New for 2024! Check Out These 15 Nature Places

In 2023, NSRWA added another 120 listing to our Get Outdoors database. Featuring over 550 properties, our range now extends from the North and South Rivers, up to Quincy and Braintree, over to Holbrook and Halifax, and down to Plymouth and Carver. So, if you’re looking for public places to walk, paddle, fish, or swim on the South Shore; if you’re interested in playgrounds, picnic tables, or boat launch ramps, ... even if you just want to take pictures, or simply sit enjoy the view, we can help. Get Outdoors provides all the facts you need to plan your next local exploration. 

 

You might also enjoy “365 Nature Places to Know,” our Explore South Shore program for 2024. Every morning we feature one of the region’s best nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the spots on our website as well! 

 

Thank you for reading these articles. We love receiving your feedback! Every year in January, we highlight our region’s newest properties, as well as those that have been expanded or significantly updated. Some are just new to us. Keep reading to learn more.

Two Brooks Preserve, Plympton

This 135-acre Plympton Conservation property in the Winnetuxet River watershed opened to the public in 2022. It features 2 miles of trails through woodlands and wetlands, and along old cranberry bog access roads. On-site parking at 70 Prospect Road.

Cato’s Ridge Preserve, Plympton

This 105-acre town-owned property, established in 2012, features a 2-mile network of woodland trails plus a 600-foot boardwalk over Jones River Brook. Parking area at 81 Main Street.

Cole Conservation Land, Carver

Established in 2007, this 242-acre town-owned woodland in the Winnetuxet River watershed features 3+ miles of well-marked trails, views of ponds and wetlands, and a remarkable suspension bridge. On-site parking at 58 Pleasant Street.

Passanageset Park, Quincy

Passanageset is the name the Neponset gave to the Adams Shore section of Quincy. This 58-acre city-owned property features 1.3 miles of grassy trails with beautiful views of the Town River and Broad Meadow Marsh. Park at 60 Murphy Memorial Drive.

 

Holbrook Town Forest

This town-owned property features 115 acres of woodlands and forested wetlands, with 3 miles of well-tended trails, plus views of Hemlock Brook, a tributary to the Cochato River. Within you’ll find vernal pools and glacial erratic boulders. Parking and access via Park Drive.

Cranberry Pond Conservation Area, Braintree

Linked directly to the Holbrook Town Forest, this 140-acre wooded property with rocky outcroppings and glacial erratics includes 2 miles of trails, plus views of Cranberry Pond and Cranberry Brook. Small parking area on Eutaw Ave.

 

Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve, Kingston 

This secluded 322-acre property in the Winnetuxet River watershed features 2.8 miles of hilly woodland trails with pond views. Owned by the Northeast Wilderness Trust.

Small parking area on Bishops Highway, one mile west of Route 80.

Carter Conservation Area, Kingston

This 18-acre town-owned property on the Plympton town line features a 1-mile network of trails through the woods and around retired cranberry bogs. It is part of the Jones River watershed. On-site parking at 134 Wapping Road.

Mulliken’s Landing, Kingston

This recently improved canoe and kayak landing on the Jones River now features a boardwalk across the marsh with a seasonal ramp and float. Jointly owned by the state and the town. Parking area at the intersection of Landing and River Roads.

St. Catherine’s Chapel Park, Plymouth

Not new, but new to us! This pleasant, grassy 2-acre park offers 0.25 miles of crushed stone walking paths, numerous benches, and interpretive signage depicting the history of White Horse Beach and Manomet. On-site parking at 95 White Horse Road.

King’s Cove Park, Weymouth

Weymouth continues to do great work, establishing and improving its parks and nature preserves! This small sliver of land on the Fore River provides 0.25 miles of paved trails, a small beach, and a beautiful view. Located on Route 3A in North Weymouth, at the foot of the bridge, with ample on-site parking.

The Last Meadows, Hanson

Hanson, too, has been making great strides with its Open Space Plan. In 2022, it expanded and improved the main trail at this sprawling former-hospital property in the Indian Head Brook watershed. In 2023, it added a new trail that connects the meadows to Bonney Hill Lane. On-site parking at 53 Pierce Ave. 

 

Hanover Branch Rail Trail

And Hanover! 2023 was a banner year! Picking up where the Rockland Rail Trail leaves off, this paved path extends for a half mile (so far!) along a former railroad bed to the Drinkwater River. Parking area at 1409 Hanover Street.

Mattakeeset Trail, Hanover

Also in Hanover, the newly-established 0.26-mile Mattakeeset Trail begins at the Hanover Public Launch, and extends along the edge of the Indian Head River to Elm Street, where it connects with the 4-mile Indian Head River Trails system at Ludden’s Ford Park. 

 

Chapman’s Landing, Hanover 

And right next door ... these 50 acres of state and locally-owned conservation land on the Indian Head and North Rivers received a wonderful upgrade this year, with the construction of a tall platform with a spectacular view. On-site parking at the end of Indian Head Drive.

by Kezia Bacon

January 2024

 

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 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2023-explore-south-shore-challenge

 

Holly Days: 14 Walks with Holly Trees

 

Here on the South Shore, our woodlands are dominated by Eastern white pine trees, along with plenty of oaks and maples. American Holly trees (Ilex aquifolium) – with their bright red berries and shiny, spiky leaves – appear less frequently. While they’re far from rare, coming across one in the woods can feel like a gift, especially after a snowfall, when the vibrant colors of the holly tree really stand out. 

 

Birds like holly trees too – especially in the fall and winter, when the berries appear, and provide a source of nourishment. Songbirds such as robins, blue jays, and cardinals feast on holly berries, as well as wild turkeys, deer and squirrels. Only female holly trees bear berries, and they do so only when a male holly is nearby (with the help of pollinators such as bees and butterflies). Fun fact: those crimson orbs aren’t actually berries! They’re what’s known as drupes – similar to stone fruit like a cherry or a peach. But don’t eat them – they’re toxic to humans.

 

As you walk in the woods this winter, be on the lookout for holly trees. Conical in shape and not especially tall, with greenish-gray bark, hollies tend to stand out as “different.” In addition to appreciating their beauty, you might notice birds and other wildlife appreciating their fruits. See below for a list of properties where holly trees can be found along the trails.

 

Also, don’t miss the final month of our 2023 Explore South Shore Challenge, Know Your Local Waters. Have you been learning along with us about the rivers, streams, ponds and other waterways of the South Shore? Have you been exploring some of the public properties we’ve highlighted? As we make plans for 2024, we’d love to know more about what you’ve enjoyed.

Higgins-MacAllister Preserve, Scituate

Follow the bridge to the 1.2-mile loop trail, which extends through woods and wetlands, offering views of Merritt Brook, a tributary to Bound Brook. Along the way, you’ll find a grove of holly trees. Extend your walk into the adjacent Bates Lane Conservation Area, and look for additional hollies along the Carl Pipes Trail. Also in Scituate, the Ellis Estate, home to numerous hollies itself. Each property has its own parking lot: at 31 Holly Crest Road (Higgins), 188 Clapp Road (Bates), and 709 Country Way (Ellis).

Whitney & Thayer Woods, Cohasset

This expansive 824-acre woodland, also in the Bound Brook watershed, offers 10 miles of trails, plus access to several adjacent properties. There is a large grove of American holly tucked into a remote spot between Turkey Hill Lane and One Way Lane. Owned by The Trustees. Look for the parking area at 380 Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A). Also in Cohasset, check out Wheelwright Park and Barnes Wildlife Sanctuary (202 North Main Street), where in addition to holly trees, you’ll find a skating pond, captivating glacial erratics, and more than a mile of trails suitable for cross-country skiing.

Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area, Hanson

This 101-acre conservation property on Poor Meadow Brook features more than 2 miles of trails through woods and wetlands. In the forest, you’ll find a stunning grove of holly trees. Look for the parking area at 482 Elm Street. Also in Hanson, check out The Last Meadows (53 Pierce Ave.) Follow the broad, mile-long path to the historic meadow, then look for the Bonney Hill Trail, which features boardwalks and more holly.

 

Colby Phillips Trails, Hanover

This inviting 147-acre property features 3 miles of trails through woods and wetlands, plus boardwalks, a bridge over Cushing Brook, and an observation deck overlooking freshwater marsh. Can you spot the holly trees in the woods? While in Hanover, also check out the Melzar Hatch Preserve, home to a beautiful grove of holly. Parking for both is at Hanover Middle School during non-school hours. For Colby-Phillips, cross Whiting Street to the well-marked trailhead. For Melzar Hatch, look for the trailhead behind the school. 

Sampson Park & Memorial Forest, Kingston

This 200-acre town-owned property on the Jones River offers more than a mile of woodland trails, plus vernal pools and close-up views of Furnace Brook. Far down the main trail, just before it crosses the brook, there is a large grove of holly. Parking area at 67 Elm Street.

Phillips Farm Preserve, Marshfield

The Wildlands Trust owns this 40-acre property in North Marshfield, not far from the North River. With open grasslands and forest trails that connect to Nelson Memorial Forest and Union Street Woodland, it’s a great spot for an extended exploration. Look for holly trees in the wooded areas. Park at Corn Hill Woodland, across Union Street.

Cato’s Ridge, Plympton

This 105-acre property features a 2-mile network of woodland trails plus a 600-foot boardwalk over the Jones River Brook and its surrounding wetlands. In particular, check out the trail that climbs Cato’s Ridge. Near the top you’ll find some holly trees. Parking area at 81 Main Street, Plympton.

Cuffee Conservation Area, Norwell

This 350-acre Norwell Conservation property in the watershed of Black Pond Brook features a quaking bog, a historic road, a pond, a swamp, and several well-tended trails. In the upland forest areas, you’ll find pine, hemlock and beech, as well as the occasional holly. There are also some remarkably large cedar trees. Look for the parking area at 181 Mt Blue Street.

by Kezia Bacon

December 2023

 

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 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2023-explore-south-shore-challenge

 

More Than Words: 10 Walking Places with Native American Names

From Nantasket to Manomet, Cohasset to Monponsett, up the Shumatuscacant River and down Musquashcut Brook, there are places all over the South Shore whose names either derive from, or honor, the Native American tribes that have inhabited our region for centuries, and remain here to this day. This month’s column puts ten such places in the spotlight. Some are quite large, others very small ... but they all offer opportunities to contemplate the stories behind the names, while enjoying a walk in a scenic spot.

 

Please bear in mind that Native American cultures often favor oral histories to written ones. Much of what’s recorded about the history of the South Shore is from the perspective of European settlers. It’s not the whole story. To learn more about our local tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett, the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and the Herring Pond Wampanoag also share information on their websites. 

 

Also, don’t miss our 2023 Explore South Shore Challenge, Know Your Local Waters. Each week we feature a river, stream, pond or other waterway, and highlight public places you can visit to experience it first-hand. Watch for daily posts on Facebook and Instagram. The program also includes a weekly trivia question, with a chance to win a custom NSRWA prize package. 

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham

Josias Wampatuck (or Wompatuck) became the sachem of the Mattakeeset, a subset of the Massachusett tribe, in 1633. Local history books indicate that in 1655, he conveyed the rights to a large tract of land on the South Shore to European settlers. This 3500-acre state park is named in his honor. The property, which offers additional access points in Cohasset, Norwell, and elsewhere in Hingham, features 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. 

 

Mattakeeset Trail, Hanover

The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett tribe has lived in the North River watershed for thousands of years. The word “Mattakeeset” means “place of many fish,” and their ancestral village extended through most of Pembroke and Hanson. This 0.26-mile trail borders a quiet stretch of the Indian Head River, from the Hanover Public Launch to Elm Street. Continue your walk on the adjacent Chapman’s Landing/Iron Mine Brook trails, or across the street at Ludden’s Ford Park, where you can access the 4-mile Indian Head River Loop. 

 

Monatiquot River Nature Trail, Braintree

According to John Charles Huden’s “Indian Place Names of New England,” the word Monatiquot is translated as “at the deep tidal stream,” or “lookout place.” The Monatiquot River begins at the confluence of the Farm and Cochato Rivers, within the Braintree Municipal Golf Course. It flows northeast for 4.9 miles before merging with Smelt Brook to form the Fore River, which flows for an additional 5 miles into Hingham Bay. This 0.11-mile trail, which you can access behind the Shaw’s supermarket on John Mahar Highway, offers close-up glimpses of the river in a surprisingly scenic spot. Soon there will be a lot more of the Monatiquot to see, with the completion of the Armstrong Dam removal project upstream, next year!

 

Patuxet Park, Kingston

The Patuxet band of the Wampanoag tribe was well-established in the Plymouth area, long before European settlers arrived. They returned to this spot on Smelt Brook year after year for summer encampments, and also to other properties along the Jones River. This 23-acre parcel is now overseen by Kingston Conservation. A trail extends from the parking area on Basler’s Lane, through wetlands, woodlands and open fields. 

Town Brook Patuxet Preserve, Plymouth

A different spot with a similar name. Also honoring the Patuxet, this small grassy park features a short gravel trail on the banks of Town Brook. Prior to European settlement, the Patuxet Wampanoag established a pathway along the brook, which they valued for its abundant fresh water as well as its robust herring run. The Pilgrims chose Town Brook for their settlement for similar reasons. In later years, a series of mills and factories were established here. Thanks to the recent removal of five dams, the brook is now flowing freely again. The park is located at 88 Billington Street. 

Comassakumkanit Preserve, Plymouth

The Herring Pond Wampanoag is another band within the Wampanoag nation. For thousands of years, they have inhabited parts of south Plymouth and upper Cape Cod. 

According to the “Plymouth Trails Guide,” Comassakumkanit is one of the names they use for the area around the south and west of Great Herring Pond. This quiet, 187-acre property features a 0.8-mile trail that extends through a mixed upland forest, and down into a secluded valley. A trail extension is planned for the future. Look for the parking area at 110 Roxy Cahoon Road.

 

Wessagusset Wetland and Woodland, Weymouth

Visit this small woodland in North Weymouth, and learn about the Neponset band of the Massachusett tribe, who gave the area its name. The Neponset established villages inland and migrated seasonally to the coast to fish, hunt and grow crops. The name Wessagusset is often translated as “place where the rocks meet the water.” The colony of Wessagusset, the second-oldest European settlement in the United States, was formed nearby, on the Fore River, in 1622 by Thomas Weston. Interpretive panels share the history of both the Neponset tribe and Weston’s settlers. There is also a short (0.15-mile) woodland trail.

Hobomock Trails, Pembroke

Right beside the Hobomock Elementary School in Pembroke, and across the street from the high school, you’ll find a 3-mile network of wide, well-maintained woodland trails. Hobomock (also spelled Hobbamock and Hobomok) was a warrior from the Pokanoket band of the Wampanoag, who lived alongside the settlers of Plimoth Colony in the 1620’s. He was well-regarded both by Myles Standish, the colony’s military commander, and Massasoit, the Chief Sachem of the Wampanoag. Look for the trailhead near 81 Learning Lane.

Manomet Recreation Area

Manomet is a village in south Plymouth. Its name has been interpreted to mean “bearing of a burden,” possibly referring to the baskets used by the Wampanoag on trails between their settlements at Patuxet (Plymouth) and Cape Cod. This property features a playground and some athletic fields, but it’s also the access point for Indian Brook Conservation Area. Look for the trailhead behind the playground (1197 State Road). It provides access to a 1-mile out-and-back trail with frontage on Indian Brook, a coastal stream. We’re hoping that the dam on this brook, at State Road, will be removed in the future, permitting the waters to flow freely again.

 

Scituate Town Forest

The town of Scituate takes its name from Satuit, the term the Native American inhabitants of the area used for “cold brook,” describing the stream that flows into the harbor. The 18-acre Town Forest, located at 789 Chief Justice Cushing Highway (Route 3A) in North Scituate, across from the Police/Fire headquarters, offers 1.5 miles of meandering trails through pine forest, with lots of holly trees, plus streams that flow to Bound Brook.

by Kezia Bacon
November 2023

 

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 Challenge, visit https://www.nsrwa.org/get-outdoors/2023-explore-south-shore-challenge