Description:
This conservation area of 6.65 acres consists of a White Pine-Mixed Hardwood- hemlock forest. The upland section is deeply shaded with little vegetation under the tree canopy. A steep hill separates this section from the wetland along Broad Brook. Here the vegetation is dominated by skunk cabbage and other herbs, even though there is a mostly closed canopy. The upland forest is dominated by white pine, hemlock, red oak and black birch, while the lowland has more of a mixture of hardwoods. Along the west edge of the property flows Broad Brook, which later empties into Nashawannuck Pond. The stream is about 8-20 feet wide, and 1-2 feet deep, with banks 1-3 feet high. It is slow-moving with a sandy bottom and is 70-80% shaded. The water is clear and there is woody debris in the stream and trees fallen across and leaning over it.
Assets:
The main feature of this area is the beautiful tranquility of Broad Brook despite its proximity to a residential area. Several interesting bird species have been observed here, despite the property’s small size. Among these are a Louisiana water thrush, belted kingfisher and pine warbler, among others.
Another notable species found here was crested wood fern (Drypoteris cristata). While not rare, this wetland specialist is somewhat uncommon, so a pleasure to find.
Broad Brook has several habitat features that benefit wildlife: sandy bottom that could be inhabited by mussels, woody debris in the water that creates microhabitat and hiding places for turtles and invertebrates, and trees leaning over the water that make good perches for kingfishers and flycatchers. The undercut banks may also be used by wood turtles. The entire Broad Brook is part of a Living Waters Critical Supporting Watershed.