306 Winter St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA
Owned By: Town of Duxbury
This gorgeous, tree-lined, 41-acre hay field offers a glimpse of Duxbury’s agricultural past. A cart path provides about 0.25 mile of trail, with ample opportunities for extending your walk along the edges of the fields. There are vernal pools on site, as well as a small drumlin hill, topped with an iconic oak tree.
Features
The Patuxet, members of the Wampanoag tribe, made their home in the area now known as Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. Numerous artifacts have been found throughout the region surrounding the Jones River.
Farming likely began on this property around 1750 (Molkiah Farm). The neighborhood was populated largely by members of the Chandler family — in fact, the southwest part of Duxbury was known for a time as Chandlerville because there were so many Chandlers living there. It was also known as Tarkiln, because of a kiln and tar pits located there even earlier. In addition to keeping livestock and growing field crops, residents often harvested timber from the adjacent woodlands. There was a sawmill nearby, on Pine Brook. The Town of Duxbury purchased this property with Community Preservation funds in 2008.
Trail Description
An old cart path extends from the property sign, out into the field for about 0.25 miles. You can continue elsewhere on the property — perhaps following the perimeter all the way around, for a total of about a mile.
Habitats and Wildlife
This is on open grassy field surrounded by oak and maple trees. A line of cedar trees borders Winter Street. Look for wild grapes at the edges of the field. A small drumlin hill stands at the center, with some stately oaks on top. There are also two small ponds on the property and some vernal pools. The lands and streams here drain to Bassett Brook, and are part of the Jones River Watershed.
The Jones River finds it source at Silver Lake, and extends for 7.5 miles through the town of Kingston. Follow the Jones River Watershed Association for more information.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 40 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Limited roadside parking on Winter Street.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Geocache location.
Dogs: Dogs are permitted but must remain on leash or under control at all times. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Bassett Brook (Jones River watershed)