Great Meadows
A Beginner’s Guide to Concord’s
BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS
S
Summer has always been a wonderful time to explore the many trails, parks, historic sites, and other natural wonders of Concord. During these stressful times, it’s more important than ever to take time to enjoy nature - to get outside and feel the sun and the breezes, to marvel at the plants and animals with which we share this world, and to find our best selves again. I’ve spent many years walking these trails and photographing the plants and animals found there. Over the years I’ve found a number of places that have become favorites. Here are a few I recommend to locals and visitors alike: GREAT MEADOWS is a favorite place for those who enjoy quiet walks with lots of birds, critters, and special plants. It is an easy walk from town via the rail bed off Monument Street. There are several nice viewing spots including the tower at the parking lot off Munson Road, the deck on the causeway, and benches scattered around the trails. Great Meadows encompasses (looking west to east) Borden Pond, the upper impoundment, and 48
Discover CONCORD
| Summer 2020
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE WITHERBEE
the lower impoundment. The causeway runs between the upper and lower impoundments, and leads down to the Concord River. A trail to the left (north) of the causeway goes around the lower impoundment and back to the rail bed and parking lot. The best times to visit are early and late in the day – these are the best times to see the wildlife and to take pictures. Buttrick Mansion
Concord River to the north and the North Bridge to the east. Look for the remains of the home of Captain David Brown and his wife Abigail. The remaining cellar hole shows the footprint of where they lived with 10 children and Uncle Elias. Your job is to figure out how they managed to all live in a place not much bigger than the wood shed. It is a pleasant walk from town to get to this cluster of interesting places, although it may take several visits to see everything. THE WILD & SCENIC RIVERS ACT enacted by Congress in 1968 sought to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a freeflowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Concord is Sudbury River
NORTH BRIDGE, BUTTRICK MANSION, THE ROBBINS HOUSE, AND THE GROUNDS OF THE OLD MANSE combine to make a delightful place to stroll, check up on history, or have a picnic. The formal gardens of the Buttrick Mansion have beautiful views of the
