25 acres. The following year, additional CPA funding permitted the acquisition of an additional 49.8 acres. In the past several years, Marshfield has created trails and boardwalks within the property, as well as a long, beautiful walkway that leads to a dock on the North River. The 75 acres include pasture, forest, and marsh, along with some gorgeous views of the river. Walking the trails, one encounters old stone walls and cart paths, which offer a glimpse of the property’s agricultural past.

The North River valley was populated well before European settlers arrived in the mid-1600s. Native American tribes considered the North River a major highway. The Wampanoag traveled regularly along a network of waterways from Narragansett Bay to Massachusetts Bay -- from the Nemasket and Taunton Rivers, to the ponds of Pembroke, to the North River and out to sea. Numerous archaeological sites along the hillsides of the river valley reveal evidence of their summer camps.

 

The first European settlers to put down roots in North Marshfield were from Scituate and South Scituate (now Norwell). According to the book Marshfield: A Town of Villages, by Cynthia Krusell and Betty Bates, families who worshipped at the Quaker meeting house across the river near Wanton Shipyard began arriving around 1649.  These included the Tildens, Rogers, and Oakmans.

Sometime before 1700, Elisha Bisbee began running a ferry at the site of today’s Union Street Bridge, followed by the Oakman and Tolman families. In 1801 the town erected a toll bridge at the site. In 1850, when sufficient tolls had been collected to pay for the construction costs, they celebrated by holding a jubilee, and making the bridge a “free” one going forward. Subsequent bridges were constructed in 1889, 1917, 1972 and 2010. From the ferry/bridge site, a cart path extended south for several miles. Portions of it still remain – particularly within the conservation lands that border the river. 

 It is said that if it weren’t for the salt hay along the rivers, the European settlers would not have survived here. There was very little unforested land, and what they managed to clear, they needed for growing crops for human consumption. Thus they fed their livestock salt marsh hay. (It was also used for roof thatch and wall insulation.) By the late1600s, land rights had been granted to all of the area’s salt marshes. Ditches were cut to serve as property boundaries. Thus, Two Mile, the village just south of North Marshfield, earned its name. From 1640 to 1788, a parcel two miles long and one mile wide (measured from midstream in the river to the upland) was deeded to South Scituate, for salt haying rights.

Driving through North Marshfield today, it’s easy to imagine the village’s agricultural past. Many open fields and stone walls remain, as well as the occasional working farm. The John Little Conservation Area was named for the family who operated a dairy farm there. Jack and Grace Little’s Little Jersey Farm offered milk and cream from the 1930s to the 1950s. Jack’s son Christopher still operates the family farm, on the parcel he retains, across the street, raising cattle for beef. Indications of the village’s other industries are harder to come by. Other than the dam that forms Rogers Pond on Cove Creek, one might never know of the grist mill, fish hatchery, or blacksmith shop, nor the tannery, rivet factory or box/shingle mill.

A more prominent industry, by far, in this area was shipbuilding. The North River was known nationwide for its ships. From 1645 to 1871 there were 24 shipyards along its banks, producing more than 1,000 vessels. There were two major shipyards in North Marshfield. From 1790 to 1819, the Rogers Shipyard operated at Gravelly Beach, at the end of present-day Cornhill Lane. And just downstream, at what is now the Union Street Bridge, was the Brooks-Tilden Shipyard (1837-1847). Because the lands along the rivers were richly forested, there was plenty of timber available. Teams of oxen dragged oak and pine to the Hatch sawmill nearby, or to saw pits at the shipyards themselves. Today all that remains of the shipyards are metal historic markers erected at some of the sites. Once the forests were stripped bare, and the greater world sought ships too large to be built on this particular river, the local industry faded out.

Last weekend’s event at Little Conservation Area was the first of what I hope will be a series of walks I’ll be leading this winter and spring for the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA). If you’d like to be in the loop, I recommend signing up for NSRWA’s weekly e-newsletter. For details, visit: http://www.nsrwa.org/.

by Kezia Bacon

November 2017 

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Exploring Webster's Wilderness

--> I was asked recently for some suggestions for nature walks near Marshfield Center, and was somewhat taken aback at how many there are, within a small radius. There’s the Bridle Path, accessible from the CVS on Ocean Street; and just across the South River, the Pratt Preserve. A mile from there is Pudding Hill Reservation, which overlooks the town center and Chandler Pond. Two miles in the other direction is Mass Audubon’s much-loved Daniel Webster Sanctuary. Around the corner from there is the Hoyt-Hall Preserve, which links directly to conservation land along the Old Colony Railroad. And that’s not all! The Town of Marshfield also manages the little-known conservation parcel, Webster’s Wilderness.

The 130-acre Webster’s Wilderness Conservation Area is part of the 1200 acres that US Senator and two-time Secretary of State Daniel Webster owned in the 1800s. It is not the easiest place to find. If you drive down the access road to the Marshfield Senior Center (230 Webster Street), all the way to the rear-most parking lot, you’ll find yourself on a rise overlooking the Wheeler Baseball Complex. The ballfields are encircled by a paved 1/3-mile walking trail. Looking across, to approximately 10 o’clock, is where you’ll find the unmarked trailhead for Webster’s Wilderness.

The trailhead is in the foreground, to the left.

From the trailhead, it’s just a short walk to a somewhat wider path. This is the Old Pilgrim Trail, a historic road that originally extended from Plymouth to Scituate. But only a small section of the Pilgrim Trail passes through Webster’s Wilderness. Turning left at this intersection, you will soon arrive at Cherry Hill, and continuing a bit farther, you’ll come out to Arborway and the Daniel Webster Estate. 

The Daniel Webster Estate.

 I headed first to Cherry Hill, a spot I’d heard about, but had never seen.  According to Marshfield: A Town of Villages 1640-1990, by Cynthia Krusell and Betty Bates, Cherry Hill is the spot where Daniel Webster gave his last public speech. He had returned from Washington to his home in Marshfield in the summer of 1852. 

A granite bench at the top of Cherry Hill.

His health failed shortly thereafter, and he passed away on October 24^th. It’s a proud piece of local lore that Webster requested to be interred at the nearby Winslow Burying Ground, and therefore declined a state funeral and burial in the National Cemetery. Mourners traveled along the Old Pilgrim Trail (also known as Green Harbor Path) to attend the funeral service at his estate, or sailed upstream from the Atlantic to his wharf on the Green Harbor River. It’s fascinating to imagine how these old roads and waterways were the highways of yesteryear.

Daniel Webster’s home was inhabited by his extended family until it burned down in 1878. It was rebuilt on its original foundation, and in 1884, a man named Walton Hall purchased the property. Hall developed much of the surrounding land as cranberry bogs. Those bogs are long gone now, but you can find vestiges of them as you explore the trails of Webster’s Wilderness. Especially on the Cherry Hill side of the property, there are small ponds and a number of narrow streams, once part of the farm’s irrigation system. There are also culverts and dams, and occasional rusted remains of pipes and pumps. 

Vestiges of the cranberry farm?

 The property’s more recent history is evident as well. 1950 marked the founding of Camp Daniel Webster, a summer day camp for children, first operated by Vincent Cohee, and later (1966-86) by James and Phyllis Anderson. I attended Camp Daniel Webster briefly in the 1980s, but most of my memories of it had faded. However after climbing Cherry Hill, I came upon the pond on which we developed our rowboating skills, and soon after, the spot where we practiced our riflery. Oh, the nostalgia! Probably the most memorable landmark was the tree on which decades of young teens had carved their initials. 

Not the best photo, but the tree with all the initials carved into it is in the foreground.

The rowboating pond, with the dock to the left. That appears to be a hockey net half-submerged in the middle.

 

After exploring a few trails that led to dead ends or private property, I backtracked to the place where the entrance path intersects with the Old Pilgrim Trail. Heading in the other direction this time led me into the heart of Webster’s Wilderness. I had my map, but I wasn’t always sure which trails I was on . . . Basically there are two intersecting figure-8s, some more developed than others, plus the occasional spur trail. There are streams and small ponds too, as well as a vernal pool. Some of the trails are overgrown in places with briers, but – especially with the map you can download from the town website – it’s easy enough to find your way around.

The Old Pilgrim Trail, as it passes through Webster's Wilderness.

 

If you’d like to take a walk in the woods, and are in the mood for some adventure, Webster’s Wilderness might be worth your time. It’s a little gloomy in places, and feels more remote than many of our other, more trafficked conservation lands. But that’s part of the appeal. 

One of the narrower trails.

Plus if you’re interested in local history, you’d probably enjoy the rusty old farm equipment that can be seen now and then along the trails.

by Kezia Bacon, October 2017

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

This Year’s Fall Festivals

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Meeting the livestock at Mass Audubon's annual Farm Day.

Autumn is here. The days are growing shorter, the nights are getting longer, and most mornings there is a chill in the air. It’s a long-held tradition in the fall to celebrate the harvest and acknowledge the change of seasons. Between now and Halloween there are a number of local fests and feasts, offering all sorts of activities for young and old. Think: hayrides, corn mazes, visits to the pumpkin patch, plus lots of locally grown food and freshly pressed apple cider. This sampling of nearby happenings is listed chronologically, by starting date. Read on, and mark your calendar!

Sauchuk Farm Corn Maze: Saturdays and Sundays 10-6, through October 29, plus special hours on Columbus Day and October 5, at 200 Center Street, Plympton. A giant corn maze, a small array of concessions, plus lots of child-friendly activities including a Corn Cannon, Duck Races, the Cow Train, Rat Rollers, Jumping Pillows, a Tug of War, all set in the middle of a corn field. Don’t miss the hayride to the Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch. For details, visit https://www.sauchukmaze.com/

Nessralla’s Farm Corn Maze: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 10-6, through October 29. Flashlight and Haunted Maze begin September 30. 139 Hemlock Lane, Halifax. Check out the hay bale pyramid, bouncy houses, hayrides, and concessions, plus the Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch. On Columbus Day weekend, this event features the largest pumpkin drop in Massachusetts, and offers an opportunity to ride a mechanical bull. For details, visit http://nessrallafarm.com/corn-maze.php

5^th Annual Duxbury Oktoberfest: Friday, September 29^th, 6:30-10:30pm at 459 Washington Street, Duxbury. Part of the Duxbury Food & Wine Festival, this event takes place under a tent and features German and local craft beers and wine, a traditional Bavarian feast, and live music, plus contests for Best Dirndl and Lederhosen, Hefty Stein Holding, and Yodeling. For details visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-duxbury-tickets-36875956980

Weir River Farm Fall Festival – Saturday, September 30th from 10-4 at Weir River Farm, Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham. Hosted by the Trustees of Reservations, this annual event celebrates the harvest on one of the last working farms in town. Visit farm animals, ride a pony, climb aboard a tractor, and paint your own pumpkin. Hear live music, make a scarecrow, learn how to press apple cider, and play old-fashioned games like the potato spoon relay. Plus you can pick your own pumpkin and popcorn. Be sure to visit the food court and the farm stand too. For details, visit http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/south-shore/event-34183.html?srrelated_property=659001346

10^th Annual Harvest Moon Feast: Monday, October 2 from 6-9 pm at Mill Wharf Restaurant, Scituate Harbor. Support the Environmental Education programs of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association while sampling dishes prepared by the South Shore’s finest restaurants and caterers. This benefit event includes live jazz by the Lance Van Lenten Trio, beer and wine tastings, auctions, and a cash bar. For details, visit http://www.nsrwa.org/2017-harvest-moon-feast/

OkTRAILberfest: Saturday, October 7, 2-6pm at 675 Long Pond Road, Plymouth. Join the Wildlands Trust to celebrate the great outdoors. The event includes live music, beer from Independent Fermentations Brewing, a German buffet from Farms to Forks, hikes, trail runs, yard games, contests, property tours, and more! All proceeds support the Youth Unplugged Initiative, connecting tomorrow's leaders to the natural world.

Harvest Hoedown: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 7-9, 10am-4pm at C.N. Smith Farm, 325 South Street, East Bridgewater. Family fun including Pick Your Own apples and pumpkins, live music, hayrides, moonwalks, pony rides, plus lots of food from the Farm Kitchen. For details, visit http://cnsmithfarminc.com/special-events/octoberfest/

14th Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration – Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8 from 10-4 at 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham. Hosted by the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association and Ocean Spray, this fun family event features juried crafters, a marketplace with over 40 vendors, live music, cooking demonstrations, helicopter tours, and much more. There are abundant activities for children, including pony rides, paddleboats, and a train. You can even don waders and stroll right into a bog full of cranberries! The perfect opportunity to experience a working cranberry bog at harvest time. For details, visit http://admakepeace.com/events_tours_functions/calendar_of_events/cranberry_harvest_celebration_-_october_7_8

New England Harvest Feast – Sunday, October 8 at 5:30pm (also October 29, and several dates in November) at Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave. Plymouth. Sit down to a 17^th century meal featuring the finest food that the season has to offer, such as “Mussels Seeth’d with Parsley and Beer,” and “A Sweet Pudding of Native Corn.” Your modern host will guide you through the meal, during which you will have opportunities to converse with historians as well as visitors from the past. Plus psalms and songs! Reservations required. For details, visit http://www.plimoth.org/calendar#/?i=4

Mass Audubon’s 37^th Annual Farm Day – Saturday, October 21, 10-4 at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield. Mass Audubon’s annual event for families features tractor-drawn hayrides, owl demonstrations, live music, artisans such as blacksmiths, weavers and wood-turners, a fine arts and crafts show, children’s games and crafts, face painting, a giant hay maze, home-baked treats and other delicious food including hot fresh cider doughnuts. For details, visit http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/daniel-webster/news-events/farm-day

by Kezia Bacon

September 2017

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

A Pontoon Boat Cruise on the North River

Looking downstream from the bow of the pontoon boat.

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If you’re reading this article, you are probably aware of the North and South Rivers -- two beautiful, healthy, tidal waterways whose watershed comprises much of the South Shore. Chances are, you’ve also spent some time there – perhaps by boat, or with a canoe, kayak or paddle board, or by walking in one of the numerous conservation areas that border them.

On the other hand, maybe you haven’t. Whether paddling trips and hikes aren’t your thing, or you have other reasons for not being able to access the rivers, I have good news to share with you. There’s another option! The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) now offers Pontoon Boat Cruises.

A pontoon boat is a motorized boat with a wide, flat deck, and plenty of room for upright seating. The deck is supported by two or three metal tubes (or pontoons), which provide flotation. While not the most aerodynamic, a pontoon boat moves quickly and deftly enough to provide a smooth, steady ride. The NSRWA’s boat – donated by a Marshfield family -- has comfortable bench seats in both the sun and the shade, all with a terrific view. Plus there’s no climbing – from the dock, you walk straight on and off the vessel. This is a very different experience from a kayak or a canoe.

Throughout the boating season (late spring til mid-autumn) NSRWA offers pontoon boat cruises several times per month. Each includes a licensed boat captain and a tour guide. You can choose the “Nature and History” themed cruise or just “Nature.” “Fall Foliage” and “River Wildlife” are other options. You can also charter your own.

In August, I signed up for one of the Nature and History-themed cruises. After registering online, I received my instructions, so I knew exactly where to park and what to bring. At 10:00am, I met my captain, guide, and fellow participants at Roht Marine, on the North River, on the Marshfield-Scituate line (Route 3A). After a brief safety overview, we were off.

I already knew a fair amount about the history of the North and South Rivers, but on the tour, I learned quite a bit more! Our guide explained how our region has changed since the last ice age – and how the rivers were formed. He discussed the first European settlers in our area and the ways in which they interacted with the native tribes who had been here for years. He explained salt marsh haying, and packet ships, and gave an overview of the local shipbuilding industry. He also discussed the ecology of the salt marsh, and pointed out some of the wildlife that make their home there. We saw marsh wrens, red tail hawks and osprey, and kept an eye out for bald eagles (they nest nearby.) There were maps and other visual aids to enhance the presentation, plus we were encouraged to “Ask anything.”

After an hour moving steadily upstream through gorgeous landscapes, we reached the Route 3 Bridge in Pembroke. The captain turned the boat around, and for most of our journey back to the starting point, we were encouraged to admire the view. This led to casual conversations among the participants and plenty more insights from the guide.

The 2-hour tour was extremely enjoyable. Time passed quickly. I found myself wanting to return, soon, with various friends and family members, especially those who aren’t inclined to experience the rivers in other ways. A Pontoon Boat Cruise would be a lovely way to mark a special occasion – a birthday or anniversary, for example, or a retirement. At $50 per person (for NSRWA members, $75 for non-members) it’s a bit of an investment, but well worth the cost.

If you’re interested in joining a Pontoon Boat Cruise, there are a number of them coming up this fall – nearly every weekend through the end of October. Most go upriver through Marshfield and Norwell, but some go downstream to The Spit. Visit nsrwa.org for details and to register.

by Kezia Bacon

August 2017

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

A view from the stern of the pontoon boat.

A Kayak Excursion with Mass Audubon

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Throughout my childhood, my parents organized canoe trips on local rivers. They would invite their friends, who would bring their children, and we’d take the entire day to explore someplace new. 

 

What began close to home – the North River, the South River – spread to points all over eastern Massachusetts. We canoed the Concord and the Ipswich to the north; the Bass and the Plymouth ponds to the south. Each trip had its memorable moments: the kids who stayed warm in garbage bags after their parents capsized the canoe; the dad who was left stranded over the cold autumn water, dangling from a rope swing; the dam my high school friends and I almost drifted over at the end of one particularly long trip.

As a child, I was spared the logistics, but I still remember the stress of wondering whether an aluminum canoe would actually remain lashed to the top of a Toyota Corolla for the duration of a 50-mile highway trek. This was back in the days when woven cinch-straps weren’t so readily available.

As an adult, I’ve mused about organizing similar excursions for my own circle of friends. I’ll begin to consider what such a trip might entail, and then back away quickly. Even locally, it seems like a lot of work. There are so many variables – the tides, the wind, the weather in general. Rounding up the right number of boats and PFDs (personal flotation devices are required by local law). Towing boats, staging vehicles for one-way trips, choosing a date that works for everyone. Headache!

Not that there aren’t alternatives. A number of local organizations offer guided excursions for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs – on our local rivers and plenty of other appealing places as well. Some of these trips are the Bring Your Own sort – you show up with your boat and PFD, and then follow the leader on a pre-determined course. Others are Full Service. You show up empty handed and they outfit you with everything you need.

Historically, I’ve turned my nose up at the “outfitter” excursions. They’re more expensive, and what fun is a paddling trip if you don’t arrive exhausted from the stress of organizing it? But I'm beginning to see the light.

This spring my mother asked if I would like to accompany her on a kayaking trip on the Green Harbor River, led by Mass Audubon. It would take place on a weekday morning, while my son was at school, and all we’d have to do was show up ready to paddle. The cost was around $40 per person. Her birthday was approaching . . . and after an brief internal dialogue along the lines of “I could borrow a second kayak and take her there for free,” I remembered that it was HER birthday, and perhaps it would be nice just to give her what she wanted. I signed us up.

The excursion day arrived, and with it, a horrible forecast. Driving rain, thunder, lightning . . . all expected before noon. The trip was cancelled . . . but quickly rescheduled for two weeks later. Could we still make it? Yes!

When we arrived at Peter Igo Park in Marshfield, we found that our guides had already unloaded the kayaks at the edge of the access path. PFDs were provided, so we just had to find ones that fit us. Paddles had already been carried to the dock. We were offered a choice between single-person or double kayaks, and once everyone had selected their boat, we worked as a group to haul them to the water. And then for the next 2.5 hours, after a brief skills tutorial, we enjoyed an informative and relaxing paddle up and down the river.

Let me stress the word “relaxing.” I didn’t realize how much “just showing up” would make a difference. We saw osprey; we saw herons. Our guides told a little bit about river ecology. There was talk of a Snickers bar, too, but I never saw it. And at the end, we were encouraged just to leave our gear in the trailer and go home. It was a very pleasant morning, and well worth the cost.

Both Mass Audubon (massaudubon.org) and the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (nsrwa.org) offer paddling trips on our local waterways. You can find current information on their websites. NSRWA is hosting a Kayak Tour on the North River on August 6^th. Statewide, Mass Audubon offers something nearly every week. For those who want to do even less work (no paddling), be sure to check out NSRWA’s weekly Pontoon Boat cruises.

by Kezia Bacon

July 2017

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Kayaks on the North River.

New Boat Launch on the South River!

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A view of the new South River launch with the bench in the foreground.

 I’m so excited to share this news! Thanks to the combined efforts of the Town of Marshfield, Goodwill Hunters, and the North & South Rivers Watershed Association, there is a new launch site for canoes, kayaks, SUPs and other small boats on the South River. Until this spring, those who wanted to paddle the upper navigable portion of the South River had to risk such challenges as steep inclines, unsure footing, and poison ivy. But not anymore! This is a prime example of our Community Preservation funds being put to good use.

Many are unaware that the South River originates deep in Duxbury. Its source is in the Round Pond area, and from there it winds unobtrusively through the woods for several miles. Although one can view it from Route 3, and also from both the South River Bogs and Camp Wing conservation areas, it remains a narrow and mostly un-navigable stream until it makes its first “public” appearance at Veterans Memorial Park in Marshfield. From there it flows under Route 3A, through South River Park, and behind the playground of South River School, emerging again at Willow Street. But due to fences, dense vegetation, traffic, and general navigability none of these are ideal places to access the river by boat.

Just downstream from Willow Street, however, is the Francis Keville Footbridge, the location of the South River’s new boat launch. This is the upstream addition we river enthusiasts have been hoping for! Finally, there is relatively easy access to this portion of the river!

The Keville Footbridge was constructed in 2001. You can get there via a 0.15-mile path that extends behind the CVS on Ocean Street, as well as a 0.25-mile trail that originates on South River Street. Both access points are along a de-commissioned section of the Old Colony Railroad. Paddlers should be aware that launching a boat here requires carrying it first -- a bit of a distance. It’s worth it, though!

There is a gate in the middle of the bridge that opens onto a tall metal ramp. The ramp is steep, but it has railings and a non-slip walkway . . . and it is wide enough to accommodate a person carrying a kayak. The ramp leads down to a wooden float, which sits on the water’s surface.

Once you get your boat on the water, you are in for a treat. This is a quiet section of the river – bordered on both sides by salt marsh. Those familiar with the lower portion of South River at Humarock and Rexhame will find this section to have significantly less traffic. Especially in the summer, when the reeds have grown tall, it’s hard to believe that civilization is close-by. You’re likely to see all sorts of wildlife – turtles sunning, river otters playing, any number of fish and fowl going about their daily routines.

After passing through the center of Marshfield, the river tucks back into the marshes. One can view it remotely from various locations along South River Street, and in the Southport and Rexhame neighborhoods. Downstream from there, it completely changes character. Its final three miles, along the barrier beach of Humarock, are very much out-in-the-open.

One of the many nice things about the lower portion of the South River is that it is wide and deep enough to be navigable at any tide. The upper portion is another story. You can still launch a canoe or kayak from the Keville Bridge at low tide, but you are likely to encounter some obstacles as you proceed. (With a SUP, you should be able to glide around or over even the shallowest sections). I was surprised to discover, on a recent excursion, that the upper portion of the South River has a number of sandbars!

Thus, be sure to consult a tide chart before you go, and bear in mind that when it’s high tide at the ocean, it will be another 3-4 hours before it’s high tide at the Keville Bridge. The height of the tide itself, and the amount of rainfall in the days and weeks prior, also affect water level. Unlike other sections of the river, it’s hard to know with much certainty how much water there will be at a given time. But that’s part of the adventure, right?

Another important thing to bear in mind: the Town of Marshfield is still fine-tuning the wooden float at the new launch site. At present, it sits rather high on the water (probably to accommodate the very heavy metal ramp). Getting into and out of your vessel could present an  unexpected challenge. That said, the river is shallow enough – at least at lower tides – that you can easily stand in the water beside the float. The Town of Marshfield hopes to have this situation remedied soon.

Even if you’re not interested in launching a boat from the Keville Bridge, it’s worth visiting. Goodwill Hunters (who also provided funding) has installed a granite bench at the water’s edge – a tribute to the late Drew and Anjuli Hunter -- and the view from there is really something. The organization is a big supporter of river access. (Watch for its annual Duck Derby this fall!) In addition, there are efforts underway to post signs and construct an informational kiosk along the trail behind CVS. There have also been murmurs of PFDs and wheeling mechanisms being available to lend across the street at Levitate.

A Note About Parking: At present the town advises that you drop off your boat or board at the trailhead behind CVS, and then move your car across the street to the municipal lot next to Levitate. In the future, they are hopeful that parking will be available closer to the launch.

Upcoming Event: Let NSTWA show you how to navigate the new South River kayak/canoe launch! Join us for a paddling trip on Thursday July 14th from 5-7pm. Registration is required at nsrwa.org

by Kezia Bacon

June 2017

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com