Search and Rescue Woods by Kerry Hammond

Access is from the gravel beach on the west side of the pond, near the parking lot of The Street at Chestnut Hill shopping center. The pond, as a “great pond” (any pond larger that 10 acres) is state-owned, operated by the DCR. Hammond Woods and Pond – The trails and cliffs attract hikers and rock climbers. In 2023, the Conservation Commission opened two gates in the fence and established a half-mile walking trail. No deer have lived in this mostly fenced area of six acres since 2010. Webster brought a couple of dozen deer into the area many years ago. Enter the pathway about 600′ south of Beacon Street, where a loop trail circles around the ledges.ĭeer Park – Mrs. The ledges are located west of Hammond Pond Parkway and north of the MBTA track, off the southbound lane of the Parkway. Note the very long, almost vertical joints toward the westerly end of the ledges. You can see the evidence of ripple marks, such as are made by water. They are sandstone formations that may have been river deposits. Sandstone Ledges – These thick ledges alternate with Roxbury Conglomerate rock. Gooch’s Caves – These are Roxbury Conglomerate fissure caves in the southwest section of the conservation area.

But in 2019 the City Council unanimously voted to take the 17 wooded acres of the Boston College land by eminent domain, assuring its permanent protection.Īctivities to enjoy here are walking, jogging, nature study, geology study, birding, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing. The middle of the woods was threatened by development following the purchase of 25 acres of land by Boston College in 2016. The largest conservation area in Newton is wooded, with noted rock outcroppings of Roxbury Puddingstone, brooks, ponds, wetlands, fields, and an historic woodland garden.

Search and Rescue Woods by Kerry Hammond