By Karen Stein, Moose Hill Sanctuary Director
I am often reminded as I meet people on the trails at Moose Hill in Sharon or as I go about work in town, that the land “up on the hill” has really been a part of the lives of so many people for such a long time.
When it was established 100 years ago as the first Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary, it encompassed 225 acres. Today, we welcome visitors to 1,971 acres of protected land that came to us via 80 separate parcel donations or purchases. Check out these five facts about the sanctuary that might just inspire you to visit.
The Pools Are Alive
A vernal pool off the Summit Trail
Moose Hill is home to at least eight vernal pools, temporary bodies of water that provide critical habitat for amphibian and invertebrate species like salamanders and wood frogs. Four of these vernal pools are found along the aptly named Vernal Pool Loop. The others are mostly found off trails located on the western side of the sanctuary. Spring is the time to find the vernal pools, often alive with the chorus of wood frogs and spring peepers! Learn more about vernal pools
A True Community Farm
Volunteers from Boston University help out with the CSA
We believe that healthy farming leads to healthy people and a healthy community. While Wards Berry Farm has been farming Moose Hill land for over 25 years, we decided to partner with them 11 years ago to offer nearby residents the opportunity to take part in an organic summer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.
The Wards brothers are responsible for the cultivation of the land and planting of the crops on our 17 acres, and Moose Hill oversees the management, harvesting, and distribution of the organic crops.
Deep Roots
George and Martha Maple Trees
The Billings Loop takes you through mixed forest, past old farm fields, and over a boardwalk through a red maple swamp. The trail is only one mile and easy to hike. After it curves past the Billings Barn and Bat Barn, you will notice two rather large, spectacular sugar maple trees.
Affectionately named George and Martha, these trees are more than 250 years old. They have been the subject of many an artist’s eye, including water colors, charcoal drawings, and photographs.
Nature’s Playground
The beginning of the Forest Trail has a wonderful natural play space. The ground is a bit cushioned from the pine needles, and a fallen tree, worn smooth from play, has been the focus of many adventures for our youngest visitors. This tree has been a rocket ship, a train, a school bus, and a door. You can also “squeeze through a tree”, jump off stumps, and create mouse houses or fairy homes.
Coming soon will be an official Nature Play Area called Cookie’s Garden complete with rainbow sticks, a play hill with a tunnel, a mud kitchen, stump jumps, weaving areas, and more.
A Surprising View
Most people who hike to the Bluffs stop at the first overlook, walk a short distance to the next overlook, and then turn back. But, if you continue on, down the hill, over a stream, and back up the other side (a 15-minute hike), you arrive at Allen’s Ledge. Not only does this ledge offer another great view, but you will also notice the chimney that is on the ledge.
In the 1930s, a cabin was built on this ledge. It burnt down in 1942, leaving behind only the chimney. Makes you wonder what it would have been like to stay in this cabin. How did people get here? Did they carry in all their supplies? Why even build a cabin right here? It really is true that a hike in our woods can reveal many surprises.
Visit Us!
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 293 Moose Hill Parkway in Sharon, Massachusetts. Learn more about Moose Hill and get directions.
Celebrating 100 Years
This post is part of our 100 Years of Wildlife Sanctuaries Celebration. Learn more and join the fun!
I was told that the chimney on Allen’s Ledge was built by P.R. Allen of Walpole for his son. He could ride on horseback from his house, now the Walpole Country Club on Baker Street. I remember the outline at the bottom of the bluff where a shed had been for horses. P. R. Allen started the Walpole Woodworkers in the depression of the 1930’s. His son went on to be the head of the Republican Party in Massachusetts and Head Master of Phillips Academy.
Well that’s great information to add to our story! Thanks.
I’ve been. I took a selfie icon that ledge. I also saw a doe and fawn on my way down. I was spooked by the loud sounds of trees being broken, yes trees, not branches but trees. I think it was a moose trying to get how antlers cleaned off
Why no mention in the article about where this sanctuary is?
Hi Kathleen! You are absolutely right. We apologize for that. The post has been updated with location info!