12 Outdoor Ice Skating Spots

Getting ready to skate at the Ellis Nature Sanctuary in Marshfield!

As much as we may dislike the coldest days of winter, when the air temperatures drop below freezing and stay there, there is at least one upside. Pond skating! It can feel so liberating to lace up the skates and glide around a frozen lagoon. At least for me, it conjures vivid memories of my youth, when the neighborhood kids would gather at the cranberry bog behind our houses and spend the hour between school and dusk trying to emulate Dorothy Hamill or Bobby Orr. Need a breath of fresh air this winter, or a change in your workout routine? Consider pond skating to get your blood pumping a little faster. 

It takes a few days of deep freeze to render a pond or a lake safe for skating. The best policy is to wait until the ice is at least four inches thick. Even then, avoid flowing waterways, where the thickness of the ice is less consistent or predictable. Our local history books feature anecdotes about skating the length of the North River, but this is never a good idea. Even on lakes and ponds, be wary of spring holes or other inflows or outflows that could weaken the ice.

Some other important tips:

• Check the ice carefully. New ice is stronger than old ice. Clear, freshly formed ice is the safest outdoor place to skate.

• Remember that ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Continue to assess its thickness as you venture out. Experts recommend using a chisel, augur or cordless drill to make test holes, plus a tape measure for accuracy.

• Be smart. Don’t go alone. Know how to respond to emergencies like falling through the ice. Review rescue techniques by scrolling down past the ice fishing info at https://www.mass.gov/news/learn-to-ice-fish

Below are 12 local ponds on public lands with convenient parking -- places where you might consider skating this winter.

• Jacobs Pond, Norwell - This 60-acre pond on Jacobs Lane is also popular for ice fishing. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/jacobs-pond-conservation-area/

• Denham Pond, Hanover - This small woodland pond is accessible via a gravel road off Circuit Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/denham-pond-park/

• Oldham Pond, Pembroke - You might have to share space with ice fishers at this 235-acre pond on Wampatuck Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/oldham-pond-town-landing/

• Island Creek Pond, Duxbury - Drive right up to the 35-acre pond at this secluded woodland setting on Tobey Garden Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/crooker-memorial-park-and-island-creek-pond/

• Ellis Nature Sanctuary, Marshfield - Look for the unmarked access road on Plain Street near Sandy Hill Drive, and then follow the short path through the woods to the small pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ellis-nature-sanctuary/

• Aaron River Reservoir at Wompatuck State Park, Hingham - Enter the park at Lazell Street, and then drive to the boat launch area for access to the reservoir. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park/

• Forge Pond, Hanover - Enter Forge Pond Park from King Street, and drive all the way to the back, to Parking Area E. From there, it’s a short walk to this medium-sized pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/forge-pond-park/

• Furnace Pond, Pembroke - This 107-acre pond in a neighborhood setting is the perfect spot to lace up your skates. Access via Furnace Colony Drive. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/furnace-pond-beach/

• Maquan Pond, Hanson - Turn onto Camp Kiwanee Road from Route 58 and soon you’ll arrive at Cranberry Cove, where there is direct access to the 48-acre pond. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/maquan-pond-and-cranberry-cove/

• Indian Head Pond, Hanson - The access road (off Route 58) to this 121-acre pond is not easy to spot. Proceed down a long dirt road to the Marcus L. Urann Fisherman’s Landing for pond access. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/indian-head-pond/

• Stetson Pond, Pembroke - This 93-acre pond on Plymouth Street offers an open setting, surrounded by woods, with plenty of parking. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/stetson-pond-beach/

• Harding’s Pond, Whitman - This small pond at the intersection of Pine and Beal Streets features a row of benches for skate-lacing and spectating. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hardings-pond-conservation-area/

by Kezia Bacon

December 2019

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. You will also find 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

10 Places to Walk Off Your Holiday Indulgences

A secluded trail, deep within the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Did you enjoy second helpings of the stuffing and the potatoes and the delicious brussels sprout casserole that your aunt made on Thanksgiving? Did you choose both the fudgy brownie and the gleaming slice of lemon meringue pie? How about all those local craft IPAs you just had to sample? Holiday meals often involve indulgence. And then we lean back in our chairs, loosen our waistbands, and pledge to do better tomorrow, before nodding off. But then the next day there’s the leftovers, and the following weekend the holiday parties begin. By the time the New Year arrives, we might be feeling the effects of all those tasty morsels. 

One way to counteract our indulgences, and the regret that sometimes accompanies them, is to get moving. Being active can restore energy levels and help to burn off all that delectable creamed spinach you devoured last night. Not sure where to go? Read on for ten scenic and invigorating walks within the watershed of the North and South Rivers. Visit our website for trail and parking information and other important details. 

A view from the Thompson Pond Trail in Abington. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Thompson Pond Trail, Abington

When Union Point took over the South Weymouth Naval Air Station land, they worked with the Wildlands Trust to develop trails at the southern edge of the property. Now the public can access open space on both sides of what once were runways. In Abington, this is the Thompson Pond Trail system, about 1.9 miles through meadow and forest, on the banks of a large pond and along the west branch of French’s Stream.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/thompson-pond-trail/

A beautiful beech grove at the Twin Pond Trail system in Rockland. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Twin Ponds Trail, Rockland

The Rockland side of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station runways is now the Twin Ponds Trail system. More heavily wooded than Thompson Pond, this area offers another 1.9 miles of walking, with two different loops, plus two ponds and the east branch of French’s Stream.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/twin-ponds-trail/

One of many bridges in the Melzar Hatch Preserve in Hanover. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Melzar Hatch Preserve, Hanover

Half of the loop trail on this property runs along the edge of athletic fields, but the other half extends through beautiful woods and wetlands, with numerous footbridges over Longwater Brook and the Drinkwater River. The trails are wide, and often flat, but sometimes heavily rooted.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/melzar-hatch-preserve/

This trail at the Alton J. Smith Reserve in Hanson runs around the perimeter of a retired cranberry bog.
Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Alton J. Smith Reserve, Hanson

This retired cranberry bog on Indian Head Pond is a great place to stretch your legs and observe some wildlife. Trails loop around the bogs and wetlands, with spurs that head off into the woods. Extend your walk by continuing to the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest, immediately adjacent.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/alton-j-smith-reserve/

Indian Head Pond, as viewed from the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest, Pembroke

Continue past the athletic fields of this town-owned property, and into the woods. You’ll be stepping into a network of wide trails around a retired cranberry bog and along the banks of Indian Head Pond. Extend your visit by continuing to the Alton J. Smith Reserve, immediately adjacent.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/j-j-shepherd-memorial-forest/

A boardwalk at the edge of Phillips Brook, in the Lansing Bennett Forest in Duxbury. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Lansing Bennett Forest, Duxbury

This large wooded property surrounds Phillips Brook, a tributary to the South River. A network of intersecting trails includes the occasional boardwalk or footbridge. Look for wild brook trout in the deep pools and covered edges of the brook. There is also an old millpond on site.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/lansing-bennett-forest/

A trail connecting Marshfield's Cornhill Woodland to thee North River salt marsh. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Cornhill Woodland, Marshfield

Some call this property “the dog parcel” because its shape resembles a Scottie. A newly-installed kiosk in the parking area offers a review of the area’s agricultural history as well as detailed trail information. Check out the three loop trails, plus the occasional boardwalk over wetlands, all totaling about two miles. A spur leads to the salt marsh along the North River.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/cornhill-woodland/

Don't miss this observation platform at the edge of Herring River, at Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate.
Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Driftway Conservation Park, Scituate

It’s not immediately evident, when you enter from the parking area, that this property extends for quite a distance, through wetlands, meadow and woods, and onto the salt marsh. Continue along the banks of Herring River to the A. J. McEachern Trail sign. A color-coded network of paths -- some wide, some narrow -- offers access to a variety of habitats, and the viewing platform is one of the best around.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/driftway-conservation-park/

A new boardwalk under construction at the Hatch Lots Conservation Area in Norwell. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Hatch Lots, Norwell

Historically this property was maintained as a woodlot. The forest is primarily beech now, with plenty of pine and oak, as well as some hemlock, holly and birch. There is an out-and-back trail of about 1 mile (each way) across an unnamed stream and through the woods, plus a loop adjacent to Burnt Plain Swamp, with a second loop still being developed.

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/hatch-lots-conservation-area/

Wompatuck State Park in Hingham offers over 70 miles of paved and unpaved trails. Photo by Kezia Bacon.

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham 

With 3500 acres, and 70 miles of trails, Wompatuck has a lot to offer. Using the official trail map for guidance, try this 3.8-mile loop. From the Visitor’s Center, proceed to N2, then N11, N16 and N25. Continue to N31, then C8 and C7. From there, proceed to N33 and N32, and then return to the Visitor’s Center via N14. This loop trail is mostly unpaved and wooded, although some sections involve pavement. It’s a great introduction to the park! https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/wompatuck-state-park/

by Kezia Bacon

November 2019

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. You will also find 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

The Hidden Gems of Hanover’s Forge Pond Park

Swans on Forge Pond.

Hanover’s Forge Pond Park is large (75 acres), and as you drive up the entrance road, it might be easy to presume from first glance that it is strictly an athletic complex surrounded by pine and oak forest. There are three baseball fields, three softball fields, and three multi-purpose fields, commonly filled with soccer teams on weekend mornings. There is also a pavilion with a concession stand, operated seasonally, and five distinct parking areas.

Look a little closer and you’ll notice a wide, paved trail extending along the perimeter. This 1-mile path is ideal for walking and wheelchair use, and provides an ideal venue for families with young children practicing their cycling skills. There are several dog waste receptacles along the path, encouraging proper disposal, as well as benches and the occasional Porta-Potty.

Look even closer -- and for this you will have to venture beyond the lawns and the pavement -- and you will begin to see the hidden gems of Forge Pond Park. Large green signs mark the access points for the five intersecting woodland trails that traverse the park’s boundaries and beyond, and offer views of Forge Pond, French’s Stream, the Drinkwater River, plus several smaller brooks and ponds. There is also a launch area on Forge Pond for canoes and kayaks.

The Forge Pond Trail begins near Parking Lot A. Look for the sign that marks the trailhead. As you head into the woods, you will see Forge Pond on your right. The trail continues along the water’s edge through a forest of pine, beech, oak and sassafras. The understory is rich with ferns and sweet pepper bush. If you only have time for a short walk, this could be your spot. The 0.22-mile trail offers a quick jaunt across pleasant terrain, with occasional spurs to the pond. Additional access to this trail can be found at Parking Lot E, where the Forge Pond and French's Stream Trails intersect. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/forge-pond-park/

Looking downstream at the confluence of French's Stream and the Drinkwater River, from the French's Stream Bridge.

The French’s Stream Trail begins at Parking Lot E, as deep into the paved portion of the park as you can go. Look for the gravel path that heads down toward the water and the intersection with the Forge Pond Trail. It’s here that you will also find a gravel canoe/kayak launch ramp, a welcoming spot to access Forge Pond. From this intersection, The French’s Stream Trail (0.5 miles total) continues to the left, through woods of pine, oak, birch, beech and maple. You will soon encounter a short walkway over a stream, as well as an old stone wall. Farther into the forest, the trail forks. Follow the red blazes to the right for an up-close view of French’s Stream, or stay on the green trail. They converge a short distance later at the foot of the French’s Stream bridge, a wooden span at the confluence of French’s Stream and the Drinkwater River. The views from the bridge are quite captivating! The two streams flowing together, the tinkling of water over rocks, with so many different colors represented by the foliage, water and sky . . . this is truly a lovely spot. Continue over the bridge, through the woods for another quarter mile, to Circuit Street. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/frenchs-stream-trail/

Summer Street Conservation Lands: Just before the French’s Stream Bridge, you may notice another trail, marked with red blazes, veering off to the left through a grassy power easement. This unnamed trail continues along the outer edge of Forge Pond Park for about a mile, mostly through Rockland’s 14-acre Summer Street Conservation Lands. After a second power easement, it connects with the Old Rockland Fireworks Loop Trail, as well as the Clark Bog Trail, both of which can also be accessed at Forge Pond Park. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/summer-street-conservation-lands/

The Old Rockland Fireworks Loop Trail is an unmarked 1-mile loop -- mostly gravel, occasionally paved -- that traverses flat terrain through woodlands composed of maple, birch, holly, pine and hemlock. Along the way you’ll see concrete structures that were once part of the National Fireworks Company, many now completely covered in graffiti. 

Small brooks run along both sides, and occasionally you'll see a concrete pipe or culvert. There are three access points: from the trail through the Summer Street Conservation Lands, from the metal gate at the western end of the Clark Bog Trail, and from a trail that begins on Satucket Road in Rockland. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/old-rockland-fireworks-loop-trail/

The Clark Bog Trail has several access points. You can walk in from King Street, or from Forge Pond Park’s Parking Lot C, where there is a large green sign. You can also pick up the trail on the Hanover/Rockland town line, at the gate at the southern intersection of the Old Rockland Fireworks Loop and the Summer Street Conservation trail. Clark Bog provides a network of intersecting wooded paths, mostly around a former cranberry bog, totaling about a mile. 

There are water views and noteworthy landscapes, such as the densely packed young trees where the cranberries used to grow. Be sure to heed all Private Property signs. The shooting range for the Hanover Police Department is immediately adjacent! https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/clark-bog-trail/

Forge Pond Park was established in 2014. It is thoughtfully designed and well-maintained, and definitely worth repeat visits. It is located at 253 King Street in Hanover. For more information visit https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/forge-pond-park/

by Kezia Bacon

October 2019

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. You will also find 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

Fall Festivals for Outdoor Family Fun!

Navigating the Corn Maze at Sauchuk Farm.

The days are getting shorter, the nights are growing longer, and most mornings there is a chill in the air. It’s a long-held tradition in the fall to acknowledge the change of seasons and celebrate the harvest. 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, craft beer, and freshly pressed apple cider. Read on, and mark your calendar!

Weir River Farm Fall Festival– Saturday, September 21st from 10am-3pm at Weir River Farm, Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham. Hosted by The Trustees, this annual event celebrates the harvest on one of the last working farms in town. Enjoy old-fashioned fun by visiting farm animals, riding a Pom Pom Pony, climbing aboard a tractor, and painting your own pumpkin. Hear live music from Milk & Bones, take a Clydesdale wagon ride, learn how to press apple cider, and participate in the potato spoon relay. Plus food trucks, face painting, farm tattoos, and craft brews from Zelus Beer. Visit http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/south-of-boston/event-47099.html

Sunday Fun Dayat Norwell’s Jacobs Pond-- Sunday, September 22^ndfrom 9am-2pm at Jacobs Pond Recreation Area, 81 Jacobs Lane, Norwell. Kayak & canoe tours, guided nature walks, tai chi, local artists, story hour, critter talks, and a geocache treasure hunt, plus face painting, farm visits, concessions, and lots more. Visit https://www.townofnorwell.net/sites/norwellma/files/news/sunday_fun_day_program_for_sept_22_9-5_final.pdf

12^thAnnual Harvest Moon Feast -- Monday, October 7 from 6-9pm at Mill Wharf Restaurant, Scituate Harbor. Support the NSRWA’s Environmental Education programs while sampling dishes prepared by the South Shore’s finest restaurants and caterers. This benefit event includes live jazz by the Lance Van Lenten Quartet, beer and wine tastings, and a cash bar. Visit https://www.nsrwa.org/event/2019-harvest-moon-feast/

Levitate presents Flannel Jam -- This new, end-of-season celebration takes place at the Marshfield Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 12 (2pm). Featuring live music by Trampled by Turtles, Ballroom Thieves, and Liz Cooper & the Stampede, plus Ward Hayden & the Outliers, and Six Fox Whiskey. Enjoy fall-themed food and drink, hot spiked cider, s’mores, hot cider doughnuts made to order, and special craft releases by local breweries. Bring the kids and check out the hay maze and corn pool. Visit https://www.levitateflanneljam.com

Harvest Hoedown -- Columbus Day Weekend, October 12-14, 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. Visit https://cnsmithfarminc.com/special-events/octoberfest/

Mass Audubon’s 39^thAnnual Farm Day – Saturday, October 19, 10am-4pm at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield. Mass Audubon’s annual event for families features tractor-drawn hayrides, owl demonstrations, live bluegrass music, artisans such as blacksmiths, weavers and wood-turners, local handmade gifts, children’s games and crafts, face painting, hay mazes, home-baked treats, and hot fresh cider doughnuts. Visit https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/daniel-webster/news-events/farm-day

7^thAnnual Duxbury Oktoberfest -- Saturday, October 19^th, 4-8pm (ages 21+) at a new, all-weather location -- Camp Wing, Duxbury. Part of the Duxbury Food & Wine Festival, this casual, often boisterous, event features local craft and seasonal beer, plus German wine and traditional Bavarian fare. There will be live music, dancing, and contests for Best Dirndl and Lederhosen, Hefty Stein Holding, and Yodeling.Visit https://www.duxburyfoodandwinefestival.com/oktoberfest/

Nessralla’s Farm Corn Maze -- Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-6pm, through October 27 at 139 Hemlock Lane, Halifax. A 15-acre corn maze, plus hayrides, pony rides, face painting, bouncy house, toddler maze, kiddie train, hay bale pyramid, cornhole, sack races, Jenga, tic-tac-toe, zipline, concessions. The Friday & Saturday night (7-10pm) flashlight maze begins October 4. Don’t miss the Colossal Pumpkin Drop on Columbus Day weekend. Visit http://www.nessrallafarm.com/wordpress/corn-maze

Sauchuk Farm Corn Maze -- Saturdays and Sundays 9am-6pm, through November 2, plus special hours on Columbus Day and October 11, 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, Barnyard Ball Zone, 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.Visit https://www.sauchukmaze.com/

by Kezia Bacon

September 2019

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. You will also find 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. 

Six Places to See the Bald Eagles

A bald eagle in flight on the North River near Damon's Point. Photo by Keri Buccafusca.

Have you heard about the bald eagles that are nesting on the North River? Have you seen them?

For the past century, to observe a bald eagle in the wild would be a rare occurrence. To see one on the South Shore -- inconceivable! But thanks to repopulation efforts, the once endangered species is now making a comeback across Massachusetts.

The bald eagle is widely recognized as a symbol of the United States. In fact, since 1782, it has been considered our national emblem, appearing on coins, the presidential flag, and the country’s Great Seal. While not technically bald, the eagle’s head is white, standing out distinctly from its bright yellow bill and legs, and the darkly colored feathers of its body.

The bald eagle is one of the largest birds in North America. It weighs 6 to 13 pounds, and measures two to three feet in height, with a wingspan extending an average of six feet across. Its size makes it easy to spot!

A bald eagle in flight on the North River near Damon's Point. Photo by Keri Buccafusca.

Bald eagles make their homes in forested areas, near large bodies of water. Proximity to the ocean, a lake or reservoir, or a marsh or river, is important, as is the relative lack of development in the area. Bald eagles will tolerate human activity, especially near food sources, but they prefer to nest in more isolated spots. Probably the best places to observe them are food related: when they are perched in tall trees on the lookout for their next meal, or when they’re flying over the water in search of fish. In addition to fish such as herring and shad, our local eagles are known to dine on an array of smaller species -- seabirds, crabs, rabbits, reptiles -- both alive and as carrion. Bald eagles are notorious for stealing captured (or killed) prey from other creatures.

Bald eagles build their nests just below the crowns of trees -- up high, and close to the trunk. Their nests are quite large -- five or six feet wide and 2-4 feet deep. That’s big! Sticks are the primary building material, followed by grass, moss and other vegetable matter, which helps not only to fill in the gaps, but to provide a soft lining.

A juvenile bald eagle on the North River in Marshfield. Photo by Keri Buccafusca.

So why isn’t it common for us to see bald eagles here on the South Shore? Very likely, it used to be -- more than 100 years ago. The first negative impact was the destruction of their habitat. As the region became more developed, the eagles fled. Even more influential was the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. Throughout the latter half of the 20^thcentury, bald eagle populations across North America went into a steep decline. Why? Because DDT depleted the calcium in the eagle’s metabolism, which in turn softened the shells of the eggs it laid, making them significantly less viable. The result was catastrophic. Breeding essentially ceased. Fortunately, the use of DDT was banned in 1972. A decade later, Mass Audubon and the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife joined forces to restore the bald eagle population in Massachusetts.

From 1982 to 1988, young bald eagles were brought -- from Michigan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia -- to a protected area at the Quabbin Reservoir in Central Massachusetts, where they were nurtured and eventually released into the wild. These efforts proved successful. In 1989, the first offspring from those eagles hatched, fledged, and matured. Slowly but surely the bald eagle population in Massachusetts began to grow. By 2012, there were 38 breeding pairs, with nests reported not only at the Quabbin, but also along the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers, at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, and at some of Plymouth’s ponds. Nationwide, bald eagles are now considered “threatened” which is considered one level safer than “endangered.”

Until recently, one would never expect to see a bald eagle within the watershed of the North and South Rivers. But today it’s quite common. The early morning hours, when eagles tend to do the bulk of their hunting, seem to be an optimal time for eagle viewing. Odds increase in the winter months. You may spy an eagle in flight, which is a sight to behold! If you happen to spot a nest, please keep a respectful distance.

A bald eagle on the hunt, on the North River near Damon's Point in Marshfield. Photo by Keri Buccafusca.

Bald eagles have been spotted at the sites listed below. Good luck!

• Damons Point, Marshfield. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/damons-point/

• Route 3A Bridge, Marshfield and Scituate. https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/route-3a-bridge/

• Mass Audubon’s North River Sanctuary, Marshfield https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/north-river-wildlife-sanctuary/

• Couch Beach, https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/couch-beach/

• Driftway Conservation Park, Scituate https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/driftway-conservation-park/

• Also, our North River Pontoon Boat Tours offer the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife, such as bald eagles and osprey. Sign up at this link: https://www.nsrwa.org/events/?customize_changeset_uuid=

Sources:

•https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/birds/bald-eagles/eagles-in-massachusetts

•https://www.wbur.org/news/2018/02/16/bald-eagle-population-soaring

•https://959watd.com/blog/2017/04/ma-bald-eagles-thrive-on-south-shore/

• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/overview

Top 10 Places to Launch on the North & South Rivers

Kayaking on the South River near Rexhame Beach.

Paddling season is here! If you enjoy canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), summer is the perfect time to get out on the water. The weather is warm, the breezes are light, and getting your feet wet -- or even your entire body -- might actually be welcomed. 

The North and South Rivers offer several appealing options for traveling by boat or board. Once you know where to park, where to launch, and how to plan your route, you’ll be ready for a few enjoyable hours on the water. 

BOAT TRANSPORT

But first . . . you have to get there. Or more to the point, you have to get your boat there. And that’s not always easy. Have you ever driven down the road with one anxious arm out the window, attempting to hold a wobbly canoe in place atop your vehicle? You’re not alone.

I recommend two items that will make the process infinitely easier: cam buckle tie down straps made of nylon webbing, and a roof rack with crossbars. Employing the right tools for the job makes a world of difference. Run the straps across the top of the boat, not underneath it -- one toward the front, and one toward the rear. Go over and back with each strap, using the crossbars to hold the straps in place. This works so much better than foam pads, bungee cords, and those random moldy ropes you found in your garage. 

Once you learn the best way to secure your own particular vessel to your own particular vehicle, and once you’ve successfully done it a few times, much of the stress of boat transport will fall away. 

NORTH RIVER ACCESS

There are seven public access launch sites on the North River and its tributaries. The most user-friendly for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are the Marshfield Launch on Union Street, the Pembroke Town Forest on Brick Kiln Lane, and the Hanover Public Launch on Indian Head Drive. They all feature free parking and direct access to the rivers. More experienced paddlers might also check out the Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate, and Damon’s Point in Marshfield, being very careful in the areas around The Spit and the river mouth, where the waters are more challenging to navigate. Lucky Norwell residents have access to two additional sites. Your green recycling sticker grants you parking spots at the Norwell Town Landing on Bridge Street, and the fishing pier/boat launch at the end of Chittenden Lane. 

SOUTH RIVER ACCESS

There are three public access launch sites on the South River, all in Marshfield: the Town Landingon Ridge Road, the dunes at Rexhame Beach, and the Francis Keville Footbridgeon Ocean Street, behind CVS. As above, these sites offer parking (in season at Rexhame, there is a fee if you don’t have a town beach sticker), and reasonably direct access to the river. Keville requires a 0.15-mile carry, and Rexhame is a little farther than that. 

WEATHER, WIND AND TIDES

If your schedule is anything like mine, finding a few hours to get out on the water can be a major accomplishment. But that’s just the start of the planning process. You also have to consider the weather, the wind, and the tides.

No matter how beautiful a day it happens to be at the moment, check the forecast before you even think about unrolling those nifty cam buckle straps. Thunderstorms and paddling don’t mix, and storms can seemingly come out of nowhere on a hot summer day. Luckily the weather professionals generally know well in advance if that’s going to happen. 

Clear skies are good. Light wind (or no wind) is also important! Even if the tide is in your favor, if you try to paddle against a strong wind, you will have quite the workout (and you will get tired). You can still paddle on a windy day, but make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction. Also remember that our rivers have LOTS of twists and turns, so the “right” direction may quickly become wrong when you round the next bend.

Tides are a huge factor as well. Our local launch sites can be accessed at any tide, but in most cases, you’re going to want to travel at mid-to-high tide, not low. It’s not just about how much water there is -- it’s also about how swiftly the water is moving (especially if it’s moving in the “wrong” direction!) Low tide paddling will generally involve at least a little bit of wading, portaging, or scooching (when you sit in your boat and try to “scooch” it over a sandbar.) It can also present some fierce currents.

For an out-and-back paddling trip, where you start and end at the same location, launch an hour before high tide, head upstream, and begin your return trip around when that hour is up. If you prefer a longer trip, go earlier, still turning back at high tide.

For a one-way trip, where you stage a vehicle at either end, depart 2-3 hours before high tide and ride the incoming current to your endpoint. You can just as easily do this in the opposite direction, when the tide is going out.

For either case, it’s important to understand the tidal offset on the rivers. Start by looking up the time of the Boston high tide, then for the North River add 1 hour for the launches at Union/Bridge Street and Chittenden, 2.5 hours for the Pembroke Town Forest. Add up to 3 hours for the Francis Keville Footbridge on the South River and the Hanover Public Launch on the North River. Damon’s Point and Rexhame Beach both involve a 40-minute delay. There is no tidal offset for the Marshfield Town Landing on Ridge Road or the Driftway. 

SAFETY

One final note. A PFD (personal flotation device), aka life jacket, is required for every individual when boating. A whistle clipped onto the zipper of your PFD increases your odds of getting help when you need it. Please be safe out there . . . and have fun!

For detailed information about all of the launch sites mentioned above, as well as a more in-depth review of “Timing the Tides,” visit nsrwa.org or exploresouthshore.org. See you on the rivers!

by Kezia Bacon

July 2019

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. You will also find 20+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there.