Join Wildlands Trust for a special full moon hike at Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Burrage Pond WMA is located in Hanson and Halifax and managed by MassWildlife. Volunteer hike leader Rob and Programming Coordinator, Amy, will lead you through 4 miles of mostly wide, flat trails. On a clear night, the full moon will be spectacular. A headlamp and/or good flashlight are required. Registration is required for this FREE event.
Registration closes on Friday, April 11 at 12 PM. Want to sign up after registration closes? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org
Location History and Information:
The Great Cedar Swamp and Burrage Pond area of Hanson and Halifax was a very large Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, which was diked and altered for cranberry bogs. In 2002, MassWildlife bought 1,638 acres here from the Northland Cranberry company, including the cranberry bogs, the open water of Burrage Pond, Red Maple Swamps, regenerating Atlantic White Cedar, and grassy marshes along the small streams draining the wetlands.
For decades, this has been an important birding site for its waterfowl, marsh birds, and migrating passerines. Wood Ducks breed here in good numbers, and Virginia Rails can be heard calling. In the June 2004 issue of Bird Observer, a journal covering the birds of eastern Massachusetts, Kathleen Anderson and Wayne Petersen wrote of the long history of birding at this site and noted some of the birds and other flora and fauna to be found here.
Parking:
Meet at the Hawks Ave Parking lot of Burrage Pond WMA. The closest physical address for the parking lot is 11 Hawks Ave, Hanson, MA, 02341. Please follow the directions below or click the hyperlink here.
If you are coming down Pleasant Street from Rte 27, Hawks Ave is the immediate right turn after you cross the railroad tracks. If coming down Pleasant Street from the opposite direction, it is the left turn immediately before the raiload crossing.
Once on Hawks Ave, pull into the dirt parking lot immediately on your left.
What to Wear & Bring (Required):
Headlamp and/or flashlight (must have!)
Sturdy, waterproof, closed-toed shoes
Snacks
Water
Bug spray
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
What to Expect:
Hiking 4 miles at a 30-minute per mile pace.
The terrain is very flat with wide trails and no significant elevation changes.
Wildlands Trust volunteers and staff to guide you!
Restrictions:
Ages 16+
No pets
Limit 25 hikers
Outdoor programs are weather permitting. Cancellations and postponements due to weather will be announced online and registered attendees will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org