For those of you who are unaware of what and where Wyman Meadow is, it's 35 acres adjacent to the new 15 acre well site on Plymouth St. Right now the Water Department is tearing up the main path to put in pipes to the new town well. They stated that this should be completed by early December. This should be just in time for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, for those so inclined. Just a reminder, ATV's and quad's are excluded from the Meadow. Please respect this and keep it a safe, quiet place to enjoy the surroundings.

I'm looking for anyone interested in building a kiosk in the parking area. We would like to post hunting dates, bird sightings, etc. Any eagle scouts out there interested? By the way, right now hunters may be in the area for deer, turkey and migratory birds.

Last but not least, does anyone know the whereabouts of the sign stating "Wyman Meadow Conservation Area" that was at the top of the dirt drive?

Remember, the Water Dept will be digging for the next couple of weeks. Come and take a walk when they've completed their job.

Regina O’ Shea
Wyman Meadows Lead Steward

A hidden gem of more than 35 acres in this town that is fast becoming a small city, Carver’s Pond is a refuge from traffic and cares.

Situated around a beautiful pond the parkland is perfect for canoeing, ice skating, a stroll, a jog, fishing, walking the dog (always on a leash and with a pooper scooper), picnics, reading by the shore, nature hikes, photography & painting-- even swimming if the stars align right!

The parkland is named for Eleazer Carver, a Bridgewater native who refined the art of the cotton gin and who ran the Bridgewater Cotton Gin Company at that location from 1816 to 1822. After the heyday of cotton the pond was used for boating, swimming, fishing and general recreation at the turn of the 20th century.

In the 1950’s and 60’s the pond was used by the McNeeland Ice House—some building foundations can still be seen.

Carver’s Pond is frequented by professors and students from neighboring Bridgewater State College who study the wildlife and plants as well as canoe the waters.

Alas, not quite so respectful college students use the area, too, but after dark and leaving a mess. So do some adolescent abutters. Please know that alcohol, litter and smoking are all illegal at Carver’s Pond. These rules are enforced and the police will be called.

Also against the law is cutting down or otherwise harming trees and other pieces of nature found at Carver’s Pond. There are stiff penalties provided for by the Commonwealth and the stewards do not hesitate to enforce the law and again the police will be called.

There are no bathroom facilities and room for six to eight cars to park. Currently there are two rubbish barrels at the entrance but those will soon be removed because of abuse by a few who insist on filling them with their household waste.

The Carver’s Pond parkland is for everyone’s enjoyment. Please do not hesitate to contact the steward for comments, complaints, questions, praise or if you are aware of a problem at the parkland. Also, please give thought joining the Friends of Carver’s Pond. There is no financial obligation and the amount of time you devote to the park is up to you.

Maura Annette Chappelle
Lead Steward, Carver’s Pond
ChappelleMaura@yahoo.com or (508) 697-2008 (e-mail preferred)

Stiles and Hart Conservation Park is more than 70 acres located in Downtown Bridgewater.

Once the largest Agricultural Fair Grounds in the County during the 1800's and later the land was mined for clay for the Bridgewater Brick Company (BCC) up until WWII. Then acquired by Conservation in 2000. This area has plans for more than 3 miles of Nature Trails, Bridges a Campsite overlooking one of the many ponds, future parking and a possible Canoe Portage into the scenic Town River.

A Bird Watchers Paradise ~ A Nature Lovers get away right downtown.

Trails and bridges are under construction, most trails are passable but unmarked, use caution at Brook Crossings.

Parkland Steward, Jim Revil, would like to offer walk-thru’s on weekends in the Spring of 2005. Dates, times and information to be Posted.

For more information please contact me at: Jrevil175@hotmail.com

“The place of a great river” is the Wampanoag Native American meaning of Titicut, a 33-acre Conservation Area located off Beech St. This area is steeped in history from the Native Americans who hunted the woods and fished the Taunton River, to the 1800’s shipyard that utilized the many white oak trees that were prized for their durability. In the 1950’s Titicut became Camp Titicut and had many buildings including multi- level houses, a large cafeteria and many small cabins. All that remains of the Camp is part of the cafeteria’s foundation, the flagpole and the old stone pedestal that used to be topped by a sundial.

The Titicut Conservation Area is a wonderful resource of the town, which provides a place for photography, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoe launching and camping. It is important that everyone who utilizes the area work together to maintain its natural beauty. Since there are no trash receptacles on the site, anything that is carried in must be carried out upon your departure. Common sense is the best approach when it comes to what can or can not be done on the site. The cutting down of live trees and the operation of dirt bikes and ATVs are not allowed.

Please Note:  Firearms are Forbidden at Titicut

coming soon

Iron Works at Stanley, established in 1691, was not only the first to produce iron but by the Civil War, it was the largest producer of iron in the country. In 1988, the site was abandoned and the land donated to the town of Bridgewater. Iron Works became one of the six parklands in 1996.

The park is in the process of development with many exciting plans. There are numerous foundations to be excavated and identified. Historic tours are available for groups. A fish ladder exists to observe the herring make their run, but access is difficult. Numerous scenic areas exist for picnicking. Fencing needs to be constructed to provide safety from the deep channels and rushing water. Canoes and kayaks can use an informal launch with a loop road planned for a more formal site.

Your help in developing and maintaining the park would be greatly appreciated. Clean up days are planned for each Earth Day, April 22nd and possibly a day in the fall for all the parks. Iron Works Park is located on High Street, adjacent to the Highway Department and the 49ers Club.

For more information, please see the Iron Works website at www.lynchnco.com/stanley/index.htm or you can email me at sjbbc50@comcast.net

Stephen Black
Lead Steward, Ironworks