Saturday, October 11, 2014

Take A Hike - October 2014

Take A Hike
Maple Swamp Conservation Lands

This aerial view of the Maple Swamp area was taken by the author in October 1986.  Within
 the preserve are features with names dating back to the 19th century:  Sam Nye’s Mountain,
Zene Wright’s Swamp, Moody Fish’s Bottom, Deer Hollow and Millstone Rock.

By John Nye Cullity

The Sandwich Conservation Trust invites you to walk the hills and hollows of the Maple Swamp Conservation Lands this Sunday the 12th at 2 p.m.  The entrance is at a parking lot off of Service Road, about half way between Exits 3 and 4.   

For those who don’t know the area, it is the largest conservation preserve in town - about 770 acres.  Most of the land is controlled by the Conservation Commission, though the Sandwich Water District and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife own parcels as well.  The Maple Swamp itself is a couple of acres in the bottom of one of the hollows.  Historically, the lower areas closest to the Service Road were once pasture land, and the hills and hollows were woodlots owned by the various bayside farms.

The walk will be about an hour-and-a-half in length, and will be somewhat strenuous - there are some steep slopes and loose stones.  The walk will not take place if it is raining.  We ask that dogs not be brought along.  If you have questions call me at (508) 888-7629.

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