Webster-Billings Conservation Area

135 Old Pine Dr, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

(781) 294-4119

Owned By: Town of Hanson

• Directions

A large expanse of established woodland paths bordered by residential areas off East Washington, State and Brook Streets. Indian Head Brook flows through the property.

Features

Acquired by the Town of Hanson in 1973, this large woodland is identified on some maps as the Hodor Property (a previous owner). It was renamed in 2009 to honor three conservation-minded residents: Susan K. Webster, and Dana & Norma Billings.

In earlier times, the property was part of a farm owned by the Josselyn family, who lived at the corner of State and East Washington Streets. Look for old stone walls, especially at the boundaries. Firewood and timber were harvested regularly. The existing cart paths were constructed as fire roads. Trees are still sometimes harvested here, with the town earning the proceeds.

Prior to European contact, the Mattakeeset band of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe 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

There are approximately 2 miles of intersecting trails here. The main trail is marked in some places with red paint and pink surveyor’s tape. Numerous spur trails lead off into residential areas, and to Indian Head Brook.

Habitats and Wildlife

Mostly a forested upland of oak, pine, yellow birch and beech, with the occasional hemlock. There are also plenty of fern, sweet pepper bush and blueberry, and some red maple swamp. Rolling hills provide some elevation. There are two certified vernal pools on the property.

Indian Head Brook, a tributary to the Indian Head River, flows through this property. The Indian Head River is a major tributary to the North River and is part of the North & South Rivers watershed.