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Nature Photography

First Herring Brook Reservoir

429 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy, Scituate, MA 02066, USA

Owned By: Town of Scituate

This reservoir, which provides drinking water to the Town of Scituate, was created by placing a dam on First Herring Brook. As this is part of the town water supply, along with Old Oaken Bucket Pond, downstream, water access and fishing are not permitted. But it’s a great place to enjoy the wildlife and the view!

Features

This land is within the region of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe.

Habitats and Wildlife

The ponds here are surrounded by woods and wetlands. Some of the trees include oak, birch, maple and cedar.

First Herring Brook finds its source in Scituate in the area west of Route 3A, between First Parish Road and Old Oaken Bucket Road. It flows through the First Herring Brook Reservoir, and downstream to Old Oaken Bucket Pond, passing through two dams. Below the historic Stockbridge Grist Mill, at the Driftway, it flows into Herring River, a major tributary to the North River. Herring River flows into the North River just upstream of its outlet to the sea.

There is a herring run on First Herring Brook, but unfortunately it is quite depleted, even though there are fish ladders at both dams. NSRWA and the Town of Scituate have been working together to improve streamflows, operate the fish ladders, and restore the fisheries at these sites. This restoration project will ensure adequate water supply for the town, while also supporting wildlife.

429 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy, Scituate, MA 02066, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Very limited roadside parking.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: No

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: First Herring Brook (North River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site