2009 Walpole Conservation Commission Walks
Mary Lou Montgomery reports that the Walpole Conservation Commission is sponsoring three upcoming walks to explore town conservation lands and special places. Each walk meets on the Common 15 minutes before its scheduled start, and refreshments will be served afterward.
This year's Conservation walks are as follows:
Saturday, August 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Exploring Drewsville Gorge. This deep gorge was cut by the Cold River and passes several water falls and two deep swimming holes. It is rich in history with several former mills sited along it as well as an old pill box factory. Duncan Watson, a resident of Drewsville, will lead this exploration, and, weather permitting, there may be opportunities to swim for those that bring bathing suits. Children are welcome with adult supervision.
Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Boggy Meadow Oxbow. The is a wonderful exampole of an oxbow long since abandoned by the Connecticut River. This unique swamp drains out of each end, and there is evidence of beaver activity including a dam and lodge. Eloise Clark of the Hooper Institute will lead this walk along an old carriage road laid out by Fanny Mason in the early 1900saround the perimeter of the swamp. The route approches the embankment of the old railroad bed and passes along the edge of the Fanny Mason Forest. The walk is 2-3 miles long and flat, but wear water proof shoes as there may be wet spots.
Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Reading the Rocks of Fall Mountain. Dr. David Howell of Walpole, a practicing geologist, has been reading the rocks on many continents to undertstand their growth and the shaping of contnnents for many decades. He'll help us understand the origins and content of Fall Mountain and the modern risks from natural hazards.
For information on any of the walks, call Marcia Galloway at 756-3604 or Lew Shelley at 756-3640.
