Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area

891 W Washington St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Hanson Town Hall: (781) 293-5186

Owned By: Town of Hanson

• Directions
• Trail Map

Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area in Hanson features 1-mile trail through woods and wetlands, in two intersecting loops. There is also a short, wide, gravel trail from parking area to the Shumatuscacant River, suitable for launching a kayak or canoe. The confluence of Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River lies deep within this 115-acre property. There is also a beaver dam!

It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.

Features

This property opened in 2020. It provides access to the Shumatuscacant River for canoes, kayaks and anglers. The embankment is suitable for launching to the river. Some of the work on the property was done by Eagle Scout TJ Woodward in 2020. A 1-mile loop trail through woodlands and wetlands was added in 2022.

Across West Washington Street, on the river, look for the remains of the Moore Sawmill.

This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk) Native American tribe. Prior to European contact, the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett lived for thousands of years in the North River watershed. Their village included most of today’s Pembroke and Hanson. The word “Mattakeeset” means “place of many fish.” To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag and the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett share information on their websites.

Trail Description

A wide gravel cart path extends from the parking area less than a tenth of a mile to the Shumatuscacant River.

To access the 1-mile trail with 2 intersecting loops, enter the woods next to the informational kiosk, and keep taking lefts at all the intersections. This will eventually bring you through the entire trail system. The trail is rooty in places but mostly flat and easy to traverse. There are a few wet spots and small streams, plus occasional interpretive signage.

Or follow the gravel path along the side of West Washington Street to access the trail. Either way, along the trail you’ll find views of both Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River, as well as woodlands and wetlands.

Habitats and Wildlife

Poor Meadow Brook rises from wetlands in North Hanson. Within this property, it joins with the Shumatuscacant River. The stream continues to Robbins Pond in East Bridgewater, where it empties into the Satucket River, part of the Taunton River watershed.

The forest is primarily red oak, white oak, red maple, and shagbark hickory with some birch and white pine, and plenty of ferns.

Some of the wildlife commonly observed here include white-tailed deer, coyote, fisher, red fox and turkey. Also, gray and red squirrels, chipmunks, and deer mice. Look for beaver, muskrat, mink, snapping turtle, and Northern water snake in the wet areas. Bird species include black-capped chickadee, blue jay, great horned owl, and wood ducks.