White pines dominate on the gravelly soils of this glacial ridge and create an open, airy forest. In spring, a high-pitched, trilling song may alert you to the presence of a nesting pine warbler or chipping sparrow. White oaks and black oaks are found in some parts of the preserve. The South River is little more than a brook here and flows through Chandlers Pond, over a spillway, and along the base of Pudding Hill. Red maples predominate in these lowlands. Waterfowl, herons, and belted kingfishers visit the pond in spring and fall. In the moist soil along the shores of the pond, you may see mosses and skunk cabbage, and wildflowers such as starflower, Canada mayflower, and pale green orchis.
You are welcome to walk through the open field, which is within the reservation, and along the shore of the pond.
HISTORY
The site was donated by Elizabeth Bradford in 1981. An additional 3 acres was acquired in 1994. The other item of note would be the Chandlers Pond history. The pond was developed as a result of the dam built to support local milling operations in the colonial era. During the 18th century, the Baker family operated several gristmills on the pond, which were succeeded by the Marshfield Cotton and Wool Manufacturing Company in the 1800s. By the middle of the 19th century, the area where Pudding Hill Lane crosses the spillway was the site for a factory school, a dye house, and boarding houses for the mill workers, and work areas for a blacksmith, a cooper, and a coffin maker. (source: Wildlands Trust)
LOCATION:
Pudding Hill Lane
Pembroke, MA
STROLLER SCORE: Field = 3, Trail = C
