Town Center Conservation Lands

At the height of Slough Road, roughly a mile from Town Center, lies John’s Field, so called for its owner and longtime steward, John Grady. This 7-acre field is kept open as a mix of lawn, natural meadow, and farmland planted with various crops that rotate year-to-year. Enjoy the scenic view of Boston on a clear day in the cold weather months. The public trail ends at the open field in the northeast corner on one side and takes hikers across the street to the Dolan-Mason trail at the other end.

Extend your walk on the Small Nature Trail by taking an adjoining trail onto the Dolan-Mason land. The path gradually climbs a wooded hill and ends at Slough Road after passing through a scenic meadow. Cross the street onto John’s Field to continue your hike or to see Boston in the distance on a clear day.

The trail is located on school land and is well known by the young people of Harvard. Each Spring and Fall, volunteer trail guides lead the elementary school students on walks along the trail, and teachers use the trail throughout the year as part of their science curriculum.

The trail entrance is located off Fairbanks Street across from the elementary school, with the entrance marked by a sign that reads “Small Nature Trail.”

The trail consists of several loops that wind through woods and wetlands. Though not marked by blazes, the trail is easy to follow. Signage helps students identify black birch, which when scratched smells like root beer; spice bush, which also emits a “spicy” odor; sassafras, with its three different leaf shapes; and shagbark hickory, with its distinctive shaggy or exfoliating bark and many other species.

This is easily accessed from Eastview trail in town center or from the trailhead on Whitney Road. It is an important ecosystem, characterized by a mix of forested areas, wetlands and streams. It boasts a wide array of natural features and provides habitat for numerous plants and animals. It offers an easy loop that crosses a couple of bridges, meanders along a stream and over some wetlands.

The “Smokey the Bear” fire safety sign is this small property’s most prominent physical feature. Sweeping eastward views make this a great place to watch the sunrise. A short walk from the town common, this trail connects to a snowmobile trail on the Coke property.

A beautiful trail that leads to the edge of Bare Hill Pond, with great views from the waterfront. It’s also a great spot to sit and catch your breath or have a picnic. The forest is mostly pine and oak, but there is a distinctive stand of shagbark hickory.  Note also the certified vernal pool that lies in a hollow to the west of the trail close to Bare Hill Pond.