Meadow Bog Pond Trail Walk

On May 30, 12 Trust members and others walked through the Meadow Bog Pond Conservation Area off Quanset Road in South Orleans.  This property comprises two acquisitions: a 1993 gift by Rachia Heyelman of 1.8 acres and a joint purchase of 6.6 acres in 2006 by OCT and the Town of Orleans, using Community Preservation Act funds. This land serves as a crucial wildlife corridor, linking 115 acres of protected land while simultaneously protecting the shores and water quality of two freshwater ponds: Sarah’s and Meadow Bog Ponds. It is valuable habitat for rare plants and animals, such as the sharp-shinned hawk, Eastern box turtle, and pink lady’s slipper. This trail is just under 1-mile in length and contains a number of steep hills.  New Director Elizabeth Migliore gave a background on how the land was acquired, as well as the glacial history of the three ponds surrounding the property (Quanset, Meadow Bog, and Sarah’s Pond).  Then Rich Eldred took over, leading a botany walk that humorously described the plant life on this property.  Of particular note was the succession from a pine to oak habitat, which is occurring across much of the Cape.  Additionally, walkers saw evidence of the gall wasp devastating Black Oaks throughout Orleans.  Walkers were excited to encounter a pink lady slipper just off the trail.

If you missed the walk and want the chance to see some of our local wildlife, join us for our next walk at White’s Lane Conservation Area on Saturday, June 20th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.

Directions: From the intersection of Rt. 28 and Main Street in Orleans head east towards Nauset Beach for .4 miles. Take the 3rd right onto Monument Road and follow for .4 miles. Take a left onto Henson Way (dirt road) and follow until the end. Parking will be straight ahead.