Description:
Located on the south shore of Rubber Thread Pond and adjacent to City Hall, this tiny, but popular half-acre conservation in the center of town has big management issues, as well as many assets. The property, located on the south shore of Rubber Thread Pond is primarily used for fishing. The shoreline here is accessed by a trail through a forested strip between the pond and Lake Street. At the east side of the conservation area there is a small parking area,a gazebo, picnic site, and steps down to the water. At the west end of the property is a small open area under two large sugar maples.
The woods along the shore contain primarily sugar maple, red maple, and red oak, with lesser amounts of Norway maple, black locust, paper birch and white ash. The shrub layer is mostly sugar maple but also contains Norway maple, false indigo (a non-native but non-invasive species), Japanese barberry and several other native and non-native species. The ground layer is a mix of herbs, ferns, and grasses, most of which are native.
Assets:
Despite the challenges from being an in-town park, this property provides city dwellers a taste of nature, and does have valuable habitat features for wildlife. The landscaped area
has been thoughtfully planted with a variety of non-invasive fruit-bearing shrubs. A shadbush tree planted by the parking area provides ripe fruit for birds.
This park is a rejuvenating spot for people on their lunch break, nearby residents seeking some contact with nature, or for fishing.
Trails: Yes