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NATURE
by Kezia Bacon

Happy New Year, fellow nature enthusiasts! It’s January, which means it’s time for me to write about the new trails, paddling spots and public parks that have been established on the South Shore in the past year. I always look forward to this article. It’s exciting to see our local communities continue to prioritize the protection of open space! Below you’ll find 9 new places to explore. Some are truly new, and some are just new to me!

Is nine not enough? Then I hope you will visit the Get Outdoors section of NSRWA’s website. It’s such a fantastic resource, with detailed information about 500 public spots on the South Shore where the public can enjoy the natural world. Each property has its own listing, with parking information, trail maps, and much, much more.

Would you enjoy a daily suggestion for a local place to enjoy the outdoors? We’d love it if you’d follow “Postcards From the ‘Shed” our Explore South Shore program for 2025. This year, in addition to inspiring photos and access information, we’re including details about each property’s watershed. Every day on Facebook and Instagram, we highlight a different spot. Not on social media? We’ve included all the locations on our website as well! Plus test your knowledge with our monthly “Where in the Watershed?” photo quiz!

Red Gold Farm, Marshfield

Marshfield’s newest conservation area, Red Gold Farm features about 2.5 miles of wide flat trails that wind around ponds, wetlands, and active cranberry bogs. The Green Harbor River flows through the property. Informal parking for 6 vehicles can be found in the unpaved roadside pull-off at 611 Webster Street, across from the Green Harbor Golf Club. Do not block the access road or any private driveways.

Valley Swamp Conservation Area, Norwell

Valley Swamp is among the many headwaters of the North River. Norwell’s Valley Swamp Conservation Area offers the opportunity to experience this freshwater wetland first-hand. There are two distinct trail networks — with a total of 1.3 miles of woodland trails. Look for access at the end of Shady Lane, at the end of Beers Ave. Limited roadside parking at both spots.

Beals Park, Weymouth

North Weymouth’s newly-renovated Beals Park has something for everyone, including a large playground, an 18,000-square-foot skate park, paved trails, and pickleball courts, along with a basketball half-court, benches, and a shade pavilion. There are two 9-space parking areas — at 35 Athens Street, and on Sea Street opposite Pearl Street. The property is situated within the watershed of the Fore River.

Moswetuset Hummock, Quincy

Moswetuset Hummock, Quincy

In the 1620’s and early 1630’s, Moswetuset Hummock — located in the Squantum section of Quincy — was the summer seat of Chickatawbut, Chief Sac’hem of the Ponkapoag band of the Massachusett Native American tribe. This small historic property features a 0.4-mile woodland trail and spectacular views of Quincy Bay and the Squantum Marshes. It is located within the bounds of DCR’s Quincy Shores Reservation, with limited on-site parking lot at 440 E Squantum Street.

Quincy Riverwalk

While in Quincy, also check out the Quincy Riverwalk, which extends for 2 miles along the Neponset River, from Squantum Point Park, through Neponset Landing Park, to the gazebo at the Adams Inn. This trail had been on my “To Visit” list for years. Last spring, I finally got there, and I encourage you to do the same. The trail offers views of beaches, wetlands, marshes, woodlands, and meadows … and also the Boston Skyline! There is ample on-site parking at Squantum Point Park, at the end of Victory Road in Quincy. For further inspiration, follow the Neponset River Watershed Association, which was established in 1967!

Rocky Point Preserve, Plymouth

Take a short walk at this new property on the coast of Plymouth. It features a 0.4-mile trail through forest and freshwater wetlands, with a real treat at the end … an overlook from a high bluff with a view the ocean. On a clear day, you may be able to see Saquish, Duxbury Beach, or even the Outer Cape! Part of the Cape Cod Bay watershed, it offers limited on-site parking at 302 Rocky Hill Road, Plymouth.

Darby Pond Well Water Protection Land, Plymouth

Hooray! West Plymouth has a new conservation property! The 197-acre Darby Pond Well Water Protection Land offers a 1.25-mile out-and-back trail through forest and reclaimed cranberry bogs. At the very end, you can enjoy views of Darby Pond, which drains to the Winnetuxet River, and is part of the Taunton River watershed. There is limited roadside parking at 266 Plympton Road in Plymouth.

Mordecai Lincoln Mill & Homestead, Scituate

This isn’t exactly a new property. The Town of Scituate has been working on it, behind the scenes, for a while now. Some exciting developments have taken place in the past year or so, including the establishment of a canoe and kayak launch on Bound Brook, along with a half mile of walking trails. The scenery at this property is gorgeous. Stop by if only to enjoy the view. The grounds — which feature stone walls, rocky outcroppings, and gardens — are open to the public, and restoration work is underway for the house and outbuildings. Limited parking at the top of the property’s entrance drive, near the house, at 68 Mordecai Lincoln Road.

Carleton Property and Fogg Forest, Norwell

Fogg Forest/Carleton Property, Norwell

Just outside Norwell Center, the combined Fogg Forest and Carleton Property provide 154 acres of contiguous conservation land, views of Trout Brook, and at least 2 miles of trails… including a brand-new one known as the Cow Path. You can see it from the intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets – a long strip of grass bordered with stone walls, with a boardwalk at the end. Do yourself a favor and visit this sprawling, diverse property. Additional trail connections are scheduled for later this year. For access, look for the trailhead at rear of the field at 625 Main Street, at the edge of the woods.

Kezia Bacon’s articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find 27+ years of Kezia’s Nature columns there. Visit our website for more information about Explore South Shore 2025.