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

Introducing Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary

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A view of Beaver Dam Brook from the top of the Ridge Trail at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

In late November, Massachusetts Audubon opened Tidmarsh, a 479-acre wildlife sanctuary in Plymouth. Land conservation is always something to celebrate, but this acquisition is also noteworthy for its scope.

In recent years Tidmarsh was a working cranberry farm. Before Mass Audubon granted it permanent protection as a wildlife sanctuary, the property underwent a significant restoration. It took years – and the removal of nine dams – to return Tidmarsh to its natural state. Thanks to the efforts of Audubon and its partners in this project – the Town of Plymouth, the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- Tidmarsh is now – once again – a winding coastal stream bordered by freshwater wetlands. In fact – in the Northeast – it’s the largest freshwater ecological restoration to date.

Tidmarsh is a most-welcome pin on Mass Audubon’s map. While Audubon manages 57 wildlife sanctuaries across the state, until now, its presence on the South Shore was limited to three properties in Marshfield and Duxbury. This new sanctuary in Plymouth fills the gap between the three South Shore sanctuaries and the four on the South Coast (Wareham, Attleboro and South Dartmouth/Westport).

At the center of the property is Beaver Dam Brook – a stream that meanders for three miles from its inland headwaters to Plymouth Harbor. Once impeded by a series of dams -- a necessary part of the cranberry bog system -- the brook now flows freely to the sea . . . for the first time in over a century!

Wildlife has taken notice. In the spring, river herring were spotted in the brook, making their way upstream for their annual migration (which is now possible, due to the absence of dams). Muskrats have returned as well. And birds are rediscovering this property too. Common species such as red-shouldered hawks and northern harriers have been spotted regularly, as well as more-rare visitors such as king rails, blue grosbeaks and Caspian terns.

Tidmarsh is a new property with big plans. There are already three miles of well-tended trails, with more on the way. There is already plenty to see. From the parking area, follow the Entrance Trail (0.4 miles) past a small pond and through a forest of pine and oak. This will lead you to a large open meadow. You can take the Ridge Trail (to the left) uphill to an overlook that features a spectacular view of the entire property.

Or if you have more time, follow the Meadow Trail (to the right) to either of two longer paths. The Farm Road Ramble takes you over Beaver Dam Brook, along the edge of the wetlands, and eventually to the scenic Madar Loop (about 1.4 miles total). The Volunteers’ Trail, along the wetlands’ opposite bank, runs farther into the sanctuary. You can hike for a mile each way, with many views of the newly-restored wetlands and stream. There are plans in place to eventually connect these two trail systems, so that visitors can tour the entire stream valley in one long loop.

One of the most inspiring things about the Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is what it means, in terms of the Big Picture. First there was Beaver Dam Brook, and the wetlands that surrounded it. Then came the influence of agriculture and industry, where unfortunately nature took a backseat. The birds went away; the fish and furry creatures found other places to inhabit. Now the original habitats have been restored. The wetlands are capable of serving their natural function once again – to contain floodwaters and support the water supply against drought. As the increasing consequences of Climate Change become more evident, Tidmarsh brings a sense of hope that it is not too late to protect our planet.

Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 60 Beaver Dam Road in Plymouth, not far from Route 3A in Manomet. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Before your visit, be sure to check Mass Audubon’s website (https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/tidmarsh). At the time of this writing, the sanctuary was temporarily closed due to parking lot construction.

by Kezia Bacon, December 2017

 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

A Kayak Excursion with Mass Audubon

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Throughout my childhood, my parents organized canoe trips on local rivers. They would invite their friends, who would bring their children, and we’d take the entire day to explore someplace new. 

 

What began close to home – the North River, the South River – spread to points all over eastern Massachusetts. We canoed the Concord and the Ipswich to the north; the Bass and the Plymouth ponds to the south. Each trip had its memorable moments: the kids who stayed warm in garbage bags after their parents capsized the canoe; the dad who was left stranded over the cold autumn water, dangling from a rope swing; the dam my high school friends and I almost drifted over at the end of one particularly long trip.

As a child, I was spared the logistics, but I still remember the stress of wondering whether an aluminum canoe would actually remain lashed to the top of a Toyota Corolla for the duration of a 50-mile highway trek. This was back in the days when woven cinch-straps weren’t so readily available.

As an adult, I’ve mused about organizing similar excursions for my own circle of friends. I’ll begin to consider what such a trip might entail, and then back away quickly. Even locally, it seems like a lot of work. There are so many variables – the tides, the wind, the weather in general. Rounding up the right number of boats and PFDs (personal flotation devices are required by local law). Towing boats, staging vehicles for one-way trips, choosing a date that works for everyone. Headache!

Not that there aren’t alternatives. A number of local organizations offer guided excursions for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs – on our local rivers and plenty of other appealing places as well. Some of these trips are the Bring Your Own sort – you show up with your boat and PFD, and then follow the leader on a pre-determined course. Others are Full Service. You show up empty handed and they outfit you with everything you need.

Historically, I’ve turned my nose up at the “outfitter” excursions. They’re more expensive, and what fun is a paddling trip if you don’t arrive exhausted from the stress of organizing it? But I'm beginning to see the light.

This spring my mother asked if I would like to accompany her on a kayaking trip on the Green Harbor River, led by Mass Audubon. It would take place on a weekday morning, while my son was at school, and all we’d have to do was show up ready to paddle. The cost was around $40 per person. Her birthday was approaching . . . and after an brief internal dialogue along the lines of “I could borrow a second kayak and take her there for free,” I remembered that it was HER birthday, and perhaps it would be nice just to give her what she wanted. I signed us up.

The excursion day arrived, and with it, a horrible forecast. Driving rain, thunder, lightning . . . all expected before noon. The trip was cancelled . . . but quickly rescheduled for two weeks later. Could we still make it? Yes!

When we arrived at Peter Igo Park in Marshfield, we found that our guides had already unloaded the kayaks at the edge of the access path. PFDs were provided, so we just had to find ones that fit us. Paddles had already been carried to the dock. We were offered a choice between single-person or double kayaks, and once everyone had selected their boat, we worked as a group to haul them to the water. And then for the next 2.5 hours, after a brief skills tutorial, we enjoyed an informative and relaxing paddle up and down the river.

Let me stress the word “relaxing.” I didn’t realize how much “just showing up” would make a difference. We saw osprey; we saw herons. Our guides told a little bit about river ecology. There was talk of a Snickers bar, too, but I never saw it. And at the end, we were encouraged just to leave our gear in the trailer and go home. It was a very pleasant morning, and well worth the cost.

Both Mass Audubon (massaudubon.org) and the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (nsrwa.org) offer paddling trips on our local waterways. You can find current information on their websites. NSRWA is hosting a Kayak Tour on the North River on August 6^th. Statewide, Mass Audubon offers something nearly every week. For those who want to do even less work (no paddling), be sure to check out NSRWA’s weekly Pontoon Boat cruises.

by Kezia Bacon

July 2017

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

Kayaks on the North River.

7+ Walking Places for 2017

A view of Long Tom Pond at the Hoyt Hall Preserve in Marshfield.

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Every January, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association sponsors a New Year’s Day Walk. Typically this annual event -- which is free and open to the public -- showcases a recently acquired conservation area on the South Shore. But occasionally the event offers access to a privately owned property within the watershed. The 2017 walk is one of those occasions.

This year’s event, which begins at 1pm on Sunday January 1^st, takes place at the Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover (405 Washington Street). Participants will follow trails through 100 acres of privately owned woodland to the Third Herring Brook, a rare opportunity to view the dam removal project that is currently in progress. For more information, visit www.nsrwa.org.

Whether or not NSRWA’s New Year’s Day Walk fits into your schedule, you may be looking for other places to take a stroll in 2017. We are fortunate, here on the South Shore, to have access to an abundance of nature preserves. Chances are, if walking in the woods is the type of thing you enjoy, you’re already familiar with World’s End in Hingham and the Norris Reservation in Norwell, local favorites that are both managed by The Trustees. You probably know the Mass Audubon properties too – Daniel Webster and North River Wildlife Sanctuaries, both in Marshfield.

What follows is a list of a few other lesser-known properties worthy of your attention. All are open to the public, generally from dawn until dusk. Before you go, visit the manager’s website to download a trail map.

• Hoyt-Hall Preserve - Careswell Street/Route 139, Marshfield. This recently-opened preserve features several walking trails around Long Tom Pond and through 123 acres of woods, freshwater marsh and red cedar swamp, with links to the Old Colony Railroad and the Historic Winslow House. Managed by The Wildlands Trust.

• Rockland Town Forest – North Avenue, Rockland. A small (39.5 acres) but truly special place to stretch one’s legs, the Rockland Town Forest’s narrow paths, boardwalks and bridges lead visitors through the wetlands that surround French Stream. This place is especially enchanting in the spring and summer when the trees and shrubs are leafy and green.

• North Hill Marsh - Mayflower Street, Duxbury. A network of walking trails through pine and oak woodlands takes you all the way around the freshwater marsh and reservoir, with plenty of interesting vantage points. These 943 acres, managed by Mass Audubon and Duxbury Conservation, are prime territory for birding and other wildlife observation.

• Wildcat Conservation Area – Circuit Street, Norwell. Over 100 quiet acres, with trails through the woods, and the occasional bench on which to pause and reflect. The narrow trails lead you past old stone walls and along historic Wildcat Hill. Managed by Norwell Conservation.

• Weir River Farm and Turkey Hill – Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham.  Catch a glimpse of the agricultural landscape of days past on these 75 hilltop acres. The view of Boston Harbor is stunning. Plus there are pastures, woodland trails, and a working barnyard, with additional trails that link to Whitney & Thayer Woods. Managed by The Trustees.

• Bates Lane Conservation Area – Clapp Road, Scituate. This property and its surroundings comprise over 400 acres of contiguous conservation land in the West End of Scituate, most of it former farmland. A network of well-marked and well-tended trails leads through the woods, past glacial erratics and across small streams. Managed by Scituate Conservation.

• Lansing Bennett Forest – Union Bridge Road, Duxbury. This historic property was once home to a sawmill and later a trout farm. Today it is 344 acres of mostly wooded upland, with glacial erratics and kettle holes, plus boardwalks that traverse the red cedar swamp that borders Phillips Brook. Managed by Duxbury Conservation.

by Kezia Bacon

December 2016

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 20 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

100 Years of Audubon Sanctuaries

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A bridge crosses the Green Harbor River at the Daniel Webster Sanctuary in Marshfield. Photo by Sandy Bacon.

One hundred years ago, the Massachusetts Audubon Society established its very first wildlife preserve, the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary in Sharon. The organization got started in 1896, when its founders, Harriet Lawrence Hemenway and Minna B. Hall, began a well-publicized effort “to restrict the killing of birds and sale of their plumage.” Hemenway and Hall setting out to convince the masses that birds need not be sacrificed simply so their feathers could serve as adornments on fashionable ladies’ hats.

Twenty years later, in 1916, Dr. George W. Field of Sharon donated his estate to Mass Audubon, in order “to attract birds and people interested in birds.” And since then, Audubon has been diligently acquiring, preserving, and maintaining wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. There are now a total of 56 Audubon sanctuaries statewide. And three of those are right here on the South Shore!

These three preserves – Daniel Webster, North River, and North Hill Marsh -- are some of my favorite local places to enjoy the natural world. Chances are, if you’ve resided on the South Shore for any length of time, you’ve observed the simple white-and-blue signs encouraging visitors to stop in. And if you’ve gone farther than those signs – up long driveways or down unassuming residential streets to parking areas and trailheads – you’ve experienced some of our areas most lovely open spaces. But if not, here’s a quick overview of what’s right in your backyard. Why not treat yourself and check one out sometime soon!

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary

Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield (off Webster Street)

578 acres, 3.5 miles of trails

“Panoramic” is the word that comes to mind when I consider the Daniel Webster Sanctuary. The parking area is situated on a small rise, and even from there, you can see quite far in almost every direction. The sanctuary’s agricultural history is still evident in the landscape. Visitors can follow well-marked trails through the woods and across wide meadows. There are ponds and wetlands, with two observation blinds. Boardwalks and bridges extend the reach of the trail system across the Green Harbor River and through the red cedar swamp along its banks. Depending on the time of year, you may see turtles sunning themselves, green herons fishing, muskrat and mink hunting, or even (especially at dusk) coyote and white-tailed deer. And of course a diverse array of avian life – bobolinks, purple martins, northern harriers and Savannah sparrows. No pets, running or bike riding. See below for additional visitor guidelines.

North River Wildlife Sanctuary

2000 Main Street, Marshfield (Route 3A)

225 acres, 2.5 miles of trails

Among its many charms, the North River Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors a spectacular view of the North River and the vast estuary at its mouth. To experience it, you’ll have to walk across Summer Street, through grasslands, and finally through woods, where a boardwalk leads to a platform that overlooks the river. If you do nothing else on your visit to North River Sanctuary, you will have seen one of the South Shore’s most beautiful landscapes. But that’s not all North River Sanctuary has to offer. There are also trails through oak forest, a Sensory Trail for the blind and people with mobility issues, and up-close views of Hannah Eames Brook. You’ll see birds at this preserve, of course, and probably dragonflies too. When conditions are just right in the winter, be sure to look for the harbor seals. No pets, running or bike riding. See below for additional visitor guidelines.

North Hill Marsh

Mayflower Street, Duxbury (in the Duxbury Town Forest)

146 acres, 5 miles of trails

No one wants to get lost in the woods, but if you’d like to “lose yourself” there for an hour of two the North Hill Marsh is an ideal destination. Audubon describes it as “as sanctuary within a refuge.” One of many contiguous open space parcels in Duxbury’s Eastern Greenbelt, this relatively small preserve feels infinitely larger, due to its surroundings. Most of the property– 90 acres -- is a pond. The rest is oak and pine woodlands, made accessible via several well-marked trails. I recommend bringing a map, though! (You can download one from Audubon’s website.) It is a home to a wide array of migratory waterfowl – herons, egrets, kingfishers, and a variety of ducks, as well as three types of turtle. Look carefully at the pond’s edge, and you may see mink, otters or muskrats. Dogs are welcome at North Hill, but only on-leash, and please keep them out of the pond. Boating is prohibited.

All of the above sanctuaries are open daily, dawn til dusk. The following guidelines, posted by Mass Audubon for your safety, as well as to avoid conficts with wildlife, apply to all three properties.

• Leave everything as you find it, and do not pick or collect items.

• Remain on the trails at all times to protect plants, animals, and yourself.

• Refrain from driving motorized vehicles.

• Refrain from fishing, hunting, or trapping.

• Refrain from launching, operating, or retrieving drones or other remote-controlled aerial vehicles.

• Enjoy snacks or picnics in designated areas, and carry out all trash.

• Do not smoke.

For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org or call 781-837-9400.

by Kezia Bacon

April 2016 

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 20 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Robin Rescue

American robin.

This spring, a family of robins built a nest at my parents’ house in Marshfield. There is nothing unusual about robins nesting here on the South Shore, however, this particular robin family chose a somewhat unique location to roost: on top of an outdoor floodlight, attached to the house, about 10 feet off the ground.

There was no way to see into the nest – neither from the ground, nor from the second story windows. But still you could get an idea of what was going on there – the mama bird keeping her eggs warm until they hatched, and later bringing worms and insects to the babies to eat.

We were all saddened one day in May to see that one of the small blue eggs had fallen from the nest. But that hardly compared to the anguish we felt two weeks later when we discovered that the nest had fallen from its precarious perch, and broken apart. Two baby birds were lying in the dirt below, alive but clearly stunned.

We wanted to help, but we didn’t know how. We had heard that, once handled by humans, baby birds would be rejected by their parents. A call to Massachusetts Audubon’s South Shore Sanctuaries saved the day.

Audubon’s Education Director Ellyn Einhorn was happy to advise us. She said that the “parental rejection due to human scent” thing was a myth, and that it was okay to handle the birds and the nest. But we had to act fast, before the parent birds viewed the situation as a lost cause.

Einhorn advised us to scoop up the remains of the nest and to fit them into a container to help them retain their original shape. We found one of those plastic mesh trays used at garden centers to transport potted plants – and fitted the nest parts together in one of its corners. We added more pine needles and leaves to fill in the gaps.

She then told us to place the birds securely in the nest. We’d never handled birds before, and felt a bit anxious about this – especially since the mama robin was perched on a tree limb nearby, seemingly warning us to stay away from her babies . . . or else. (Einhorn said that the parents probably wouldn’t attack us.) One of the birds was quite sedate, lying in the nest, opening and closing its mouth as if asking for food. The other was all a-flutter. It didn’t seem able to get comfortable, and kept flipping over onto its back. Its head seemed to be turned the wrong way. But – this was probably the most heartbreaking thing -- it was very much alive, and in need of help. They were both so warm to the touch, their first feathers just beginning to sprout, their tiny legs and feet tucked beneath them.

Our next task was to put the nest and its contents back as close as possible to where it had been. Even if we’d had a tall enough ladder, there was no easy way to secure the nest on top of the light fixture. So instead, we placed it about eight feet high in the same pine tree where the mama bird had been perched earlier—and secured it to the branches with wire.

Then all we could do was wait. It was up to the parents now – would they go back to the nest and bring their babies food? Or would they abandon them? We tried to stay out of the front yard to give them some peace. Later in the day we were happy to observe the parents returning to tend to their young.

The next day, we peeked into the nest and were saddened to see that the injured bird had died. But the other one seemed okay. Now we’ll keep an eye on the situation, and see whether the robins build a new nest someplace else, or just stay in the makeshift home we created for them. Maybe we’ll see that remaining baby bird take flight!

A word of advice: not all bird species have the same needs. If you find yourself in a similar rescue situation, you might contact Mass Audubon for guidance. You can reach the South Shore Sanctuaries office at 781-837-9400.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, correspondent
May 2007

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.