NSRWA Walking Club – Alton Smith Reserve in Hanson

NSRWA Walking Club – Alton Smith Reserve in Hanson
Saturday, November 15, 2025
10:00-11:30am

Join Walking Club Coordinator Steve French and Guest Host Dave Mansfield as we explore Alton Smith Reserve and Sleeper Conservation Area in Hanson as well as part of J. J. Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00-11:30. Dave is an active member of the Hanson community and is a member of the Conservation Commission with responsibilities for trails and property management projects. Additionally, Dave is the chair of the Stormwater and Drainage Management Committee and the Conservation Committee representative on the Community Preservation Committee. Dave has intimate knowledge of the history and acquisition of conservation properties in Hanson.

Alton Smith Reserve in Hanson is a retired cranberry bog that has been restored to a forested wetland. The reserve is situated between Camp Kiwanee on Maquan Pond and Indian Head Pond which is the headwaters of the Indian Head Brook. Indian Head Brook feeds into the Indian Head River which eventually feeds into the North River. Sleeper Conservation Area in Hanson and JJ Shepherd Memorial Forest in Pembroke are connected to the Alton Smith Reserve by a network of trails which include a part of the Bay Circuit trail. The restored wetlands and Indian Head Pond are a great location to see ducks, great egrets, great blue herons and occasional bald eagles.

The walk is on mostly flat dirt roads and woodland paths with slight elevation changes.

While we love dogs. NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your furry loved ones at home.

Directions: Parking is available at Camp Kiwanee 460 Indian Head St in Hanson. Use the beach parking lot across from the guard house. Look for the NSRWA Event sign.

Click here for Trail Map.

The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Kezia Bacon at kezia@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/

REGISTER HERE