Highlights

Three kinds of habitats occur in this 88-acre site: dry sour uplands (where most of the trailing arbutus stands are located), bog, and moist open woods.  The sanctuary is especially lovely from late April through early May, when the arbutus (Epigaea repens) is in bloom. Other plants include hemlocks, cinnamon ferns, various viburnums, fringed polygala, painted trillium and pink lady’s slipper.  

Steward 

Jane Galat, 44 Town Farm Rd., Winchendon, MA  01457; phone:  978-297-1813. 

Directions

Take Route 2 west to Route 140, just beyond Fitchburg; then take Route 140 north to its terminus at Route 12.  Turn left on Route 12 in the direction of Winchendon, proceeding through town and up the hill, leaving the VFW lodge on your left.  Bear left at the town memorial park (with commemorative statue) on West Street.  Proceed on West Street for about 2.5 miles to the Sanctuary entrance on the left (marked by a large sign).  (There is a mailbox with number 405 on the right shortly before the entrance.)  Park on the shoulder of the road.  On the return trip, watch for the sign to Route 140.

Sanctuary Visitation Rules

The following activities are prohibited on all New England Wild Flower Society sanctuaries:
♦ Camping, Fires, or Smoking
♦ Trail bikes, trikes and ATV’s
♦ Dogs
♦ Horseback riding
♦ Removal of plant material
♦ Picnicking

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE!

New England Wild Flower Society hopes you will enjoy your visit to our Sanctuaries. Please be aware there are certain risks incidental to visiting our Sanctuaries which include – but are not limited to – hills, uneven terrain, insects and slippery areas. You walk the trails at your own risk, so please exercise caution. Please note -- there is no staff at our Sanctuaries if you should encounter difficulty or require assistance.