Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area

891 W Washington St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

(781) 294-4119

Owned By: Town of Hanson

• Directions

The confluence of Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River lies deep within the property. There is also a beaver dam! A new (2022) 1-mile trail leads in two intersecting loops along the streams and through woods and wetlands. There is also a short, wide, gravel trail from parking area to the Shumatuscacant River, suitable for launching a kayak or canoe.

Features

This property, which opened in 2020, provides access to the Shumatuscacant River for canoes, kayaks and anglers. Follow the wide cart path from the parking area, along West Washington Street, to the river. The embankment is suitable for launching to the river. Some of the work on the property was done by Eagle Scout TJ Woodward in 2020.

Across West Washington Street, on the river, look for the remains of the Moore Sawmill.

This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk) Native American tribe. Prior to European contact, the Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett lived for thousands of years in the North River watershed. Their village included most of today’s Pembroke and Hanson. The word “Mattakeeset” means “place of many fish.”

Trail Description

A wide gravel cart path extends from the parking area less than a tenth of a mile to the Shumatuscacant River.

A 1-mile trail featuring 2 intersecting loops was created in 2022. From the parking area, enter the woods next to the informational kiosk, and keep taking lefts at all the intersections. This will eventually bring you through the entire trail system. The trail is rooty in places but mostly flat and easy to traverse. There are a few wet spots and small streams, plus occasional interpretive signage.

Or follow the gravel path along the side of West Washington Street to access the trail. Either way, along the trail you’ll find views of both Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River, as well as woodlands and wetlands.

Habitats and Wildlife

Poor Meadow Brook rises from wetlands in North Hanson. Within this property, it joins with the Shumatuscacant River. The stream continues to Robbins Pond in East Bridgewater, where it empties into the Satucket River, part of the Taunton River watershed.

The forest is primarily red oak, white oak, red maple, and shagbark hickory with some birch and white pine, and plenty of ferns.

Some of the wildlife commonly observed here include white-tailed deer, coyote, fisher, red fox and turkey. Also, gray and red squirrels, chipmunks, and deer mice. Look for beaver, muskrat, mink, snapping turtle, and Northern water snake in the wet areas. Bird species include black-capped chickadee, blue jay, great horned owl, and wood ducks.