In 2001, The Nature Conservancy made a move to protect a unique white cedar-giant rhododendron swamp from development. As of 2018, the preserve encompasses 642 acres. Today you can explore a section of this urban retreat on 1.8 miles of trails. It's located just minutes from Manchester, New Hampshire, and is one of several properties managed by The Nature Conservancy in Southern New Hampshire.
The swamp creates a unique habitat that provides cover for deer, breeding grounds for frogs, and nesting areas for birds. Atlantic white cedar swamps are relatively rare because the tree requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Beneath the tree canopy you'll find ferns, sphagnum moss and skunk cabbage growing in the wetlands. In the drier areas of the preserve look for white pine, eastern hemlock and American chestnut.
Each hiking loop provides a different glimpse at the range of vegetation. The yellow-blazed Woodland Loop passes through an oak forest littered with erratic boulders. The red-blazed Cedar Loop takes you right into a portion of the cedar swamp. Boardwalks provide dry passage over the wet bogs. The blue-blazed Rhododendron Loop skirts the edges of some rhododendron thickets. These large shrubs produce showy white and pink blooms in June and July.
While visiting the park you'll have an opportunity to participate in a citizen science project! On each loop trail, look for the post with a cell-phone holder. Read the directions and submit your photos online.
This land has been set aside to preserve a rare habitat. Dogs are not allowed here. Please practice Leave No Trace principles so others can enjoy this area well into the future.
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