Try Yoga at the River’s Edge This Summer

A Yoga at the River's Edge class in the Rexhame Dunes. Photo by Sandy Bacon.

It is morning on the river. The sun has risen enough to bring its warmth to the day. Trees sway gently in the breeze. Fluffy clouds dot the blue sky. An occasional bird flies by. Listening closely, we can hear water lapping at the shore. This is the setting for Yoga at the River’s Edge, a Saturday morning outdoor program that resumes June 9^thfor its 22^ndseason. 

In 1997, as a newly-certified yoga teacher and board member of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, I wanted to create an event that would unite two of my favorite things: yoga and our local rivers. That summer, I led a series of six Gentle Yoga classes at various scenic spots in Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, and Pembroke. I chose places that first and foremost offered a beautiful view of the North or South River (or a tributary), but that could also accommodate a large group of people and their yoga mats. 

Yoga as a common form of exercise was just emerging in the 1990s. Unlike today, most gyms didn’t offer it. Dedicated yoga studios were few and far between. Yoga was the kind of thing you might just as easily find in a rented church hall or community center. It hadn’t attained its present popularity. It certainly wasn’t considered an outdoor activity.

But it was summer . . . and the North and South Rivers are so peacefully inviting in summer! Especially when the marshes have turned green, and the trees along the riverbanks are in full leaf-out. What a great way to begin the day – rolling out a yoga mat in a scenic spot, spending an hour relaxing, and stretching, and breathing deeply. Would people actually attend these classes? Would they mind putting their yoga mats on the grass or the forest floor? Would they be scared off by the threat of bugs? What did we have to lose? We decided to give it a try.

We met at the Indian Head River Reservoir, on the Hanover-Pembroke line, where a large expanse of lawn, bordered on one side by woods, overlooks the Indian Head River and its fish ladder. We met at Couch Beach in North Marshfield, in a cathedral of tall pines, on an upland that offers a panoramic view of the North River and its marshes. We met at the Norris Reservation in Norwell, at a little clearing in the woods, a stone’s throw from Second Herring Brook. 

We met on the lawn of the Marshfield branch of the YWCA, a secluded spot that overlooks Little’s Creek and the mouth of the North River. We met at the Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate, both on a grassy rise, and on a wooden dock beside the Herring River. And we met in the Rexhame Dunes in Marshfield, in the sand at the edge of the South River. Luck was on our side. Not one of these classes was rained out.

Something about Yoga at the River’s Edge appealed to people. Right from the beginning, we attracted a respectable number of students – not too many, not too few. Attendees commented on how gorgeous the locations were, how they might not have ever visited them if not for this series. They also remarked on how good it felt to do yoga outdoors, in a natural setting. The bugs, for the most part, held off. And so, year after year, we continued to offer these classes. 

In the two decades since Yoga at the River’s Edge began, I’ve welcomed seven additional men and women – all certified yoga instructors -- to the River’s Edge team. We each have our favorite places to teach, and we take turns doing so throughout the season, which now extends throughout the entire summer – mid-June to mid-September. We all feel fortunate to be able to lead these classes, gathering with fellow yoga practitioners at some beautiful spots along our local waterways. Plus, it feels good to give back – to support the North and South Rivers Watershed Association with the proceeds the donation-based program generates.

On behalf of the Yoga at the River’s Edge team, I hope you will consider joining us this summer. The season begins June 9^that one of my favorite places on the North River – Couch Beach in North Marshfield (access via Couch Cemetery, 629 Union Street). 

• Join our mailing list by emailing yogariversedge@verizon.net. 

• Find our schedule online at http://www.hellokezia.com/yoga/Yoga_at_the_Rivers_Edge.html 

• Or like “Yoga at the River’s Edge” on Facebook.

by Kezia Bacon

May 2018

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 22+ years of nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Unplugging: Its Joys and Challenges

Unplug by taking a walk in the woods. Pictured here: Cornell Woodland in North Marshfield.

(This article was originally published in September 2011. It was inadvertently left out of this blog.)

Can you be content without your internet connection? What about your cell phone? Or electricity? Hurricane Irene brought many of us an opportunity to ponder these questions.

As I write this, our electricity has just been restored after 3 days without. Since it’s summertime, it wasn’t so bad, as we didn’t have to worry about heat. However, with electric-powered utilities – stove, hot water heater, everything else – we had an interesting time “going without.”

While I’m not thrilled about the amount of food we had to throw away, the power outage wasn’t been unendurable. On Sunday, it felt good to hunker down indoors and wait out the heavy winds. On Monday, which was calm and sunny, there was plenty of yard work to do. On Tuesday, we just tried to keep busy. It’s a good thing it was nice out! Wednesday morning was when it came back on. Hallelujah!

The power outage has me thinking about Being Connected, and how much I rely on it. Not having an internet connection revealed just how much time I spend online. My laptop, which stays on all day, is set to check for email constantly. I can’t tell you how many times I glanced at it, looking for the telltale red dot . . . before remembering that no mail could come through. Yes, I admit it: having grown accustomed to constant connectivity, and I did feel somewhat insecure without it.

I charged my laptop fully before the storm began, and thus I spent all of Sunday working (till the battery went dead). A friend teased me, suggesting that a power loss could be considered an opportunity NOT to work. Why not, instead, take a day off and relax? Not so easy for someone like me. (I admit: I take refuge in my work – it’s more concrete than the rest of my life, which like everyone’s, can be messy.)

But Monday, with no chance of using the computer until I could find a place to recharge it, I was open to other options. Our yard was completely covered with green – pine branches, oak leaves, giant fallen maple branches. My morning class had been cancelled, my son was with his father, so I had no other responsibilities. I grabbed a rake and got busy.

It was a pleasant two hours. I could have put on my iPod but I opted to enjoy the quiet and the rhythmic scrape of the rake. Neighbors would walk by, and we’d discuss how we were coping with the power outage, but for the most part I was solitary. When I was done, the yard looked great, and I felt good for having spent the morning doing something physical.

A few months ago, I changed my cell service, and had the option of getting a smart phone with a data plan, so I could be connected to the internet at all times. I thought it better not to. While I would love to have internet access at my fingertips anytime and anywhere, I was reluctant. The $30 cost per month was part of it, but really, it was the threat of having no unplugged time whatsoever that turned me off.

I used to carry my cell phone with me everywhere, just in case. But now I don’t. There isn’t much in life that can’t wait an hour. As fond as I am of the immediacy the internet and cell phones provide, I think it’s important to spend some time (voluntarily!) unplugged every day. There is something to be said for adopting a slower pace.

The following are suggestions for ways to enjoy some time unplugged. Most of them involve being outdoors. I recommend that you leave your iPod at home, and if you bring your phone, do so just for safety’s sake, and not to entertain yourself.

Go For A Bike Ride -- Take a spin down a scenic road and absorb the sounds of nature around you. Enjoy the view. Breathe in the fresh air. Feel the joy of propelling yourself forward on two wheels. The South Shore is a gorgeous place to explore by bicycle.

Take A Walk In The Woods – We have so many enchanting nature preserves and conservation parcels on the South Shore. Select one, and spend an hour just rambling. Bring a friend and have an uninterrupted conversation – or just enjoy each other’s company in silence. Bring a child and make some discoveries – find out what’s under that log, or who lives in that tree.

Go To The Beach. The water tends to be quite warm around here in September. But even if you’re not inclined to swim, you can take off your shoes and go for a walk along the shoreline, or explore tide pools, or a jetty, or the wrack line. Or just sit and watch seagulls, and listen to the sounds of the surf.

Go For A Paddle. The North and South Rivers, the Green Harbor River, the Jones River, and their tributaries offer quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. Out on the river in a canoe or a kayak, you can enjoy a slower pace, with plenty of time for contemplation. Take a guided trip, or just explore on your own.

Take A Yoga Class – NSRWA’s outdoor Yoga at the River’s Edge classes end for the season on September 10, but the annual program resumes next June. In the meantime, you might try an indoor class (no cell phones allowed!). Take some time to tune in with yourself and unwind.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein

September 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Canoe Rental on the North River

Canoeing on the North River.

(This article was originally published in September 2012. It was inadvertently left out of this blog.)

In mid-September, a high school friend was visiting from California. In planning her visit, she asked if we could go canoeing on the North River. I peeked at my calendar and was delighted to see that for the first time in at least seven years, this was actually possible for us. So we made our plan.

While I was looking forward to the canoeing itself, I was dreading the process of getting to and from the river: hauling my canoe up from the back yard; sorting through dust- (and mold) covered storage bins for straps, foam pads and other transport essentials; hoisting the boat onto my car and securing it sufficiently for the eight mile trip across town. Our time was limited. Wouldn’t it be better spent on the water?

And then I remembered a little wooden sign I’d seen, time and again, on Route 123 in Norwell. At Bulman Marine (you may remember it as King’s Landing), there were canoes and kayaks for rent – for full or half-days. A quick phone call confirmed that this was still the case, and suddenly we were looking forward to a most pleasant day on the North River, without any hassle.

The man on the phone explained to me how it worked. “It’s self-service,” he said. “Look for the box near the door of the main building. Posted next to it, you’ll find directions.” It’s $30 for a half-day and $50 for a full day. Cash or check.” Simple.

Indeed, upon arrival, we found a mailbox mounted on the outside of the building. In it were envelopes and release forms (one per person). We filled out the forms, added our payment, and dropped the sealed envelope through the mail slot. Next up: selecting our canoe.

This was easy. We only saw one. Plus quite an assortment of single and double occupancy kayaks. (Note: there is more than one canoe on site. The green ones are the rentals.)

We carried our boat toward the ramp, loaded our own gear (coolers and chairs for our picnic lunch, plus a dry bag containing our keys, IDs and phones), and then headed to the shed for paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs). We slid the canoe down the ramp, hopped in, and pushed off.

It was nearing high tide on the North River that day, so we were able to ride the current upstream. Our destination was Couch Beach in North Marshfield, about an hour’s paddle, unless we encountered some wind. We did. But it was such a sunny, warm, and lovely day on the water, we didn’t mind. Not having seen each other for more a year, we had plenty to talk about.

In due time, we reached our beach. After hauling the canoe away from the high water line, we climbed up the embankment and unfolded our beach chairs at the edge of the pine forest. What a view! Before us was a panorama of marsh grass and sky, with the river in the foreground . . . one of my all-time favorite settings. We had a leisurely lunch, enjoying the novelty of being able just to chill out. And when we were sufficiently fed and rested, we headed back downstream. 

This time the wind was at our backs. We returned to the marina in half the time. All that was left to do was paddle up a small creek to the ramp, and pull the boat out of the water. Simple enough.

When we departed, there was a lot of water in the creek. When we returned, not so much. But it was still navigable. I steered us wrong and we ended up in the mud about halfway up the creek, so we shoved off and tried again. This time we got much farther in. 

My friend was in the bow. She leapt out of the boat to pull us to dry land, but then something went wrong. The river bottom was unexpectedly soft. The mud did not support her. She sank up to her knees, stumbling forward into the water and tipping the boat over in the process. I jumped out to right the boat and I too sank in the mud. 

We pushed the boat up onto the ramp, but by then we’d each sunken in up to our thighs. This was getting scary. I could barely pull my feet up from the mud. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just kept scrambling toward shore. Eventually I was out, and my friend was right behind me – both of us soaked and completely covered in black mud.

We tipped the canoe again so we could get the water out, and then carried it up next to the shed, where there was a hose. After rinsing ourselves off, we cleaned out the boat as best we could, and put it back where we found it. It was then that we noticed the float, and dock, just a few feet farther downstream. Oh!

It turns out, we could have exited there, and not through the mud. Duly noted. It also turns out that the sign on the door (with the rules) happens to mention this at the bottom. It reads, “Do not launch or disembark in launch ramp at low tide. Mud is deep and messy. “ It wasn’t low tide – just mid-tide for us. But, oops! Now we know.

There definitely will be a next time. I’m not ruling out the use of my own canoe, but when time is tight and convenience is a factor (and the tides are working in our favor), renting from Bulman Marine is an appealing option. Here’s the rundown.

The rentals are first-come first served. On the phone, they told me it would be $30 to use a canoe for a half day, and $50 for a full day. But then the sign read $40 for a canoe rental, so that’s what we left in our envelope. According to the sign on the door, single kayaks are $30 and double kayaks are $40. PFDs and paddles, which are included, are stored in a nearby shed. For more information, call 781-659-7273.

by Kezia Bacon

September 2012

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

New Conservation Lands in Marshfield

The trail into the John Little Conservation Area in Marshfield.

(This article was originally published in December 2012. It was inadvertently left out of this blog.)

The South Shore is already well developed, yet new construction continues, despite the struggling economy and dwindling amounts of available acreage. So it’s especially exciting these days when a new conservation area is carved out of the ever-changing landscape.

In recent years, quite a number of open space parcels have been set aside in the town of Marshfield. The majority of the properties are on the smaller end of the spectrum, but each has its charms. 

South River Park– On a busy stretch of Route 139 (Ocean Street), tucked between a busy Shell service station and a dilapidated home, is the new South River Park. Years in the making, this small (1.5 acre) parcel serves as a companion to the town’s Veterans Memorial Park, just a few hundred yards upstream. The new park includes parking for 9 vehicles, and a flat, gravel-on-grass walking loop with views of the river. A second, asphalt loop leads downhill to a granite Honor Roll containing the names of Marshfield-based soldiers who served in the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, as well as the Global War on Terrorism. Also in the lower portion is a boardwalk to the river. This particular stretch of the South River, fenced in and tucked between a commercial strip and an elementary school, has been – in a sense – hidden from the public for the last several decades. Bravo to the Town of Marshfield for providing new views. I’m looking forward to spring, when – on sunny days -- herring might be visible from the boardwalk as they fight their way upstream to spawn.

Mary’s Garden– Drive to the end of Corn Hill Lane, off Union Street in North Marshfield, and you’ll be treated to an expansive view of the North River. Now, thanks to the Town of Marshfield and the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA), as well as several private citizens, you can pause there at the tiniest of parks, to enjoy the scenery. Mary’s Garden, dedicated to longtime neighbor and river enthusiast Mary Eliot, is comprised of a wooden bench set on crushed stone, surrounded by a “wildlife garden” of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. Overlooking the salt marsh, this “pocket park” is located at “Gravelly Beach,” the former site of the Rogers Shipyard, which was active until 1819.

John Little Conservation Area and The Goggin Property– These two contiguous properties, accessible via a 10-car parking area on Union Street, were acquired by the town in the last few years. Follow the trail through a small grove of evergreens and across a field with old stone walls at its perimeter. Looking north, toward an adjacent horse farm, will give you a sense of the agricultural history of this part of town. 

The trail intersects with a cart path, which you can follow into the woods, across a stream, and over a rise before you begin to head downhill toward the river. You’ll see plenty of pine and oak, with the occasional beech, birch or holly tree, plus princess pine, bittersweet, wintergreen, and plenty more. The occasional red metal arrow/blaze will help you stay on track. 

The 25-acre Little Property leads directly to the 49-acre Goggin parcel. The trail grows narrower there, and you’ll find simple boardwalks to help you traverse the wetter areas. Veering from westbound, to north, to south, the trail eventually runs parallel to the North River, offering a lovely view. Continue on, uphill for a bit, until you reach an intersection with another cart path. To the east is private property. Head west (follow the arrows) and you’ll be led down to the river at last. A long boardwalk leads across the marsh, to the water’s edge. Two benches provide a place to rest your feet and enjoy the view.

You’ll need to retrace your steps to return to the parking area. For me, walking at a moderate pace, and stopping to take the occasional photograph, it was a 30-minute hike each way.

I had no idea that the Little/Goggin properties were so large. This relatively new conservation parcel is a noteworthy addition to the Town of Marshfield’s already-impressive array of open space lands. I will definitely return, with friends, to walk the trails again. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of town officials, volunteer board members, private citizens, town meeting voters, and advocacy groups like the NSRWA, Marshfield continues to be a regional leader in the preservation of open space. I look forward to visiting its most recent acquisition, the Pratt property, adjacent to the South River, near the town center.

by Kezia Bacon

December 2012

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Outdoor Opportunities in March and April

There's always something happening at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield.

(This article was originally published in March 2013. It was inadvertently left out of this blog.)

Dear Reader, I have been remiss. There are a number of conservation lands and other open space areas that I intend to explore and write about for this column, this year, but I’ve let the snow and ice impede my progress. I am hopeful that as the days grow longer and warmer, I will be able to dedicate more time to this task. 

In the meantime, I have surveyed local conservation-minded organizations to see what they’re offering for outdoor fun in the next two months. Here’s a sampler. Plenty of opportunities to get outside!

Friday Morning Bird Walk – March 8 (and every Friday) 8:15-11:45.Join Mass Audubon’s David Ludlow at the North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield and spend the morning in search of birds in a variety of habitats. For adult birdwatchers of all levels. Pre-registration is not required. $12 for members/$15 non-members. For details, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Trailblazers – Saturday, March 9, 10am-1pm.Join the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts (WTSM) at the Stewart Preserve in Kingston. Learn about stewardship, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors while helping to clear trails. Training, tools, and snacks are provided on-site. For details, call 781-934-9018 or visit www.wildlandstrust.org.

Little Naturalists – Tuesday, March 12, 9:30-10:30am (also April 9).For children ages 3-5 at the North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield. Mass Audubon offers this monthly program to teach children about nature through outdoor walks, stories, songs and crafts. $5 for members/$7 non-members. Registration required. For details, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Let’s Go – Saturday, March 23, 8-10am.The Marshfield Recreation Department offers this monthly outing for adults and families. Sign up in advance and meet at the Recreation Center at 900 Ferry Street. The cost is $5 per family, couple or single. In March, the plan is to explore Webster’s Wilderness, a town-owned conservation parcel off Webster Street. For details, call 781-834-5543.

South Shore Duck Run – Saturday, March 23, 12-4pm.The South Shore is a haven for waterfowl in the winter. Adults are invited to join Mass Audubon for an expedition that will start in the south and work north, from Manomet Point in Plymouth to the Glades in Scituate. The hope is to see loons, grebes, brant, scoters, long-tailed ducks, goldeneyes, harlequins and more. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars! $18 members/$24 non-members. For details, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Gardening Green Expo – March 23 & 24, 10am-4pm. The North and South Rivers Watershed Association’s Greenscapes program is co-sponsoring this event with Kennedy’s Garden Center in Scituate. Featuring all things organic and natural for your yard, the expo will includelectures, demonstrations, workshops, vendors, and Ask the Experts sessions. For details, call 781-659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org.

Woodcock Walk – Thursday, March 28, 7-8:15pm (also on April 4). The woodcock – also known as "timberdoodle" and "Labrador Twister" – has a rather odd courtship behavior. The male calls out from the ground, flies up into the sky and then comes spiraling down, landing in his chosen displaying field area, repeating the process on and on into the early evening. Join Mass Audubon at the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield, and see it for yourself. Registration required. $8 members/$10 non-members. For details, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Timberdoodles and Tapas – Saturday, April 6, 6:30-8:30pm. Woodcocks and more! Mass Audubon expands its offerings for this fancy Saturday evening birding event. Begin by sharing marinated olives, grilled mushrooms, feta and artichoke flatbread, and more in the caretakers' cottage. Then, as the sun begins to set, walk out to the grassland of the North River Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the courtship display of the male American woodcock, as he dives from the sky to impress potential mates.Registration required. $20 members/$25 non-members. For details, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Have You Thanked a Plant Today? – Saturday, April 13, 1-3pm. Join Mass Audubon at its North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield for International Plant Appreciation Day, to learn more about the amazing lives of plants and all they provide to our daily lives. Bring an old shoe for a special plant craft. Wear sturdy shoes for a hike through the woods in search of early spring growth. For details, or to sign up, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Sharing the Outdoors – Wednesday, April 24, 9:30-11:30am.Build fond memories with your children or grandchildren. In this session, “Nesting Boxes and Feeding Stations,” you will build a nesting box and simple bird feeder as a first step in designing your own backyard habitat. Learn helpful tips and resources on attracting different birds and insects, as well as projects to do with youngsters. At the North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield. For details, or to sign up, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

NSRWA’s 26th Annual River Clean Up Day – Saturday, April 27, 9am-12noon.Sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Covanta Energy, with a celebratory cookout at Scituate’s Driftway Conservation Area at noon. Travel by foot, by truck or by boat and lend a hand to remove trash and debris from the rivers and marshes. No hands are too small for this important annual event. For details call the North and South Rivers Watershed Association at 781-659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org.

Let’s Go – Saturday, April 27, 8-10am.The Marshfield Recreation Department offers this monthly outing for adults and families. Sign up in advance and meet at the Recreation Center at 900 Ferry Street. The cost is $5 per family, couple or single. Walk location TBA. For details, call 781-834-5543.

Greening Your Garden – Sunday, April 28, 9:00am-3:00pm. Join Mass Audubon at the Garretson Cranberry Bogs in Marshfield for a hands-on workshop on reducing energy, water usage and labor to help sustain your vegetable and herb gardens. Learn how to install drip irrigation and reduce weed growth. Find out how to build cold frames, inexpensive hoop houses, and caterpillar tunnels to extend your growing season. Plus, info on companion planting and attracting pollinators. For details, or to sign up, call 781-837-9400, or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Fly Fishing for the American Shad – Sunday, April 28, 10am.Join Joe Danubio at Luddam’s Ford Park in Hanover for the NSRWA-sponsored event. Learn about the spawning cycle, where to fish, and how to catch American shad, and find out why conservation of the rivers is so important for the health of the fish. Participants should bring their own equipment. Some rods and materials will be available. For details or to sign up, call 781-659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org.

by Kezia Bacon

March 2013

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Duxbury’s North Hill Marsh

(Note: This article was originally published in October 2013, but was inadvertently left out of this blog.)

For years I have avoided Duxbury’s North Hill Marsh because on my first visit, more than a decade ago, I got lost.

When visiting a conservation area that is new to you, it is always wise to consult a map, and even wiser still to bring a map along. I did that on my second visit to North Hill Marsh, and I enjoyed the walk immensely. Even after 90 minutes I found there was plenty more to explore, so I will definitely be going back.

Located on Mayflower Street, the North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by both Mass Audubon and Duxbury Conservation. The town owns 823 acres of pine/oak woods and wetlands, while Audubon oversees another 30 acres of upland, plus 90 acres of reservoir and marsh. Together they provide an ideal location for walking, birding and wildlife observation. 

A map of the property is available online. Its sidebars offer a quick history of the land, as well as an overview of the wildlife present there.

I learned from the map that the reservoir at the center of North Hill Sanctuary – as well as the freshwater marsh that surrounds it – was created centuries ago, when the town’s early European inhabitants dammed a brook to power a sawmill and provide water to farms nearby. In the 1920s, ownership transferred to a group of sportsmen, who used the area for duck hunting. A second dam, constructed in 1940 as part of a cranberry growing operation, raised the water level in the pond even more. Mass Audubon now maintains the property as wildlife habitat, thus dead trees are left standing (or lying down, as the case may be), to encourage waterfowl to feed and breed. You might see osprey at North Hill Marsh, as well as great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, great horned owl, red-tailed hawks, and any number of geese and ducks.

The shallow edges of the pond are an ideal location for spotting salamanders, frogs, and turtles, and in the warmer months, there are plenty of dragonflies and damselflies. The small mammals so common to our region – squirrels, chipmunks, mice, raccoons, opossums --  are joined at North Hill by water-loving muskrats, mink, otters, plus coyote and deer, although  many of these you are unlikely to spot in broad daylight.

A well-marked Loop Trail extends all the way around the pond, closely hugging the shoreline in many places. Portions are flat, but some of the trail involves elevation, so it can be a satisfying hike for those hoping to get the heart pumping. There is also a shorter loop through the woods, plus a path than runs more or less parallel to Mayflower Street, through the Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest, which is comprised primarily of tall pines. Additional spur trails connect the property to West Street and Tremont. Visiting the Waiting Hill Preserve, in the northern quadrant of the property, involves a climb to the top of the town’s second-largest hill, which stands at 140 feet above sea level. Alas, trees obscure what otherwise would be a broad view of Duxbury Bay.

North Hill Marsh welcomes visitors daily from dawn to dusk. Boating, fishing, hunting and trapping are not permitted, nor are motorized vehicles. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. 

Follow this link for a map and property guide.

http://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/public_documents/DuxburyMA_Conservation/ConAreas/North%20Hill%2027%20Oct.pdf

by Kezia Bacon

October 2013

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

A Visit to Stetson Meadows in Norwell

The meadow at Stetson Meadows Conservation Area

While enjoying one of NSRWA’s pontoon boat cruises last summer, I noticed a new bench in the woods in Norwell. Or maybe it was just new to me! The bench was nestled into the hillside, overlooking the North River, in the Stetson Meadows Conservation Area -- a place I hadn’t visited in over 15 years. I could vaguely recall reading about trail improvements at that site, but how long ago was that? It was time for a return visit. 

It’s so easy to forget about Stetson Meadows – so easy to be unaware that it exists. This is largely because of its location, tucked away in the woods, in a remote corner of Norwell accessible only by a single dirt road. Driving there, progressing carefully along uneven terrain, puts the visitor in a certain mindset. This is not a place to be raced to -- or through. One is inspired to slow down and savor the experience.

Stetson Meadows was established as conservation land in 1972. The Town of Norwell purchased the 184-acre property with the intention of providing public access, as well as to curb further development along the North River. Over the past 40 years, volunteers and the town have worked together to establish a network of trails. Now visitors can enjoy the property’s forests, meadows, wetlands, and woody swamps, along with impressive views of the salt marsh and the river. 

Beautiful and serene, the landscape of Stetson Meadows is also rich in history. Until it earned its own name in 1888, Norwell (also known as South Scituate) was part of the town of Scituate. Europeans began to settle there around 1628, with a large contingent arriving from County Kent, England, in 1633. Timothy Hatherly and the Conihasset partners received the first land grant, and the town itself was founded in 1636. Soon thereafter, settlers moved away from the rocky coast to the more accommodating interior, and built farms along the North River. While there were no formal roads back then, native tribes had created trails over the land. However it was often easier to travel by water, in small boats and canoes. The river was essentially the highway. 

The first European to lay claim to the area that is now Stetson Meadows was Robert Stetson, who received a 100-acre land grant in 1634. Stetson served the Crown of England for 14 years, attaining the rank of Cornet, a commissioned officer. He is remembered in posterity as a member of the contingent who established the boundary between the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies, as well as for leading a troop of soldiers in King Philips War, and for negotiating the purchase of Abington and Hanover from the Narragansett. 

In 1656, along with Timothy Hatherly and Joseph Tilden, Cornet Stetson established one of Plymouth Colony’s first sawmills. It was located on Third Herring Brook, at the foot of Old Pond, on what was commonly known as “the Old Indian Path,” (near the junction of present-day Tiffany Road and East Street). Sawmills were hugely important to the developing colonies, instrumental in the construction of dams and ships. 

The sawmill stood for 20 years but ultimately became a casualty of King Philips War. In 1676, as part of a three-year battle between the European Colonists and the native tribes, a party of Narragansetts and Nipmucks raided the area. They began their attack in Hingham, and then proceeded into Norwell and Hanover. They burned down Stetson’s sawmill, and continued east to Greenbush, destroying thirteen houses and barns along the way.

Cornet Stetson and his wife, Honor Tucker, had 10 children. Four of their sons  -- Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas and Samuel – eventually inherited the 100-acre land grant. Thomas farmed there, while in 1660, Benjamin established a shipyard on site at Bald Hill, just upstream of the present-day Route 3 bridge. Three generations of Stetsons worked the shipyard, which was eventually taken over by Nathaniel Church. The farm also passed down through subsequent generations, and was eventually sold to Michael Ford, a shipbuilder farther upstream at Fox Hill. Three generations of the Ford Family inhabited the farm, and then the Morton family, was the final owner before the town made its purchase.

These days, there isn’t much evidence on site of the Stetsons or any of the families who came after them. Forest and swamp now cover the farmland, although the occasional stone wall reminds the visitor of days past. It’s a lovely place to spend an hour or two. 

To get there, from River Street in Norwell, turn onto Stetson Shrine Lane. The paved road ends in a cul de sac. Continue on Meadows Farm Way, which is unpaved, for a half mile or so to get to the conservation area's parking lot. 

From there, cross the dirt road, and head downhill, along the meadow, toward the river. You’ll see a sign for the River Loop on the right. Follow the River Loop all the way around, and then continue downhill to the picnic area and the River Trail. Then follow the River Trail along the water and across Meadows Farm Way. You can access Twin Pines Trail from there, which you can either follow back to the parking lot, or extend your visit with a circuit of the loop of Stetson and Haskins Trails, another mile–plus through the woods.

Stetson Meadows borders private property in several places. It is important to be mindful of this, and remain on established trails. I recommend downloading the map/property guide from Norwell’s town website (https://www.townofnorwell.net/conservation-commission/pages/conservation-trail-brochures). You can also consult the informational kiosk in the property’s parking area.

by Kezia Bacon

April 2018

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