Forest tracts that demonstrate hurricane damage or chestnut blight mingle with self-guided nature trails at this 3,000-acre site in central Massachusetts where scholarly research in forest biology blends with natural history studies.
The nature trails and nearby museum trace the historical patterns of land use in central Massachusetts from the early 1700s, when the native Nipmucks lived there, through the first half of the 20th century.
The Fisher Museum, with 23 dioramas portraying forest history in the region, is a fascinating place to start. Be sure to see the collection of photographs that depict the damage done by the Hurricane of 1938 ? one of the greatest storms to sweep New England. The museum is wheelchair accessible.
The self-guiding Natural History Trail and the Blackgum Trail are both easy hikes. Note the black gum trees in a swamp. A member of the tupelo family, the leaves of the black gum turn a blazing scarlet in the fall. The Natural History Trail is a short 20-minute walk over easy terrain posted with trail descriptions ? especially suitable for children. For the more ambitious, the 4.5-mile Prospect Hill Trail brings you to a fire tower with views of Mount Monadnock and Wachusett Mountain.
Look for flickers, cedar waxwings, brown thrasher, wood thrush and the red-headed woodpecker along the trails. The fire tower is a fine spot for observing broad-winged hawks.
Directions
From Cambridge take Route 2 west for approximately 70 miles. Exit at Route 32. Turn right off the ramp and follow Route 32 toward Petersham for 3 miles. Harvard Forest is on the left.
Hours
(Fisher Museum)
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm year-round
Saturday - Sunday: noon to 4pm from May to October
Trails open daily year-round