TRAIL HIKES

Wharton Plantation

Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. sharp, join members of Groton Trails Committee on a guided hike. Explore the Rocky Hill section of the Wharton Plantation and adjoining conservation lands. 

Owned by the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF), this is a 100-year-old plantation of white pines, oaks, and other tree species that is presently given to sustainable forestry uses. This area of the Wharton Plantation features streams, beaver ponds, upland forest, and all around pretty woods. The hike will take about two hours and is suitable for hiking-experienced children. Dogs must be kept under owner's control and, if requested, leashed.

From Rt. 40 (Lowell Rd.), take Old Dunstable Rd. north for 0.9 miles. Just past a light green house on the left, bear left onto Rocky Hill Rd (a gravel road). Proceed 0.3 miles to where signs say that Rocky Hill Rd. turns into Martins Pond Rd. Park there at the sign for Wharton Plantation trails, where there is also a gated cart path (Dan Parker Rd., no sign.) 42.62776N, 71.52350W. Olin Lathrop, olin@embedinc.com, 978-742-9014.

NRWA Hike at Nashua River Conservation Area in Clinton

Explore beautiful Nashua River Conservation Area in Clinton Sun., Dec. 15, 1-3 p.m., with Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs Director, and Frannie Hodge, a Director with Clinton Greenway Conservation Trust, as your guides.

Along with views of the river, the property has a rare natural community known as "Dry Riverside Bluff."  Found only in MA and NH, the Dry Riverside Bluff community occurs next to rivers in steep, sandy areas. It provides habitat for species that enjoy dry conditions and open space, and it is globally endangered.Flora found in a Dry Riverside Bluff environment include American hazelnut, low bush blueberries, woodland sunflower, trembling aspen, individual or thicketed scrub oak, and goat's rue. 

Meet at Savage Field/Vale St. playground parking area off Water St., Clinton; Google map and directions available at www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org. Free and open all. No dogs. NRWA leads monthly walks on conservation properties in our watershed communities to encourage residents to get to know more about local natural places. If inclement weather, the walk will be postponed to Sun., Jan. 5. 

Pre-registration is appreciated for planning and for notification of postponement for weather issues. To pre-register, contact Al Futterman at NRWA (978) 448-0299, or email AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.