The Rockland Town Forest

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To the uninitiated, the Rockland Town Forest may seem ordinary. It’s a small parcel of land (39.5 acres) with an unassuming wooden sign, accessible from North Avenue. From the parking area – ample, unpaved – you would think you were about to take an unremarkable walk in the woods. But this small network of trails is actually quite special.

The parcel sometimes goes by the name of the George Anderson Forest, in honor of the chairman of the Rockland Town Forest Committee, who is very active in developing, maintaining and improving the trails, and otherwise keeping the property in top shape. The trails are narrow but well-kept; many are lined with stones, and one leads through a tunnel-like forest of yew trees.

With the help of a team of volunteers, Anderson has constructed a series of wooden bridges and walkways that make it possible to explore the watery portions of the parcel. The structures enable walkers to traverse French’s Stream and the wetlands that surround it, in numerous places. The effect is quite enchanting, especially in spring and summer when the trees and shrubs are in full leaf-out and the forest is a wonderland of green.

Anderson and his team have done more subtle work too – curious stacks of rocks and stones, the occasional windchime . . . even a cleverly-placed gnome. Out there in the woods, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a bustling suburb. This is a great place to bring the children – the trails aren’t challenging, or long, and the little treasures you might find along the way add an air of whimsy.

There is not much open space in Rockland – a few small conservation parcels, two country clubs, a park. The town very wisely chose to set aside the Town Forest for flood protection. When there is heavy wet weather, downstream portions of French’s Stream can overflow. Having some “room to grow,” in the town forest, is a good safety measure.

The Rockland Town Forest was first dedicated as conservation/flood protection land in 1984. A total of 19.8 acres were given to the town for this purpose. Over time, four additional pieces of land were added to it. The second was taken for tax title in 1999, and then in 2004, the National Parks Service gave 2.33 acres adjacent to the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, on the south side of Spruce Street. In 2005 an 8-acre parcel was donated to the town by the developer of nearby Salem Estates. This piece connected to some conservation land already in the town’s possession, bringing the parcel’s total acreage to 39.5.

The trails around the stream and through the wetlands are for walking and hiking only, but the wider fire lane and access road are open to mountain bikes as well. Visitors are asked not to pick any of the plants. While most are not rare or endangered, there are a few that are uncommon within Rockland itself. Leaving them be helps to preserve them.

If you’re interested in a guided walk through the parcel, check the information board in the parking area. Anderson often leads tours himself; postings of upcoming tours can be found on that board.

by Kezia Bacon, Correspondent

July 2012

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

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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 A few years ago, I was standing on the deck of the boathouse at the Norris Reservation in Norwell, gazing at the water. I saw a lone figure approaching from upstream, but I couldn’t quite determine what it was -- too quiet for a boat, too tall for a kayak or canoe. As the figure approached, and I was able to see more clearly, I realized it was a man, standing on what looked like an oversized surfboard, paddling his way down the North River.

At the time, I figured this was just an instance of an Odd Activity Someone Invented. I didn’t know yet that Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) was one of the latest trends for people who enjoy the water. I was intrigued.

For years the North and South Rivers Watershed Association has offered an array of guided paddling trips, classes, lectures, walks and other outdoor themed events. Lately the group has been expanding its offerings, and this year Stand Up Paddle Boarding was added to the schedule.

Partnering with Marshfield-based Luminate Surf & Skate, NSRWA offered a series of Stand Up Paddling classes in May and June, on the South River. Local, and run by folks I trusted, this was the perfect opportunity to try something new -- so I signed up.

The class was just before sunset on Memorial Day. We met first at Luminate so those who needed to could be fitted for wetsuits (rental was included in the cost of the program). It was overcast, damp and a bit chilly outside.

We caravanned from there to Rexhame Beach. Luminate had trailered the boards, but it was our job to carry them, and our paddles, through the dunes to the river. Even with the built-in handle, those boards – averaging about ten feet in length -- were awkward and heavy! We placed them at the water’s edge and then received a quick tutorial on how to use them.

When I signed up for the class, I’d looked online at photos of people in their bathing suits, smiling contentedly as they paddled their boards across peaceful waters. But I pictured quite a different scene for myself. It wasn’t bathing suit weather (I wore my sleeveless wetsuit with a long sleeved shirt over it). I imagined it would take some practice before I could even stand on the board, let alone smile. “Contentedly” might have to be saved for a future excursion. I expected to fall, repeatedly. But being a yoga teacher and longtime-but-still-novice kayaker, I had hopes that I would figure it out eventually.

Our guides, Jess and Oliver, instructed us to wade into the water up to our knees, cautioning us about the slippery stones underfoot. They then hopped up onto their boards, kneeling, and pushed off into the river. “Once you find your balance,” they explained, “you can bring one foot forward and stand up.”

I was a little nervous, but not wanting to be left behind, I pushed off after them, wobbling but still dry from the knees up. The board was surprisingly stable, and within a minute or two, I gingerly rose to my feet. Once we were all standing, Oliver and Jess showed us the most effective way to use the paddle. And then we set off, heading upstream.

Are you familiar with the South River? The winding stretch from Rexhame Beach upstream toward Marshfield Center is lovely. Surrounded by marsh on both sides, it offers an expansive view. The evening we were there, the tide was close to high, and the marsh grass was a rich emerald green. There was a mild breeze – just enough to keep the bugs at bay. And the mostly-still water reflected the setting sun. So serene.

Our guides led us upstream for a while, and then we turned into Clapp Creek, which flows in a zigzag pattern from a neighborhood off South River Street. By then our group of nine (a family of four, a couple, the instructors and me) had dispersed enough that each of us could have a solitary experience if we wanted to. We had chatted some while we paddled in a loose pack, but as we headed deeper into the creek, the conversations slowed.

I had to pay attention – maintaining my balance, steering the board along a winding course, making sure the paddle hit the water at the correct angle, avoiding collisions with other participants as well as the riverbanks – but the process was simple enough that I could daydream a bit as well. I’d explored this section of the river plenty of times before, but always down low, at kayak or canoe height. To be standing instead of sitting offered a refreshingly new perspective.

The creek continued to narrow, and eventually we decided to turn around. Heading back toward Rexhame, we let the distance between each paddler grow, each of us in his or her own world. Exiting the creek and heading downstream, I surveyed the scene before me: the sun setting behind Marshfield Hills, a pink-orange glow on the river, the vivid green marshes, the golden hue of the dunes. I’d tried something new, I’d enjoyed myself, and I’d managed to stay warm and dry. I’m pretty sure I was smiling contentedly.

Note: Luminate offers weekly Stand Up Paddle Boarding classes at various South Shore locations. For information, visit http://luminatesurfandskate.com or call 781-834-2755.

by Kezia Bacon

June 2012

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