Nature Walks: 11 New Places To Explore in 2023!

Do you know how many properties are now listed in the Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website? As 2022 drew to a close, there were 450 separate listings, with more than 150 added last year alone. We’ve been busy! If you’re looking for detailed information about local places to hike, paddle, fish, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors, you’ll definitely want to check out this tremendously valuable resource.

Every year in January, we highlight our area’s newest properties, as well as those that have been expanded or significantly updated. Keep reading to learn more about McCarthy Farm in Rockland, the Damon Preserve in Scituate, Sylvester Field in Hanover, and several others!

 

For 2023, we’re changing up our Explore South Shore Contest, and inviting you to get to know your local waters. Come explore and learn with us through the year to come! Each week we’ll introduce a new river, stream, pond or other waterway. We’ll highlight public places you can visit to experience those waters first-hand. And we’ll share some relevant facts. Watch for our daily posts on Facebookand Instagram.

 

We’ll also challenge you with a trivia question! Share your guesses by commenting on our social media feed – which are also great spots to interact with our ever-growing community of outdoors enthusiasts. Each month, we’ll gather all the correct answers, and randomly choose one lucky winner to receive a custom NSRWA prize package. 

McCarthy Farm, Rockland 

Rockland’s newest nature preserve! This 36-acre forest features a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail loop to the top of Rye Hill, plus old stone walls and two small ponds. The two intermittent streams on this property flow to French’s Stream, which is part of the North River watershed. On-site parking at 829 Beech Street.

Damon Preserve, Scituate

Scituate has been busy this past decade, adding and improving 4 conservation properties in its West End. The latest is the 37-acre property Damon Preserve, which features 1.2 miles of woodland trails, numerous stone walls, and glimpses of open fields. The property is located at the edge of South Swamp, which is the headwaters of three sub-watersheds: First Herring Brook, Aaron Brook, and an unnamed tributary to Bound Brook. On-site parking at 67 Clapp Road.

Foothills Preserve, Plymouth

Directly across the street from Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, this property features 126 acres of retired cranberry bogs, slowly returning to their natural state. In addition, there are 1.5 miles of wide, flat trails, as well as bridges and small ponds, plus glimpses of Manomet Brook, a headwater to Beaver Dam Brook. On-site parking at 81 Beaver Dam Road.

Historic Sylvester Field, Hanover

After centuries of agricultural use, this beautiful and historic field in Hanover Four Corners was preserved in 2021 by the Wildlands Trust and the Town of Hanover. Five additional acres in Norwell were added in 2022. The 25-acre property features a 0.3-mile trail along the edge of the field that leads to a scenic spot on Third Herring Brook, a major tributary to the North River. This is especially relevant now that NSRWA has removed three dams upstream on Third Herring Brook. We hope to soon see brook trout and river herring returning to this waterway! On-site parking at 129 Washington Street.

 

Wompatuck State Park – Grove Street Entrance, Norwell

The newest access point to Wompatuck State Park! Look for the entrance diagonally across the street from the Hornstra Farm sign on Grove Street. This is a convenient access point to this 3,500-acre state park, which features 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. It’s also a great spot for paddling and fishing! The Aaron River, part of the Gulf River watershed, is relatively close to this entrance. On-site parking at 433 Grove Street.

 

Cedar Crest, Duxbury

Directly adjacent to Whiton Woods, this property features over 100 acres of cranberry bogs, woodlands and wetlands, with a 2.2-mile trail network and views of Harlow Brook. It was quietly acquired by the Town of Duxbury as conservation land in 2015 (so quietly that we only recently added it to our website!). Harlow Brook flows through this property and eventually into the South River. Roadside parking at 633 Temple Street.

Gifford Bog, Duxbury

The oldest working cranberry bog in Duxbury is now conservation land! Just down the street from Cedar Crest, Gifford Bog opened to the public during the pandemic. You can walk the 0.73-mile perimeter loop trail around the bogs, and then continue for 2.3 miles through the Williams Preserve, across Temple Street. The wetlands and waterways on this property flow toward the Wright Reservoir and into the Green Harbor River. Roadside parking at 104 Temple Street.

 

Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area, Hanson 

This property opened to the public in 2020, but last year it benefited from a significant upgrade. A new 1-mile trail now leads through woods and wetlands in two intersecting loops along Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River. In addition, there’s water access for canoes, kayaks and anglers. On-site parking at 891 West Washington Street.

The Last Meadows, Hanson 

Another expanded property in Hanson, featuring a rare glimpse of the town’s agricultural past. A wide, nearly 1-mile woodland trail leads to a large open meadow. Additional trails traverse what was once the grounds of the Plymouth County Hospital. Located within the watershed of Indian Head Brook, a tributary to the Indian Head River. On-site parking now available at 53 Pierce Avenue.

Halfway Pond Conservation Area, Plymouth

This large property just got larger! Now 550 acres with more than 6 miles of trails, this is a perfect spot to spend a few hours. Enjoy views of several ponds, hikes through pine barrens and mixed hardwood forests, plus canoeing and kayaking. Halfway Pond is the headwater of the Agawam River watershed. On-site parking on Mast Road.

Osprey Overlook Park, Weymouth 

This gorgeous spot on the Back River just keeps getting better. This year, the smokestack from the old town incinerator was removed. Future improvements include the addition of a picnic area, and the expansion of the parking area and 0.6-mile, partially paved, trail system. Extend your visit at Great Esker Park next door, where there is an additional 6+ miles of trails. On-site parking at 87 Wharf Street, Weymouth.

by Kezia Bacon

January 2022

 

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 26+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. For more information about the Explore South Shore 2023 Contest, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2023-explore-south-shore-challenge

 

25 Walks in Plymouth

Measuring 134,000 square miles, Plymouth is one of the largest towns in Massachusetts. Fortunately for us, it offers quite a lot of open space. NSRWA’s website team has been working diligently to visit and document all of this town’s public trails. The result: we’ve added more than 30 Plymouth-based listings to our website! This month’s article highlights some of the best. Keep reading for details. 

 

Also, be sure to keep up with our 2022 Explore South Shore Challenge as it enters its final month. Each week, we suggest a different outdoor activity. This month’s themes include: Explore the Beach in Winter, Visit a State Park, Visit a Rail Trail, and Watch the Sun Rise. To help you meet these challenges, every day in December we’ll feature a relevant property on Instagram and Facebook. Post photos from your adventures to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. 

Beaver Dam Conservation Area

This large wooded property at 219 Beaver Dam Road features views of two kettle ponds and 2 miles of sometimes-challenging trails. It’s located within the watershed of Little Island Pond. Just down the road, check out Mass Audubon’s 481-acre Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary (3 miles of trails) and the 126-acre Foothills Preserve (1.5 miles of trails), both in the Cape Cod Bay watershed.

 

Eel River Preserve

Once a cranberry bog, this 130-acre property is slowly reverting to its original form — a white cedar swamp, bordered by forest, with 1.7 miles of river flowing through and about 3 miles of trails. Located at intersection of Boot Pond Road and Long Pond Road, in the Eel River watershed. To further explore this river’s restoration, check out the 150-acre Russell Mill Pond Conservation Area (1.5 miles of trails), across the street.

 

Plymouth Town Forest

The 317-acre Plymouth Town Forest features 4 ponds and 2.5 miles of woodland trails, with parking at 127 Long Pond Road. Immediately adjacent, the Wildlands Trust’s 47-acre South Triangle Pond Conservation Area (60 Drew Road) offers 2 miles of hilly woodland trails and water views. Both are part of the Town Brook watershed. 

 

Center Hill Preserve

Check out the beach at this 78-acre property on Cape Cod Bay, as well as pine barrens, wetlands and a former cranberry bog. The 2.4-mile trail network begins at 158 Center Hill Road. Or stop by the 97-acre Ellisville Harbor State Park, where a half-mile trail extends along a ridge above the salt marsh and shoreline, with spectacular views (1861 State Road).

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/center-hill-preserve/

https://www.nsrwa.org/listing/ellisville-harbor-state-park/

 

Morton Park

Plymouth’s largest park features 200 acres of forest, wetlands, trails and shoreline. It’s located on Morton Park Road, between Little Pond and the Billington Sea. Elsewhere on the sea (it’s actually a pond), don’t miss the hilly 70-acre Crawley Woodlands Preserve (2.5 miles of trails) and the also-hilly 63-acre Black Cat Preserve (2.5 miles of trails). All three are part of the Town Brook watershed.

Town Brook Trail

Enjoy close-up views of the recently-restored Town Brook along this 1.5-mile walking path, which extends from Billington Street to the Plymouth waterfront. Along the way, the trail connects Town Brook Patuxet Preserve, Billington Street Park, Holmes Park, Town Brook Park, Plimoth Grist Mill, Brewster Gardens, and Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

 

Halfway Pond Conservation Area

This 409-acre Wildlands Trust property, a headwater to the Agawam River, features ponds, pine barrens, hardwood forests, and several miles of trails, with entrances at Mast Road and West Long Pond Road. Nearby, check out the Wildlands Trust’s wonderful Emery Preserve West (143 acres/3 miles of trails) and Emery Preserve East (1 mile) on Ship Pond Road, in the Cape Cod Bay watershed.

 

Russell & Sawmill Ponds Conservation Area

This North Plymouth property (75 Bourne Street) features two ponds, plus 2.8 miles of forest trails. Across the street at Cordage Park, check out the North Plymouth Rail Trail, a 1.2-mile all-access trail that passes through several different habitats. Both are part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed.

 

Clear Pond Conservation Area

The only conservation area in West Plymouth – 12 acres with views of Clear Pond and a wide, flat 0.65-mile trail around a former cranberry bog -- part of the South Meadow Brook watershed. Park at 16 Surrey Drive. For additional pond views, head south to Myles Standish State Forest, which boasts 12,400+ acres of woods within the watersheds of the Wankinco and Agawam Rivers. 15 miles of paved bike paths, 13 miles of forest trails. (365 Long Pond Road).

David E. Alper Nature Preserve

In the southern part of Plymouth, within the watershed of the Herring River, don’t miss this 43-acre property at the end of Little Herring Pond Road. It features a 0.75-mile cart path along a ridge between two ponds. Not far away, also check out the Comassakumkanit Preserve, a quiet 187-acre woodland with an 0.8-mile trail through a mixed upland forest (110 Roxy Cahoon Road). Or stop by Hedges Pond Recreation Area, a 105-acre property with a 2.25-mile forest trail loop (166 Hedges Pond Road). 

 

Dixon Preserve at Hio Hill

Don’t miss this hidden gem! This 116-acre woodland at 1210 Old Sandwich Road features a 0.85-mile loop trail with a steep climb. At the top, you can see the ocean. Also nearby: Indian Brook Conservation Area, a large wooded property with a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail and a view of Shallow Pond. Located toward the rear of the Manomet Recreation Area (1197 State Road). Both are part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed.

by Kezia Bacon

December 2022

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. Click here for more information about the 2022 Explore South Shore Challenge. This article is Powered by Planet Subaru: https://www.planetsubaru.com

 

Explore Different Landscapes with these Suggested Walks

When you go for a walk, do you have a favorite terrain? Do you like to be near the water? Do you prefer to be in the woods? Do you gravitate toward open areas such as meadows and hilltops? Do you prefer manicured trails? This month’s column discusses various types of terrain available to us here on the South Shore, and highlights some favorites. Consider branching out to explore something new!

 

Also, be sure to keep up with our 2022 Explore South Shore Challenge. Each week, we suggest a different outdoor activity. This month’s themes are all about “Different Landscapes,” including “Explore an Agricultural Landscape,” or a Wetland via Boardwalk, or a Forest Trail, or a Salt Marsh Trail, and “Check Out Some Glacial Erratics!” To help you meet these challenges, every day in November we’ll feature a relevant property on Instagram and Facebook. Post photos from your adventures to Instagram with the hashtag #ExploreSouthShore. Each month we randomly select a winner from the posts to receive a prize package. 

 

Trails with River Views

For multiple views of a river on a single walk, don’t miss Norwell’s Norris Reservation, which features both the North River and Second Herring Brook. Or check out the trails along the Indian Head River, both in Hanover, and in the Tucker Preserve in Pembroke. Get to know the Back River at Osprey Overlook Park in Weymouth. Plus there’s a lot to see along Town Brook Trail in Plymouth.

Trails Through Agricultural Landscapes

Enjoy the open spaces of farmlands while walking at such spots as the Crosbie Family Preserve in Scituate, Donovan/Wildcat Conservation Area in Norwell, and the Lehner Conservation Area in Hingham, plus two locations in Duxbury -- O’Neil Farm and Berrybrook Fields. And don’t miss Weir River Farm in Hingham, which in addition to numerous walking trails, offers a monthly Open Barnyard.

Trails with Pond Views

Large ponds offer a certain serenity, plus they attract a variety of wildlife. Enjoy this inviting combination while exploring the trails at Norwell’s Jacobs Pond Conservation Area, or Cohasset’s Pape Reservation. Or consider Triphammer Pond Conservation Area in Hingham, or Kingston’s Stewart-Person Preserve. Beaver Dam Conservation Area in Plymouth features two different ponds (but no beaver dams).

Exploring Freshwater Wetlands

Pembroke is home to one of the region’s most diverse inland natural areas. Explore the freshwater wetlands of the Herring Brook valley at both Willow Brook Farm Preserve and Canoe Club Preserve. Or check out Marshfield’s Hoyt Hall Preserve or North Hill Marsh in Duxbury. Miller Woods in Norwell features a series of boardwalks through captivating woodland swamps.

Pine Forest Trails

We have so many pine forests on the South Shore! Some favorites include the Colby-Phillips Trails in Hanover, the Ellis Estate Trails in Scituate, and Veterans Commemorative Town Forest in Pembroke. In addition, check out Russell & Sawmill Ponds Conservation Area in Plymouth, Carolina Hill Reservation in Marshfield, George Washington Forest in Hingham, and Whiton Woods in Duxbury.

 

Salt Marsh Trails

Salt marshes line many of our coastal rivers. While they’re easier to explore from the water than from the land, a few local trails offer access as well as spectacular views. Start with Scituate’s Driftway Conservation Park, or stroll through the dunes along the South River, at Rexhame Beach in Marshfield. Weymouth’s Great Esker Park features trails at the edge of the Back River. And the Preble Property in Scituate explores the salt marshes near the North River mouth.

Trails Through Rocky Terrain

In search of rocky terrain? Especially in Cohasset, there’s plenty to enjoy. Great Brewster Woodsfeatures a pleasant valley strewn with moss-covered outcroppings. Nearby, Barnes Wildlife Sanctuaryhas an entirely different (but still rocky) feel. And then there’s Ode’s Den, a boulder-filled section of Whitney & Thayer Woods. Also check out the Hubbell Preserve in Scituate, and Cavern Rock Park in Weymouth.

Trails Through Hardwood Forests 

Is your aim to enjoy colorful fall foliage? Look for a forest containing beech, oak, maple or birch trees. Consider the Shingle Mill Brook Trail in Hanover, as well as the Melzar Hatch Preserve… or perhaps Cuffee Conservation Area in Norwell. The Bradford Torrey Bird Sanctuary in Weymouth and Webster’s Wilderness in Marshfield offer pleasant loop trails. Or check out Burns Memorial Park in Hingham.

Trails with Ocean Breezes

There’s nothing quite like a walk on the beach – the sand, the surf, the expansive views and refreshing breezes. But beaches can be difficult to access without a resident parking permit. For variety, consider Ellisville Harbor State Park in Plymouth, with its trail along a ridge above the water. For adventure, check out Bouve Conservation Area in Hingham, which traverses both woodlands and rocky shoreline. Take an easy walk on the Hingham Shipyard Waterfront Walkway. And don’t miss Duxbury’s Powder Point Bridge.

Grassy Meadows

Do you prefer wide open spaces? The South Shore has those as well. Drive to the top of Turkey Hill in Hingham, and enjoy the grassy loop around the summit. Across town, check out More-Brewer Park, with another hilltop loop. Amble around a verdant meadow at Griffin Dairy Farm in Abington, or Bay Farm in Duxbury. And don’t miss the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield.

Manicured Parks

Some folks prefer their nature more controlled. If manicured parks are what make you happy, your first stop might be World’s End in Hingham. It’s simply wonderful! Other well-maintained locales to consider: Pond Meadow Park in Braintree, Forge Pond Park in Hanover, and -- in the winter when it’s open to the public -- Widow’s Walk Golf Course in Scituate. Also check out three spots on Weymouth’s Back River: Webb Memorial State Park, Abigail Adams State Park, and the Kibby Property.

by Kezia Bacon

November 2022

 

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 25+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. Click here for more information about the 2022 Explore South Shore Challenge. This article is Powered by Planet Subaru: https://www.planetsubaru.com