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| A stream crossing at the J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke |
This month the North and South Rivers Watershed Association’s “50 Places to Explore” contest, which encourages the public to visit conservation lands and other open space areas, features properties in Pembroke. This time of Social Distancing is the perfect opportunity to get out on the trails!
The Town of Pembroke offers a variety of settings for walks. You can explore woodlands, wetlands, old farms, retired cranberry bogs, as well as Herring Brook and the Indian Head River. The trails are generally well-maintained, and maps are available for almost all of them. The list below starts with one of my absolute favorite places, and ends with a property that is best visited in April, when the herring are running.
Tucker Preserve and Luddam’s Ford Park
The Indian Head River forms some of the boundary between the towns of Pembroke, Hanson and Hanover. Most of land along the river is open to the public. One of my favorite walks begins at Luddam’s Ford Park in Hanover, continues up the Indian Head River Trails to Cross Street/State Street, crosses the river, and then heads back down to Luddam’s Ford Park in Pembroke via Hanson’s Rocky Run Conservation Area and Pembroke’s Tucker Preserve. It’s a 2 to 3 hour loop, but you can also just visit it in sections. Park at Luddam’s Ford on West Elm Street and lookfor trails on both sides of the river. The 78-acre TuckerPreserve is a woodland owned by the Wildlands Trust. It features loops trails as well as an enchanting hemlock grove, plus gorgeous views of the Indian Head River. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/tucker-preserve/ andhttps://www.nsrwa.org/listing/luddams-ford-park-pembroke/
J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest
If you’ve ever driven past Pembroke’s baseball fields on Mattakeesett Street, you may have noticed the dark green “Town Forest” sign and wondered what it entailed. Treat yourself and go explore this 139-acre town-owned property. Directly behind the baseball complex is a network of sloping woodland trails that lead down to Indian Head Pond and the former Andruk cranberry bogs. If you’d like to extend your walk, continue into the Alton J. Smith Reserve in Hanson, immediately adjacent. Park at the baseball complex on Mattakeesett Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/j-j-shepherd-memorial-forest/
Willow Brook Farm Preserve
This 167-acre Wildlands Trust property is a gem. Located at the confluence of Herring and Pudding Brooks, it features loop trails through woods and wetlands, plus a multi-story observation tower that offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Willow Brook was once a farm, and there are sections that remain farm-like, offering visitors a glimpse of Pembroke’s agricultural history. Because of its proximity to a giant freshwater marsh, the wildlife diversity is outstanding. Park in the on-site lot on Barker Street (Route 14). Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/willow-brook-farm-preserve/
Misty Meadows Conservation Area
This 153-acre town-owned property is directly adjacent to Willow Brook Farm. You can enter via Willow Brook’s trail system, or from a trailhead on Ingham Way. Within Misty Meadows are up-close views of Herring Brook and its tidal freshwater marshes. There are also trails through woods and wetlands, and lots of opportunities for viewing wildlife. Park along the roadside on Ingham Way, or for a longer hike, park at Willow Brook Farm Preserve. A map is helpful here.
Veterans Commemorative Town Forest
Who knew Pembroke had not one, but two Town Forests! Located on Route 27, this is another spot you’ve likely driven past a few times and wondered about. The 88-acre forest borders Silver Lake, and offers mostly wide trails with great views, plus some elevation to get the heart pumping. Don’t miss the spur trail to the Silver Lake Overlook. Park in the on-site lot on School Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/veterans-commemorative-town-forest/
Pembroke High & Hobomock Elementary School Trails
These properties were a recent discovery for me. I was delighted to learn that Pembroke has developed trail systems near most of its public schools! There are nearly 3 miles of trails within these 279 wooded acres. Many of them are wide cart paths, although some are narrower. There are wetlands too, and endless opportunities for nature study. You’ll find roadside parking on Learning Lane. Map recommended.
Tubbs Meadow Conservation Area
This 106-acre town-owned property offers a network of wide, flat walking trails through the woods and around a retired cranberry bog. It’s a fascinating place to witness change, as the years pass and the bogs slowly become more natural again. There are meadows, wetlands, woods and bogs, so you can expect to observe a diverse population of wildlife among the varying habitats. Dedicated parking areas on both Mill and Monroe Streets. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/tubbs-meadow-conservation-area/
Canoe Club Preserve
All of the properties listed above offer opportunities for long walks in the woods. But sometimes, all you need is a short one. The 20-acre Canoe Club Preserve, owned by the Wildlands Trust, is the perfect spot for this! Located just off Routes 53 and 139, it’s conveniently located “on the way” to all sorts of places. Stop by for a quick “nature fix” and a breath of fresh air. The trails are mostly boardwalk, traversing a freshwater wetland that overlooks the North River. Views are mostly obscured, so expect to turn your attention to the finer details of the wildlife and vegetation. It’s a lovely experience! Park along the edge of the rear parking area at Pembroke Pointe, and look for the trailhead sign. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/canoe-club-preserve/
Herring Run Park
It’s April and the herring are running! Soon you will be able to see them up-close at this town-owned park on the banks of Herring Brook. This is another spot designed more for quiet contemplation than for long, meditative walks -- although there is plenty of room to roam. (Note: There is also a 0.4-mile trail that runs from Little’s Lane -- around the corner -- into the Herring Run property, but on the other side of the brook. It does not connect to the park area.). This month, you’re likely to see the town’s Herring Warden and his dedicated team of volunteers in action, keeping Herring Brook clear and protected so migratory fish can make their way upstream. If you’ve never seen river herring swimming against the current, following a primal urge to return to their birthplace to spawn, I strongly recommend that you add Herring Run Park to your April “To Do” list. On-site parking on Barker Street. Visit: https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/herring-run-park-conservation-area/
by Kezia Bacon
April 2020
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. For more information about the 50 Places to Explore Contest,” visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/enter-the-nsrwa-50-places-to-explore-contest/
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