Thompson St, Halifax, MA 02338, USA
https://wildlandstrust.org/striar-conservancy
Owned By: Wildlands Trust
The Striar Conservancy in Halifax features a quiet woodland trail (approx. 0.8 miles) with numerous footbridges and vernal pools. A short side trail offers a beautiful view of the Winnetuxet River. This is an excellent destination for birders.
For up-to-date information and real time trail conditions, visit wildlandstrust.org/trails
Features
This property is located along the lower Winnetuxet River, and includes views of its floodplain. A large, mature, undeveloped woodland, it provides ideal habitat for as many as 90 species of birds. The name Winnetuxet is sometimes translated as “winding stream” or “a good river for canoes.”
This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett, and the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag, both share information on their websites.
According to signage on site, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the property was known as the Thompson Farm, and contained agricultural fields and a sawmill.
Most of the property was given to the Wildlands Trust by Steven and Brian Striar and Soozen Striar Tribuna in 1999, with additional acreage donated the following year. In addition, Ernest Stevens and Jeanne Wilson Baum donated 3.6 acres in 2018. The Sheehan Family Foundation and L. Knife & Son, Inc. provided funding for the purchase of 6.5 additional acres in 2001.
Trail Description
A meandering trail leads through the woods for a total distance of 1.05 miles. It loops back onto itself at the end. The out-and-back journey is about 1.6 miles. At about the 0.5-mile mark, there is a short side trail that leads to a bench with a beautiful view of the Winnetuxet River.
Habitats and Wildlife
The preserve contains spring-fed streams and a man-made pond, as well as seepage swamps and freshwater marshes. This diversity of habitat supports a wide range of animal and plant species. Some of the birds commonly spotted here include wood duck, woodcock, and ruffed grouse. Upland sandpipers and barn owls have been spotted close-by. Look for state-listed rare species such as the bridle shiner, Coopers hawk, and Mystic Valley amphipod, as well as deer, fox, and river otter. There are quite a few holly trees, along with beeches, oaks, and pines.
The Winnetuxet River flows through this property. It is part of the watershed of the Taunton River.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 168 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Limited on-site parking on Thompson Street (Route 105). The parking area is located across the street and a little bit southwest of Summit Street.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Bench, interpretive signage. Geocache location.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Winnetuxet River (Taunton River watershed)