EXPLORE ROCHESTER Town of Rochester, Massachusetts Revised Second Edition

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e Explore Rochester Revised Second Edition 2016

Public Trail Guide Please follow some simple guidelines when visiting these specials places: This Revised Second Edition is the result of a true collaborative volunteer • No motorized vehicles allowed on any effort by the Rochester Land Trust, the of these trails Open Space Action Committee and the • Respect wildlife and plants Rochester Conservation Commission. Open Space Action Committee members • Guard against all risk of fire visited each of the properties, provided • Help keep air and water clean narrative, and shared input on the • Carry out what you carry in Trail Guide’s creation. • Use marked paths when available This Trail Guide presents information • Keep dogs on leash and on paths about great opportunities for nature so they do not disturb the wildlife walking, hiking, birding, fishing, cross or damage the vegetation country skiing, and horseback riding so • Carry plastic bags with you to that more people can benefit from some pick up dog waste and dispose of the accessible protected properties of it off the property within Rochester. • Respect the privacy of the This guide contains information on 15 neighboring land owners properties and many miles of public trails • Enjoy and share the landscape within Rochester. Each property with others is described and mapped. When available, information on the property’s natural and cultural history is included. Downloadable and printable versions We have done our best to provide of the trail guide maps are available accurate information and maps. We hope on the Rochester Conservation you find this guide helpful in your Commission website at www. adventures and explorations of rochestermaconservation.com. Rochester’s open space. Acknowledgements

Rochester Open Space Action Committee

Layout and Design Ginette Castro and Michael Oleksak (in collaboration with LP/w Studios) cosestudi Rochester, MA

Trail Guide Narrative Laurene Gerrior (Principal Author) Rosemary T. Smith Laurell J. Farinon

Mapping Sarah Williams Buzzard’s Bay National Estuarine Program Laurell J. Farinon Town of Rochester, Conservation Agent

Revisions/Printing Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School

Special thanks to: Makepeace Neighborhood Fund for a grant funding the second printing.

Special thanks to the following property owners for allowing their properties to be included in this Trail Guide: Rochester Land Trust Town of Rochester Wildlands Trust City of New Bedford The Trustees of Reservations Mattapoisett Land Trust MA Dept. of Fish & Game MIDDLEBOROUGH Leonard’s Pond 1 Properties LAKEVILLE

2 Mary’s Pond Property

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d 15 Quake Mende r L ll R an o e 7 a d 1 Town Forest/Old 5 9 Colony RVTHS d C oad a lap p R V . o M d R a a u R t y t g d le a rt h n a p

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15 Lionberger Woods MATTAPOISETT Location 1. Leonard’s Pond Properties A 2.95 - acre RLT property owned by the Rochester Land Trust and a 4.1 - acre property owned by The Town of Rochester d R

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Leonard’s Pond P l a i Leonard’s n (RLT) P e r r Pond y R ’s d H ille L r Rd Leonard’s Pond a (Town of Rochester)

East Over Farm d es R Bat

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(RLT) This trail was named in memory of Herbert Wood, Jr., a long time Activities Rochester resident and devoted RLT Board Member and Treasurer. (TOWN) This parcel was purchased from the Hiller family by the The .25 mile circular trail starts and ends near the Town of Rochester to provide residents with over 450-linear feet Walk pond at the off road parking area. of frontage to enjoy on the pond. Lovely views of Leonard’s Pond. Various waterfowl use the pond at different times of the year. Chickadees, tit- mice and woodpeckers flit through the trees. The pond Native Americans camped along the festooning the trees tell of the many teems with reptiles and amphibians such as snapping Sippican River and used it as a water fishermen who try their luck here. In Watch and painted turtles and bull and pickerel frogs. highway. Early European settlers built the spring, alewives, an anadromous Migrating birds, including geese, mergansers and several mills near here. The land around fish, swim upstream along the Sippican buffleheads use the pond as a stopover. Leonard’s Pond was cleared for hay River through a special fish ladder to With a valid license - fresh water fish including Bass, fields, pastures, and for crops. In the spawn in the pond. The young will then Sunfish, Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Pickerel, Shiner, 1900s it was a dairy. In recent years, return to the sea, but will come back to Fish Bullhead, and Black Crappie. some of the cleared areas have grown Leonard’s Pond in a few years to spawn up in white pines, our 1st succession and complete the cycle. A table on the RLT parcel provides a water view for trees. Eventually, hardwoods will fill in as Picnic your meal. the pines fall. The pond side upland of the TOWN property contains pine and hardwood. The path, cut by an Eagle Scout in The understory is thin enough for Boat Canoes / kayaks and electric motor boats permitted. 2009, follows the edge of the pond blueberrying and birding. A canoe/ Launch and offers views framed by a shrub kayak boat launch and off road parking layer of mostly Sweet Pepper Bush, for 6 cars is provided. Blueberry and Red Maple. The bobbers House/Buildings Leonard’s Pond Properties 10 ft. Contour Protected Land Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Town of Rochester

canoe/kayak access Leonard’s Pond

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Private Conservation Restriction Mary’s Pond Road Private Property Herbert Wood, Jr. Memorial Trail

Rochester Land Trust

Private Conservation picnic table Restriction P

Private Property East Over Farm Location 2. Mary’s Pond Property A 10.29 - acre property owned by the Town of Rochester

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Mary’s Pond is a very popular fishing spot for local fishermen. The Activities Mary’s Pond property was purchased by the Town as a potential

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d site for a Town beach but due to lack of funding the beach has n o P A short pond-side walk along the old stage road. ’s not yet been constructed. A parking area for canoe/car top boat Walk ry a M access, constructed by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, offers access to Mary’s Pond for fishing and canoe/car top boats. There are several nice spots to spread out a blanket Picnic and enjoy a picnic. Mary’s Pond is an 81-acre natural Mary’s Pond is also considered a kettle hole pond, having no inlet “Great Pond’ in Massachusetts or outlet, with its water level rising because it is larger than 10 acres. Look for the osprey nest across the pond. The osprey’s distinctive call and fishing techniques and falling along with the height Pond access was recently improved Watch are easily appreciated at Mary’s Pond. of the ground water. It is also an by a handicapped accessible paved endangered habitat, a coastal boat launch and slope stabilization plain pond that supports globally project. Work was performed by an rare plant species such as the With a valid license - stocked with Brown, Brook and eagle scout, local boy scout troop, Fish Rainbow Trout; other species also present. Plymouth Gentian. and Rochester Highway Dept. A It is reportedly named after a man commemorative stone bench was named Merry who lived near here donated by the Chamberlain family. Boat Canoes, kayaks, and electric motor boats permitted. many years ago. The Massachusetts Department of Historically, residents retted or rotted Fish and Game regularly stocks the their flax plants here before spinning pond with brook, brown and rainbow the fiber into linen. trout, explaining why many fishermen (and women) are seen here in all types of weather. Mary’s Pond Property 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Perry’s Lane

Mary’s Pond canoe/kayak P access

Mary’s Pond Road

Mary’s Pond Property

Private Conservation Restriction

P Location 3. Delano Memorial Forest A 110 - acre property owned by the Wildlands Trust

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The Delano Family of New Bedford managed this property as a Activities white pine and mixed hardwood woodlot for many years prior to donating the property to the Wildlands Trust in 1985. Many older Moderate hiking. Complete trail route takes about Rochester residents fondly remember the property as “Mayflower Walk 35 minutes. Loop trail is 1.1 miles long. Ridge” for the Mayflower gathering parties held there up until the Second World War. Look for thrushes, chickadees and woodpeckers at Watch the top of the hill. Herons, ducks and geese inhabit the The main trail head and designated old beech, black gum, birch and holly riverine area. parking area is located off Mary’s Pond edge the river and views look across Start your trek at the Mary’s Pond Road parking area Road north of the intersection of Mary’s the river. Deer, fox, raccoon and squirrel entrance. Please respect other park users. No motorized Pond and Walnut Plain Roads. The call these woods home; many forest Bike vehicles allowed. trails take approximately 35 minutes birds such as thrushes, chickadees and to walk and provide views of mixed woodpeckers live here as well. Enjoy the scenery and stay safe by following the trails. woodlands, wooded swamps, a Ski Motorized snow vehicles are not permitted. kettle pond, beech and holly groves, The riverine habitat is perfect for and a ridge that is carpeted with many birds that rely on water such as trailing arbutus. The upland forest is herons, ducks and geese. Besides dominated by white pine, black oak, the Mayflower, our state flower, many and red maple. A side trail branches ground species such as club mosses, off the loop trail north towards the checkerberry, lady slippers and ferns Sippican River to a stone honoring can be found in the uplands. Arums, Stephen Delano. The adventuresome cattails and a small orchid, the downy can travel down a steep hill to the river. rattlesnake plantain, can be found near This flood plain habitat offers different the river. trees from the drier uplands. Large 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Delano Memorial Forest Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Clapp Road D e e r f Sarah’s rock ie

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Mary’s Pond Road

Hathaway Pond

Location 4. Church Wildlife Conservation Area A 21 - acre property owned by the Rochester Land Trust

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Mary’s Pond Rd R d T ion Mar Ro 105 ad to Rochester Center Dexter Ln to I-195 and MarionFront St

This beautiful pine forest is permanently protected through the Activities generosity of George E. and Katherine H. Church, a beloved Rochester couple who dedicated themselves to the Town of The circular trail begins and ends at the field surrounding Rochester throughout their lives. An off-street parking area is Walk the cellar hole of an old homestead. available on Marion Road/Route 105 to access this property. Loop trail is .5 miles long.

George Church & Katherine Hartley Snow’s Pond. During World War II, Signs of deer, fox and raccoon abound. Many woodland married in the 1950s - thus joining two George served in the Army Air Corps Watch birds have been sighted here. of Rochester’s oldest families. in England and Katherine in the Nurse Corps. A picnic table is available. The Hartleys were one of Rochester’s Picnic Please take your trash with you. largest and most influential families, It was Katherine’s wish that this land be owning and operating Hartley’s Saw preserved for all to enjoy in its natural Mill and store located on Gifford’s state. Following her death in 2007, Brook. The Church family owned the George honored Katherine’s wish and sawmill on the Mattapoisett River since worked with the Rochester Land Trust the mid 1700s. to dedicate the property in her memory.

Katherine’s first love was working with Enjoy your visit to this peaceful spot and nurturing young lives both through and remember the generosity of the her work as a school nurse in Acushnet couple that helped preserve this and in Rochester teaching first aid and corner forever. swimming at the family compound on Church Wildlife Conservation Area 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

H at h aw a y

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Church Wildlife Conservation Area

picnic table P Marion Road

Route 105 Location 5. East Over Reservation

A 75 - acre property owned by The Trustees of Reservations and H Leonard’s ille r Pond d a the Town of Rochester M o e R n d R d to Wareham e ll

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East Over Reservation is the crown jewel of Rochester’s Activities permanently protected open spaces. Its open fields, iconic yellow barns and farmhouses, miles of stone walls and lazy Over 1.75 miles of marked trails with maps available millpond make it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. at the trail head kiosk off Clapp Road. Walk Please leash your dogs.

The fields support bobolinks, meadowlarks, field In 2004, The Trustees of Reservations, The Trustees of Reservations maintain sparrows, voles, wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and many Town of Rochester, Rochester Land over 40-acres of fields dedicated as a Watch species of butterflies. Trust, Town of Marion, and the specific habitat for grassland species Sippican Land Trust worked together to of birds such as bobolinks and field Follow the trails only. Motorized snow vehicles are permanently protect 800-acres of land sparrows. Trails circle the fields starting Ski not permitted. known as the East Over Reservation. at the small parking area and kiosk off Clapp Road. Rochester residents overwhelmingly approved a 1.7 million dollar override to Be sure to notice the over two miles of purchase the 75-acre open fields and double faced stone walls built in the mid woodland. For its efforts, the Town of 1800s at an estimated cost of $50,000. Rochester was named Conservationist Also be sure to visit the small stock of the Year in recognition of the Town’s pond on Hiller Road. commitment to land preservation. East Over Reservation 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Leonard’s Pond Trail Easement Hiller Road to Pond East Over Reservation Rochester Land Trust Private Conservation Restriction

Private Conservation Restriction East Over Farm

Walnut Plain Road Private Conservation Private Conservation Restriction Restriction

Mary’s Pond Road Private Property

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Clapp Road Wildlands Trust Location 6. Robinson - Gilmore Preserve A 40 - acre property owned by the Wildlands Trust Snipatuit Long A S Pond ll n Pond e

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Front St The Robinson-Gilmore Preserve was originally donated to The Activities Nature Conservancy by a member of the Gilmore family with instructions that it be preserved in its natural state. It was later transferred to the Wildlands Trust and continues to be The paths both begin at a parking area adjacent to Gilmore’s bogs at the end of Snows Pond Road and permanently protected in honor of the Gilmore family’s wishes. proceed to the pond or along the esker. Return by same Walk route or along bog roads. The Gilmore family generously Proceed past the Wildlands Trust sign a cart path through a cathedral like allows people to walk the bog dike roads. Trail is .9 miles long. where the pavement ends and turn into Hemlock grove that is being decimated a dirt road. Continue straight and bear by the invasive woolly adelgid insect. right at the fork and follow the dirt road Forest birds, wetland birds, osprey, and Raptors including great horned owls, osprey and even .4 miles to the trail head kiosk. great horned owls have been sighted Watch bald eagles hunt these woods and ponds. on the property. There is evidence This diverse property is remarkable not of deer, squirrel and fox throughout only for its location on the shores of the property. Fish With a valid license. both Snows Pond (a coastal plain pond) and Long Pond, but also for its glacial Many wildflowers grow in the varied topographical features. communities that patchwork the Caution - trails are steep! Motorized snow vehicles property, including a globally rare Ski are not permitted. Notice the kettle holes of varying coastal plain pond species on Snow’s size throughout and the prominent Pond. southwest rocky ridge. Its amazing height is not typical for Rochester. Due to the sensitive nature of this This is a glacial esker, or remnant of a unique plant community, please heed melting glacier with the ponds formed the refrain “leave only footprints, take behind it. The main path travels along only memories (or photographs!)” Stream Robinson-Gilmore Preserve Houses/Buildings Wetland Robinson-Gilmore Preserve Trails Private Property Water Bodies Cranberry bods

Long Pond Snipatuit Pond

Gilmore Private Property Bogs

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Private Property

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C u 105 s Road h d m ille n R sev a n so u to Rochester in n o b R Ro Town Center 105 105

This popular fishing spot and walking trail provides scenic views of Activities open ponds, woodland and the Mattapoisett River. The easternmost reservoir off Snipatuit Road, known as Grandma Hartley’s Pond, Loop trail begins at parking lot on Hartley Road and is the starting point for the annual Rochester Memorial Day Boat runs east or west and circles back. The trail may be Walk wet in places. Loop trail is .75 miles long. Race that has been held since 1934. The abandoned cranberry bog complex and reservoirs were built over a century ago. Waterfowl of all types live or visit here. Lucky visitors Watch may see a river otter. This property consists of flooded oaks and blueberry dominate the former cranberry bogs, reservoirs and uplands. Various wetland birds, Allowed with a valid license - Pickerel, Bass, Perch, dikes and their associated uplands muskrat, river otter, wild turkey, fox Fish Sunfish and Bullheads. and wetlands. and deer have made this area home.

In the spring, alewives run up the Since this property is managed by On the paths only. No motorized vehicles Mattapoisett River to spawn in the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bike are permitted. Snipatuit Pond. Freshwater fish such hunting for waterfowl is allowed, as pickerel, bass, perch, sunfish but not encouraged. Wear orange On the paths only. Motorized snow vehicles are and bullheads abound. With a valid during hunting season. Hunting is not Ski not permitted. license, it can be an excellent place allowed on Sundays. to introduce children to the joy of fishing. Several types of turtles are Pick up a copy of the Massachusett’s Boat Water level permitting. found here as well as many other Fish & Wildlife Guide at the Town reptiles and amphibians. Clerk’s office at Town Hall for information before walking in the Wetland plants here include reeds, woods in Rochester. water lilies, and buttonbush. Pine, Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area Legend 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Snipatuit Road

boating Bradford Lane access

Hartley Road Hartley Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

Snipatuit Road P

Pine Street

Hartley Road 8. New Bedford Waterworks Location

A 842 - acre property owned by the City of New Bedford M a L A K E V I L L E r 105 i e B o c 18 n ru e L R p d S a d fo k r M I D D L E B O R O e d s

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d R o to Rochester a A C U S H N E T M d en Town Center 105 d e ll Rd

Along Route 105 South to North Avenue, along the north side Activities 18 of North Avenue and along Neck Road, there are red fence posts with a white R and numbers 1- 18. These posts mark the entrances to the fire roads that crisscross the Waterworks Walk On any open fire road marked R for Rochester. property. Park off street, not blocking the fire lane and enter any lane that is NOT marked ‘no admittance’. An APC map may be Eagles, osprey, migrating birds, small and large purchased at Lakeville Town Hall. Watch mammals, native plants, various tree species.

One of Rochester’s nicest walks Snipatuit Brook, a man made herring With valid license allowed at some points on the starts just east of the North Rochester connection also east on North Avenue, Fish shoreline. Please see APC map for details. Congregational Church. Park in the flows either north or south depending church lot and walk east along the fire on which watershed is higher. lane that parallels North Avenue until On the trails only. No motorized vehicles allowed. you get to Gate # 10. After you enter It is easy to imagine Native Americans Bike the gate, the trail climbs a series of paddling a canoe, traveling the water turns through beech forest. route from the north to Buzzards Bay On the trails only. Motorized snow vehicles are ...or to see Thoreau walking along in the Ski not permitted. When the trail turns down hill, you have 1850s examining fresh water mussels left the Buzzards Bay Watershed and and listening to the loons that used to On the trails only. Park horse trailers at the corner of entered the Taunton River Watershed. nest here. This area is alive with many Ride Route 105 and North Avenue. The trail levels out and approaches types of birds including many migrants Great Quitticas Pond. This slice of in the spring. There are osprey and All APC (Assawompsett Pond Complex) rules apply, heaven is right here in Rochester. sometimes bald eagles spotted here. including specific fishing areas. No wading or swimming There are many interior trails available as this is a public water supply. for your enjoyment. New Bedford Waterworks 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

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B N e e c d U G H k f O R O o L E B rd I D D M T E R H E S O C E R S I L L Little Quitticas Pond t K E V L A R o LLittle Quitticas Pond a Great Quitticas Pond d

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A 17.62 - acre property owned by the Town of Rochester M a L A K E V I L L E r 105 i B o e n c 18 e ru R L d p d S a fo k r M I D D L E B O R O e d s i S d

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to Rochester A C U S H N E T Me 105 nd Town Center e ll Rd

Clarence W. Maxim donated this 17- acre property to the Town of Activities 18 Rochester in 1952 in memory of his parents Marcus and Rebecca Officer Maxim. The trail connects at both ends with the cross-country trail The circular path starts on the entry road to the school. that runs around the perimeter and through the grounds of Old Colony Park in the first lot to the right at the Old Colony Regional Regional Vocational Technical High School. The entire trail is open but Walk Vocational Technical High School. Loop trail is 1.3 miles long. the cross-country team has the right of way!

This densely wooded property the Civil War. As recently as the 1960s, Watch Many species of field and forest birds and animals. contains mostly mature white pine and the Reeds lived here and grew large hardwoods. The existing trail passes fields of melons and strawberries that through thick woods. they sold at a farm stand in a former On the trails only. No motorized vehicles allowed. gas station on North Avenue. Many of Bike The Algonquin Gas easement is open the pine forests in Rochester were fields grassland and the area on either side as recently as the 1960s. On the trails only. Motorized snow vehicles are of the easement is relatively accessible. Ski not permitted. This property is a managed woodlot In approximately 1970 the land was so occasionally tree cutting and forest sold for the high school and the management will occur here. frontage for houses. There is a local tale that Mr. Lawrence, a well driller, This land and the surrounding Old was able to dowse to find the school’s Colony Regional Vocational Technical required water source after many High School were part of the farm that engineering tests and searches Charles Maxim built on returning from had failed. Town Forest / Old Colony RVTHS 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Neck Road

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Benson Road Forest Gerrish Road Location 10. Rounseville II Preserve

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This Wildlands Trust property was a gift from Winifred Rounseville Activities in 1994. The entrance is off Mary’s Pond Road with off-street parking to the rear of the Raynor Gifford ball field. The trailhead Circular trail from back corner of Raynor Gifford Park. is in the back corner of the ball field. Walk Loop trail is 1 mile long.

The Rounseville family has been few streams in Rochester that has a Signs of deer and fox, sightings of woodland birds stewards of land in Rochester since native brown trout population. including towhee and flicker. Alden Rounseville returned from the Watch California gold fields in the 1850s The main trail encircles a wooded and enlarged the family’s saw mill swamp and returns back to the There are no picnic tables available, but an area at the on the Mattapoisett River. The family entrance trail behind the ball field. The Picnic top of the hill is perfect for an impromptu meal. continued to buy tracts of land for property was logged heavily in the woodlots and, starting with Winifred, 1970s and has grown up substantially Trails are steep in some sections. No motorized continuing with her son Linc (pictured since then. Bike vehicles allowed. above) whose kindly face many remember, and now with the next The abundant lady slipper population generation, the family has insured the has diminished due to less light and Ski Motorized snow vehicles are not permitted. preservation of hundreds of acres of deer predation, but they are still easy land in Rochester. to find in the Spring. The small bog area behind Plumb Corner has some The trail enters pine-oak woodlands unusual plants including cotton grass and passes an old bog before which looks like its name. ascending a large (for Rochester!) hill. Below the hill is Sherman Brook, which Bird songs abound allowing many flows into Doggett’s Brook, one of the sightings for the quiet walker. Rounseville II Preserve 10 ft. Contour Protected Land House/Buildings Waterbodies Trail Private Property Wetlands Cranberry Bogs

Marion Water Sherman Brook Department

Rounseville II Marion Water Preserve Department

Rounesville Road / Route 105 Mary’s Pond Road P baseball fields

Marion Road / Route 105 Plumb Corner Location 11. Shoolman Preserve V a A 112 - acre property co-owned by the Mattapoisett and Rochester Land Trusts u g 105 Marion h Rd n 105 and Rochester Conservation Commissions. H to Rochester

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The Shoolman Preserve (formerly called Olde Field or Oldfield Activities Farm) was donated to the Mattapoisett Land Trust by Edith and Eliot Schoolman in 1984. The Mattapoisett and Rochester Land Main/eastern trail is relatively flat and easy walking. Trusts entered into a joint ownership/stewardship agreement in The newer/western trail has a hill and rougher footing 2015. Edith was an avid birder and wanted the land to remain as a Walk throughout. Trails total 1.5 miles. habitat for wildlife. The adjacent Olde Field house and barns are Many species of field, wood and riverine birds along private property, with deer, fox, wood frogs, and box turtles have been This property was part of an historic woods, a trail spur to the left leads Watch seen. The woods have significant populations of Holly farm built by the Gammons family to a vernal pool. This half-mile main/ and Pitch Pine. prior to 1850. In the mid-1960s, eastern trail leads to the Mattapoisett the farm was owned by the Oldfield River and another picnic table. One picnic table is located at the back of the field and family. Picnic another close to the river. The second entrance to the right A parking lot and kiosk are located of the kiosk leads to a newer/ at approximately 200 New Bedford western trail, which cuts through Licensed hunting is allowed. Visitors should be aware Road, by the ‘Public Welcome’ sign property owned by the Rochester Hunt of hunting seasons when visiting this property and dress accordingly. at the west edge of the field. A one Conservation Commision, and splits mile loop trail may be entered in either to continue the loop or leads to a Fishing is allowed with a valid license. There is limited direction from the kiosk. The main/ quarter mile spur to a lovely Holly Fish access to the Mattapoisett River. eastern trail is accessed by following Grove by the river. the mowed path along the fields west edge, close to the woods and across Licensed hunting is permitted. Non- Motorized Not permitted anywhere on this property. the back of the field until entering the hunters should be aware of seasons woods on an old woods road near a and dress accordingly. Vehicles picnic table. Soon after entering the

12. Church’s Field Location

V A 32 - acre property owned by the Rochester Land Trust a Walnut Plain Rd u g 105 Marion h Rd n 105 H to Rochester

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This property was purchased by the Rochester Land Trust in 2010 Activities from George Church. The property consists of an open field, wet meadow, wooded uplands, hardwood swamps and a floodplain From the road through the field and then along the woods trail to the Mattapoisett River...be aware of on the Mattapoisett River. Walk State hunting seasons when walking the trails. Trail is .85 miles in length. Various upland mammals, field and forest birds and riverine reptiles and amphibians. The summer This land was part of an original 1600s forest and wetlands where frogs and Watch wildflower display at the river is outstanding. colonial grant from the King of England diverse ferns and mosses grow. There to Benjamin Church, one of the heroes is a pile of glacial erratics just before On the table in the field or on the benches near of King Philip’s War. Although Church the river that may have been an Indian Picnic the Mattapoisett River. Please take any trash away settled in the Somerset area, his sons landmark. Tousand, one of Phillip’s war with you. settled in Rochester. There is a cellar chiefs, had his village across the road hole from one of their houses on the in Haskell (Bear) Swamp. With a valid license. west side of the river. The family Fish farmed and sold timber sawn at their The trail finally comes to the mill to the thriving shipbuilding industry Mattapoisett River where the benches On the trails only. Motorized snow vehicles are located in Mattapoisett Village. at this peaceful site are perfect for Ski not permitted. private reflection. Park near the Church’s Field sign Licensed hunting is allowed. Visitors should be aware and cross the field, which will be Return by the same route or continue Hunt of hunting seasons when visiting this property and maintained for optimum field bird onto the woods road that is on the dress accordingly. habitat, and enter the woods through property of the Church Cultural and the opening in the stone wall. The Historic Family Trust. trail passes through a mixed hardwood ! Parking Church's Field Private Property Wetland Mattapoisett River

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Haskell Swamp WMA Ro ad u o ns Locatione R v d ill n 13. Doggetts Brook Recreational Area e o R 100 acres of land protected by the Town of Rochester, Rochester Land Trust, o P a ’s d y r and The Wildlands Trust a M Mari on R oad

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The trail originates at the Dexter Lane ball fields and meanders by Activities a reservoir, abandoned cranberry bogs, vernal pool and through open fields and woodland bordering on Doggetts Brook in a Access the loop trail from the Dexter Lane Recreation- al Area restrooms, cross between the ball fields to the circular route. trail sign at the edge of the woods, go over the bog Walk dike road to the kiosk. The loop trail starts on either edge of the field ahead. Walk is .25 miles from the trail The 1.5 mile loop trail is marked in named after the family seat in England head to kiosk. Loop trail is 1.1 miles long. both directions and is an easy walk owned by Samuel Prince, the largest that takes about 30-40 minutes to land owner in Colonial Rochester. Various upland mammals, field and forest birds and complete. Watch riverine reptiles and amphibians. The corduroy or log road, named “The The Town of Rochester collaborated Long Bridge” passed through here With a valid license. Doggetts Brook has a population with the Rochester Land Trust and from Sippican Harbor to the church in Fish of Sea Run Brown Trout. the Wildlands Trust to acquire a 29.61 Rochester Center. acre key parcel of land linking the On the trails only. Motorized vehicles are not Dexter Lane Recreational Area and Visit the vernal pool just off the trail Ski permitted. Town owned abandoned cranberry in the northern portion of the site in bogs to the Wildlands Trust owned the spring to see egg masses of the Lincoln Holmes Memorial Woods. spotted salamander, wood frog, and Over 100 acres of contiguous land other amphibians. Vernal (spring) pools is now available to residents for both are temporary ponds created by spring active and passive recreational use. rains and snow melts and often dry up by mid-summer. These unique wildlife This land is thought to be the area of habitats are best known as amphibian White Hall, an English styled estate breeding sites. Ballfields Dogetts/Holmes Property Stream Wetland Unprotected Town Land !P Parking Doggetts Brook Houses/Buildings Cranberry Bogs 10-Foot Contours Existing Protected Lands Private Property I Trail

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Vernal Kiosk Private Pool Property Dexter Lane Fields ^_ Rochester Park Department Trail Police Sign Station ^_ Lincoln P. Holmes Doggetts Brook Property Memorial Woods Rochester Conservation The Wildlands Trust P Restroom & Trail Display Case Commission

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D Council o g Private g on Aging e t Property ts B ro o k 14. Kirby Preserve Location A 3.5 acre property owned by the Rochester Land Trust

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This 3.5 acre diverse property with varied terrain was donated Activities to the Rochester Land Trust by Meryden Kirby, a long time Rochester resident that wanted to see the property permanently Enjoy a quiet getaway on a short loop trail that can be protected. walked in as little as 15-20 minutes. Entrance to trail is located where roadway shoulder is most level. Loop The Kirby Preserve is a small but through the spring and into the Walk trail is .2 miles long. interesting property with loop trails summer. Vernal pools dry completely that meander around small hills and by the middle or end of summer Climb one of the small hills and look down on the lowland that used to be an old gravel each year, or at least every few years. wetlands, intermittent stream and vernal pool. Look borrow pit. A short plank footbridge Occasional drying prevents fish from Watch for various upland mammals, forest birds, reptiles and amphibians. crosses an intermittent stream, which establishing permanent populations, flows from the north into a certified which is critical to the success of many There are several nice spots to spread out a blanket vernal pool. amphibian and invertibrate species. Picnic and enjoy a picnic. Vernal poorls are unique wildlife Visit the vernal pool in the spring habitats best known for the to see eggs masses of the spotted amphibians and invertebrate animals salamander, wood frog and other that use them to breed. Vernal pools amphibians. typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rainfall and rising Parking is limited to the roadway groundwater and remain ponded shoulder. Kirby Preserve Houses/Buildings Vernal Pool Trails Kirby Preserve I Private Property Wetland Intermittent Stream 10-Foot Contours

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R A O C C U H S E H S N T E E Private Property T R 15. Lionberger Woods Location 43.3 - acres of land protected by the Rochester Land Trust and Town of Rochester

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This special property was named to commemorate Arthur and Activities

Alene Lionberger, whose generosity has significantly contributed oad la to allowing the Rochester Land Trust (RLT) to preserve land in Follow the trail to the right as it winds up the hill toward Rochester. the Conservation Commission parcel or take one of Walk the several offshoots to the left, which loop back to the Much of this property and the opened to the public until 2016, when RLT main trail. There are over 1.5 miles of trails. neighboring Haskell Ridge purchased an abbutting parcel. development was originally part of the Woodpeckers, thrushes, jays, and many more wood- Major Nathaniel Haskell Farm. The property aquisition gives visitors Bird land species can be heard and seen throughout. access to several trails made by Access the property through the wildlife, neighborhood kids, and Signs of deer, fox, and owl may be seen town owned drainage parcel located hunters over the years. Staying to the Watch along the trails. at approxiamately 75 Haskell Ridge right and climbing the hill leads to the Road. Park beside the split rail fence, Conservation Commission property, Enjoy the shade of the thick canopy while picnicking at enter by the RLT sign and follow which has a shaded picnic table Picnic the table near the top of the hill trail. the left side path to the kiosk at the overlooking neighboring cranberry property entrance. bogs. The main trail offers a moderate hill where a skier Ski might pick up a little speed. Snowshoeing is A 26.5 - acre propery (originally called Hunting and motorized vehicles are also a possibility. Haskell Woods) was donated to the prohibited as requested by the RLT in 2006 by the Fordyce Properties donors. Trust, but due to inaccessibility wasn’t

EXPLORE ROCHESTER Town of Rochester, Massachusetts

Resources and Links Any of these properties may be seasonally flooded or have other hazards. If you encounter blowdowns over trails or any property disturbances, please contact the respective property owners so the problem can be corrected.

If these walks whet your appetite, check out these connections to the owners of the properties. You may find other places nearby to enjoy the outdoors.

Rochester Land Trust: PO Box 337, Rochester, MA 02770 [email protected] www.rochesterlandtrust.org

Town of Rochester: Conservation Commission 37 Marion Road, Rochester, MA 02770 [email protected] www.rochestermsconservation.com

Mattapoisett Land Trust: P.O. Box 31 Mattapoisett, MA 02739 [email protected] www.mattlandtrust.org

Wildlands Trust: 675 Long Road Plymouth, MA 02360 [email protected] www.wildlandstrust.org

The Trustees of Reservations:

Doyle Center u 464 Abbott Avenue Leominster, MA 01453 [email protected] www.thetrustees.org e

Massachusetts Dept of Fish & Game Wildlife Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough, MA 01581 [email protected] www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw