Webster-Billings Conservation Area

135 Old Pine Dr, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Hanson Town Hall: (781) 293-5186

Owned By: Town of Hanson

• Directions
• Trail Map

Hanson’s Webster-Billings Conservation Area features 62+ acres of woodlands with established trails. It is bordered by residential areas off East Washington, State and Brook Streets. Indian Head Brook flows through the property.

Features

Acquired by the Town of Hanson in 1973, this large woodland is identified on some maps as the Hodor (or Hoder) Property, a previous owner. It was renamed in 2009 to honor three conservation-minded residents: Susan K. Webster, and Dana & Norma Billings.

In earlier times, the property was part of a farm owned by the Josselyn family, who lived at the corner of State and East Washington Streets. Look for old stone walls, especially at the boundaries. Firewood and timber were harvested regularly. The existing cart paths were constructed as fire roads. Trees were harvested here in the 1990’s, with the town earning the proceeds.

Prior to European contact, the Mattakeeset band of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe 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

There are approximately 2 miles of intersecting trails here. The main trail is marked in some places with red paint and pink surveyor’s tape. Numerous spur trails lead off into residential areas, and to Indian Head Brook.

Habitats and Wildlife

Mostly a forested upland of oak, white pine and the occasional hemlock, with red maple, yellow birch and beech in the wetter areas. There is also plenty of fern, sweet pepper bush and blueberry. Rolling hills provide some elevation. There are two certified vernal pools on the property.

Indian Head Brook, a tributary to the Indian Head River, flows through this property. The Indian Head River forms the boundary between Hanover and Hanson, and merges with Pembroke’s Herring Brook, a short distance downstream of Ludden’s Ford Park, to form the North River at a spot called The Crotch. The North River flows 12 miles through Pembroke, Hanover, Norwell, Marshfield and Scituate, eventually making its way to Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.