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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-CONCOM-rpt A Guide to Lexington Conservation Lands RECEIVED' SELECTMEN .---- ,.. ,. JUN 8 1981 .....f i 1111".."r...14 ..1•11, -1- Cai ..,-4.......-100. i: :a 1 1 el *°4 ' P 'li OD -••.•' _ . IreAs, . . .; ,,.,--• 0 4i+Ei31 ......- 4:-...L.,..,• ,a, "01""-• - . A , .... - • AorA ..,,, .,' !. ..........., Al..-.........NMINI..... ...., e ---=t----- -- ,---- ,...z... ... „ ...... ,„ :„,I)) ,-I d .., % .........; ...., ,, \ idir---Zirtvr,a \ 4 , xg)0111,. `*Sa /1 i Fill:4,e r•6' - 401",..uff, // N -,_l . ••AdIr -.0- ,-- ,;11111164r4311 -- ‘kk , •,„•,.418. ,z- -IP _ – - 4 407 .1P -, . . -•.- •.. , k\ -:,--..N i 72-_- - 41•014 IF $ ....-'7,111fts,_ 0 7' '':i,, •..,.. ‘: ) :, ii. I• ' / ' ‘,, ;f‘k;i f l'4 il:, i,411 ‘' 0,:.v . 1 ;., -,;,r!..1-• . Al .. .. li'4".: . !'!I' •''.•,../?, ,:v.r.,.. . ,, , ( 1 414ejt 1 .-ilt :',-;-, .t,...il'' Ir ; ,.,,;,zi::V; :.;,,,,,,,, 1.1„..:: ','', ',- *.•r '4 p'.7... \ _ : !i ov, ..., ,,..-, .. '• , , . . •-•----1- :, ! . ,.•,, .,•',•-:t‘..,,,, ..7.,. ,'A•.. ,,.,• i ': tr;s: '-, :It.,,. i.• :A'',.7 Tr( 1 IN„,.•- ,, ,- ' , ,.,:„,7 li•tt4 :,. ,,i., •, !: .-.. ,,,,,,,,. .,, , .., ,, .4 ..1, .,.,, .. - •,.. ,x. i 4,.,, -,,, .., , -..,:- ,.i...‘,.r',' .'-•4 ':'. . ,- .,.::-.; ",... , ,,,. :4,,..t..i. ‘,., .!,:f,, of....,,i,• if' 1 \ ; :' `i't'' ,—1--- ”.' Ajte,' ' ' • I ... •,.,, ...m,--*-.1:;--,4:„.'4,.• '1!I; ,,"i,1,ii •:,,, 0.-4'1', ..... - ..,' ''':-.'','., •'',',,,.,..' •-I.' . O'itt- -:' k 1, •..,.1 1 t4.6.,....-- V/ ....1„.-4,...., ,.. ..,, .,,,,,,, 1.,, .• • z.,, r'l i , ,,,: ,.v 4.1,, , 0, _,---< ,.. (1.....A ..._." --' ,,.: ,..„ ,, - ,.._„. -1t, i r iv li.-;•:',;*1 fr: prifk)t.-'• 1 4,0• "...1 II, ---- I• t . , , —t;,-1%.. ,,i, i, • v •; s l‘. • A c t• , 4 - ---,„,--./ • r ,%,. .,,,.., ' , I.„ ..• " %A l • . -,v,,, . .,,, r , '.. ' .., ... ', .:7—, • • . ,.. . ,e. .,..i. /...._*--- ..."."..,,... --... 1 t ,... ... _ .."... -- ' ..............._. (:,,, ......._ • . _ -- - ......., -- - .. . , ___.•• . ._, - ,....•••••••0111...... - 4 ,,,.. A ..._,,,...,_ .......* "MO ----. -----T--. — i ......,.._____ i.-=...2.- • ... ; , .. ,._ ---..46,-,.._• _ , -- _...:-..-z.:: ------ II ...- •- .r, , -- • ..... ..-- _ I — ,,..... , i • —• A i ' ' ' ------9 1--t- 'L'i „. / \ ! (,/:;„,,F) ...,.,i,.: .,,,,, __ • , . . : ,.• . , ,,r ,, . _ ,...1,, ___________, _ , , ' _ ../.> , r//: • : ' . ,,, 2,, • , ,.- .. / • (//fi ,t i ( ' . i A GUIDE TO LEXINGTON CONSERVATION LANDS ...., C c>� S J 0' ' C f1 vvk w1 c ' 0z a F , It is safe to assume that Lexington's early settlers could not have envisioned the bustling suburban community that is Lexington today. In fact, less than 50 years ago the Town was still primarily rural with much of the land devoted to farming and the support industries needed by local farmers raising food and fiber for the Boston market. This form of land use has changed drastically, however, during the decades following the end of World War II. The demand for housing and mobility provided by the automobile have consumed much of the Town's farm lands, important wetlands and green space. Concern by Lexington citizens for the natural resources of the Town promtted the creation in 1963 of a Conservation Commission, whose mem- bers are charged with the protection of the Town' s natural resources. One of the best tools for protecting these resources is the acquisition of land by the Town. Presently under the stewardship of the Commission are approximately 1000 acres of land or about 9. 2 percent of the Town's 10,650 acres. Some of this acreage was donated to the Town, but most of the land was purchased by the Town with financial assistance from the State and Federal governments through several reimbursement programs. With an average of 40 acres being acquired annually, it became apparent that many areas vital to the protection of the Town's natural resources would be irretrievably lost. In response, a $2 million bond issue for land acquistion was approved by the 1975 Annual Town Meeting. This has facilitated a concerted and comprehensive land acquistion program with the expense extended over a number of years to reduce the financial impact upon the Town. In addition to this program, conservation easements, agricultural easements and other land use mechanisms are being employed by the Conservation Com- mission to protect and enhance the Town's natural resources for its nearly 32,000 citizens and those citizens to come. The Commission is hopeful that this guide will provide assistance in the use and care of our community's open lands. if) „--IPP": 41- 1M,111111,44-Wriff" tO • "A town is saved, not more by the righteous men in it than by the woods and swamps that surround it." Thoreau 14 MEADOWLAND 15 PARKER MEADOW __ -- 16 TOPHET SWAMP 17 CRANBERRY HILL GROvF __ 1111Wezz -----5-- sl 9 o sr. ----___ -- Z 10 � C;• sr 4 12 �, �P� � •� BEDFORD 02�. Q 11 _ z N Q, v' ST • � G.) � v \-. wo J D ST a 11' pri WO MASS.AVE. sft -'" ... ..... .... _ ...._400 \ \ , \ Z 16 CEDAR s. VIIWIL co. ,- , l Aill: RTF W••THEN RD. 4?-- 14 p2� ift! Or WOOD ST. , *ititt„..Z) , iiii -' �gETjyq I (E•1--' AVE. O 0 KEY A Go/,111:11111 13 __.,._jN 1 IDYLWILDE7 ��� 2 WEST FARM iii 3 JUNIPER HILL \ / / --- 3 4 WHIPPLE HILL 5 SHAKER GLEN 3 /'"- 6 LIBERTY HEIGHTS 7 HAYDEN WOODS KEY M A P 8 PAINT AREA 10 WILLARD'S WOODS LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISION 11 LOWER VINE BROOK 12 SIMONDS BROOK 13 CONCORD AVENUE CONSERVATION AREA 1 A GUIDE TO LEXINGTON CONSERVATION LANDS 1981 ..LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION David G. Williams, Chairman Ruth Mitchell Francis W.K. Smith, Vice-Chairman Paul V. Rif fin Francis X. Fields Shirley H. Stolz Angela E. Frick prepared by W..C. Prentiss Director, Conservation/Recreation Laurie Macauda $ecretary LEGEND 1 PROPERTY LINE --- ----- 1 TREE LINE ; ;22` I DYLW I L DE PATH WETLANDS 24- yi_ -k- A.. CONTOUR LINE ----- -250— 9.43 ACRES (elev.obove mean sea level) `._r7 LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION SCALE 1" = 200' A COMPILED PLAN RESIDENTIAL ,-:'' • W.411°.51211. 1 r-, i t / / 411116- ` �) P N FIELD _✓ TOWN --Pc), OE ,s� ti ria II i , i ..1 . I I I CO I ' X a RESIDENTIAL LGARDENS I ) .,� e I _ f WETLANDS IpYLwILD E f xll / , ', r e z / //////::;--,121—_,,:: ::; 250 1f 1 ;V a/ / zeo RESIDENTIAL cY. PARKING I 'wtMIDDLESTREET -,:=?,4 RESIDENTIAL Idylwilde Surrounded by a residential neighborhood, this area is typical of Lexington's vanishing agrarian past. Today community gardens occupy the west- ern bank of the brook, affording residents an opportunity to raise vegetables, offset inflation, and put the land to good use. Most of the site drains north- ward to the Hobbs Brook reservoir, while a small portion drains toward the cen- ter of Town via the Vine Brook. A large meadow provides a potential for field sports with access from Middle and Lincoln Streets. ui r o I i WEST FARM Pyh4:14 ., LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION SCALE 1" = 100' 8/10/7 ei,_ •., RESIDENTIAL F\ r �, \ l` . tir /l �\ �1 OAK ° I ST //' :-_ c , .. . ( ‘\,,,f,--:;.i 1-'''' '-'' ','171.k. -:.. :.-`„-- ,,,, - k. �' � �---CART O I � \...--- �� j OA ; ) 1 2so RESIDENTIAL \ \I ( \ \ \ \ ,,,\ \ \ '\,,_.,..,. V\ ‘ I n\,... Nr.._<...,,,,r_.,,..,.. ---.....„.„,_.........7 -7 -\\\,\\\ \\\\ _. ,,�CULTIVATED ee � � \ N` � ~ �, `� CtI,� Lexington, WILSON FARM \�\• \, ` a3o} \� \aso i �^ through its �` ` \ t 2ao ( 240 220 Conservation 9sJ, Commission, has \ \--. --• obtained an agree- l�-f `\ l I ,' t,4.,\ �� \zo0 !'- E ` ment with the owners1--.7: ',.4",,,k� u of this picturesque CSO �� ) ., • hillside farm to pre- ti ° ` \ `- serve some of rural Lex- B,p �.. ington. Under a life- O® � 3ti ti o e tenancy.. purchase, the / -? ,; m T�'��° a farm continues to be used --'11 : ...Gr�',r` ;w ';w`:, ' by the owner as a farm, and ; = . � ' M 1 the public may use the hill- .-':\-:< . :.`''- ` ` 3 \ t side for winter sports. Win- \ �, s;,,••' � ter visitors are asked to re- \ gd spect the farmer's wishes while ,, ��� +,.,,a,.-31-'''^e.3",, �:,\ ` \ �\ 'G using the area for sledding, , �,%t� '-;:l'-'`,M, \� '----- cross-country skiing, etc. i f''''t ' X'c,, r- / When the present owner ceases RESIDENTIAL \`°.:. `� ,r RESIDENTIAL to reside and work on the farm- 1 " `,',,% stead, the townspeople will ; ; 5f' 1*Z have full year-round access -' 3,'-,''N with appropriate passive out- ,` �Ct � 2 door recreation available. *P Best access for winter sports is from Oak Street as shown LEGEND , A COMPILED PLAN on the map. PROPERTY LINE --- --- WETLANDS I. -y= �t� �� TREE LINE'. "1064% . � CONTOUR LINE �" PATH =- - - -- _ '�250- (elev. above mean sea level) .` ,.— 1A/r D LEGEND / \ - PROPERTY LINE-------- ) rk ,-- (G. -- 1 v TREE LINE l 3 ° 1 PATH '" _ /i r �~ ' � faf ' ;\ WETLANDS �' vc41116. ` G �� .� _ 230 I E.,'.n.,,,::^r` ,�' l CONTOUR LINE --...—..—.--`'�'250— GO--1‘C..0 �� ��` / ` � / (elev.above mean sea level)��--; g (+242 \N / . '." 4, -.2•GE.4 4.. 1 \,,,, ,N\N" -..-i',. -, : , S5c55, ' JUNIPER / \\ 220 I \ ' / . , 1 Ns. < I Et1 c[t7 [3 ,q3r •C. <"rfio o,a`p n„� 4 ffJ I` 4' r' <•ja�.,', •>tC8,.'yL�,G;S;>r,•• \ f.e. •) - ..f3. <,C.Fcf<..,. �.•{j�3`.�jJ, of?' €)7•el Y-;-<��,.°.`G�•:.. / I,J I 1 ', / ,cc,` "Ei.i•L?G5.) / 'EU.,� fi' ;>1 C)3 rs11 -, ��£fn; ' � ii ',1 / — CONSERVATION/ -1:!..',,,,,:`: o.�. ``', ;. 4y1 `i 1 , EASEMENT ,I o 4 / / ` / [ EO e G ,%•-,--,v4.::,',0-•, •L t,-_ — \ t3 c• ` / \\ / `C,f.7}YS'.• F'}3`; .c.:,<;a,?<£''G.:::kf`• /.{plc. .'�y 4;;rl cf \ :,,. \ \ ---_i „/„‹..,`/ / .fi,c( c'..3'u!'..''.,,%.., `f'''''' :' 1 r l <c?..0-7>.•,,,`.4..,,z,' il » P,?,+;.: ��\ i_7 �. / /`� `cp \ 'LeU.`'f3� 'ia£V UPJ" ��� ) 'e E) .>t? , 'e'" • , 3€3'r,'t`,'.Cff'' // ' .' �f fC3�fE V' 1 r 1 3. J. E'�•(?' � :: 3 n'' f/-` _f. ?°,3`‘`''',f. f3 ft tF`. l f3 cc,. rJ i a,,,y-,, \,..' 210 J/ F;\s5,4< / P-,` '!•:,:,,e.-,1 •+" j1 • 1 -r3' 3fi t3 zJ ; c>•, Lf O Q,,�r �3:°cFFe ff / .`d..,` ,0,[3r ` F3" 3 ) '�F,33`�1(,,,r`�, / t' E33 2 , t',,77.-74..,,,,,7,--,`-'..,_. . �< ". c;', A`451. 3'c • °'•c4')t.„,• C Eti'°`•'�' f,�f3'V s3 ”' - tJ ?f,.` .�,?),<;,.9'-,3, -3QE .F�� i3o�. �aaU I / �,, .,���•••'"" , ,,,,,.J ' 200 f n) 'CPI c ,'''= • •ns�:.!.?",,!j,j<`Fc ]4 \ °iP) ' F `�,to t)u ?,F.� €J E3 fe9`•'• r .�i, ..e .�' r F �3) <<.3,;, F; 4 �,?e3 t)'6 e+ .,,>ei'. / F3 -3 )C1 V • 'c-f�G.E >.•• ,;L::.,""'q C3�. r? i_ O d , C� 1 '' '� - f. RED MAPLES �' �• ff €)fo>[) In t f € ? �•FL �tF •; £<"vvrt�. F s>'i), n z r' 3 U £',), 1 C' 3 c .,f3 G. f„ '-''• Ci.'•f? S; o J', O 7,�'o� •e$•<?� r`,�. 3.'. r,n, 'F� ,[�' P,c ta,.& -�c3 y ,cv .aGC�3 , f �C3 &v i `[S3<<r; ,F=3«5. •.,,£� - rr.-cGx .iz ',g,.„r°•e ,`<?,%, ?' E''3,)cC),.]• °' ,A9.,,`,'; 1, .iicr�� •�,.< )3.9'<`'3.c:,c ;: 't)�"'o 1���.a4;'1-9'1,' ,' •� -.v �f?• Cf j3-P" ?".�'c.3- csa, Jf cb.'sa c3 � 'r: •C• :°3' r,`7= R .''r.5'3;• O a 2c cT::Crfj oE'>;°q F3 <,3, >� �� • [1 ° (o'3,< :i£ f,' �,<,,' ' L" c. .,' `C0r',1 < 2E' 1 190 1 • ,CI,'c3,,.'�2[,3,". ;�,C. '.�.ffJ•; r';C3C'F c,. ,< c4:`:FY rc ei t�3>`+,c,,,,.`„,6,"-,''.',e0,,,,,`..",11.' 3 <<LC?�� 13&,o.;u�rjf� <,,,,;•.'•';, c 7``,''t' .5',,',6..'• V' Srr WETLAND AREA eP' c+''F -F•F� ,r63 Fi•,.' e' 'a c3 c3,'i.-0 F:' •• £3>' h Cfc G. (.. i J i,{,, �c� `;r E3[ R)s-G c�?"'3Jc,.£ 4c Ct''•. c C-0 f f .; < o•',`f;.,., )< oRp'U<•`c..f f b3, `J,F ; Z co3`?:2,,`,3':2' 'c t3>'•;e> C., 'G,', F y tn>o�3,� d „6:.;E`-3 cc`EJ', <•.> .r ) •il:-':;'...',„- •,,,••f3 f3 Ci.f?...,.E''',EP-, 3 J .c> `3i c``>. '' 3.. "J Z >' )E.] F)n t`Fg 1t<`•••5'„�•+&' •`'£' v ,(3C3 F' 'v.r;. f' 'J`,-'•<, . €' ;>,' F) fso Fa cam;° f>' 1 u) r �< .o v ,�E• f) v vF�' -'f,3'f ”;`>Z`n•,>,,r -� cf JJ U F3 e f�:�y�,S r UY>'u c r .l!, E�•<V��3 a,o'+. `f' eS', fo r FrS'.s Fc,; W. E),• c E'•'. 4)f,:`•'' '<,.P- .^J:J• •,:l' �. xC�,,.cl hs.`f;.7r!'.4E'. . rf,'`f 6,-.0,,,, `:d.CUFJC`,t✓''.,v.G'v E., ., C��•3,1„Erl,'q'C3•-<•';ch`- C-O ,f 3 [ o •{3? .j n�.fa )£ r.,°`•ti;'tJ' ) �)oc `23`>c'iF =):cC3' ? or 7•a•c4.+. Ea<,T ” `; , .1(L ,� 3 3 1 <.v3. ° a '' Ey3•,,� i'''.41‘1"' )r C'E F, �, Ff3) .5'n.c ,. r3l'8':,,:.."''''); �u V v` ) .&3c':J.o `7 C,. ' F3 C f FE3 ©e-T< �.1. :t'� j i..t'd {9.` d 4?, ? o.. e�P?;Lf r�f;,f� �y� y�.f C3 i� "tfj� :s'o•,,r Ej•>, !'C rl•r,Fj.:"•:;;c11°;?:!;' � V �'R':b�.?c•v '. '''444411\444444%.4404444.4.44.44 .1 ..O f >:,'(74 Cli) • -�.� .•e'3'.g''.-• ''-,�°o'er'.. "-�% •)`�a ',°'''C,'UA �ff3' £i).'• , �. lCo' L't'.'�"e Vic. 91E ;<ry<L ;n 4u0" ;Yr'�co` II �_� <3E, £, F)' 63��' { <<t JUNIPER HILL ' � IHOBB'S 'c,,C'oq £sE., 1 8ADa 3 e°`3` FRRyBROOK ytFa e < e J RD LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 1 c Co lex, Air ee _- e SCALE 1 200 '4ir�q A A COMPILED PLAN M Juniper Hill Known also as Cedar Hill, this small knoll is surrounded by meadow and marsh. The hill itself is studded with eastern red cedar and other plants indigenous to dry hillsides with shal- low soils while the surrounding low lands contain numerous mature trees including large red oaks, swamp white oaks and many early age red maples. Best access to this 26-acre site is from Concord Avenue. wr P 4 WHIPPLE HILL WINCHESTER _ -ammem.11MMin, 0.0. re"'. , 300 l _ o 7- _ c 5'S�� N ,�,�ti,t7,. ;'rJ,^�,P,63. !, ''',‘','-' 4 //PON 250 PNT'1 ;',J� r \ 300 S `'.of e..r, , ✓� — L 37A ,`., '' ,, , ° I I M� � SCALE 1" = 600 1/10/78 .; i.-J. , + `y 1. II n,' , . ♦♦ O `,:',,.:,,,,;'?.;`'Y'," J '7.. .J.�./ J�IBJ a II �0.. Z 0 \ . ''.,- ,--,4,:',7!;-:'':'."/:.‘;'.,,-?.-,:,1"-,-.-;;7,11;7, ! ,,,,,,2„,,, . a I-., U' f >® x G--° ` \\ . 300 ems,• :' � �. `r `{1/1 f. I I A COMPILED PLAN v 1 -6 M LEXINGTON � .. ,• c' _�;r .` �,. \\\` .`G`\: G O N � v,J'� „',.;‘,c:,6,-`-''':y c,,.:• v'H • r,Q c, '' I k� ” \ r ' CONSERVATION = .`-'1,f,,, �,�'300 • kms, ! ` ,\ ,7-76 1 / COMMISSION ... ,,,,,,,,,, .,, rq 11 y� A, r Al7� I f � ,, 200......] 1 ^ LEGEND �' .4 PROPERTY LINE --- -�` ,; C ;L1* �� I. PATH ) ST WETLANDS &. ,`= .� -ak. .I. r �--` ® CONTOUR LINE ----------250— SUMMER ST. P (elev. obove meon sea level) _r Whipple Hill Located in the eastern corner of the Town, this area the second largest conservation parcel in Town (150+ acres) . The highest point in Lexington is located here (374 feet above mean sea lev- el) and offers vistas of the surrounding countryside. From the summit of Whipple Hill several trails descend among ledge outcroppings and mature stands of northern hardwoods to Little's Pond. Some of the most rugged and varied terrain in the Town can be found in this area. Little's Pond, 145 feet below the summit of Whipple Hill, offers fishing and ice skating and a nature study area throughout the seasons. Intermittent streams flow from opposide ends of the pond, one northeasterly into Winchester conservation land, the other flowing southerly, exiting at Summer Street. Numerous trails traverse the area, permitting the visitor the opportunity to observe the many different plant associations of swathps, meadows and hillsides. Enter at Winchester Drive at the Winchester Town line and along Summer Street. w r D a_^ , Shaker Glen A tributary of the Shaker Glen Brook emanates from this 16- acre property. A small farm pond and abondoned fields are indicative of the land's former agricultural use. Most of the area is forested with ash, oak, elm and hickory trees, many of which have reach- ed substantial size. A walking path runs along the eastern flank of the ridge, with several lateral paths, providing opportunities to view the stream and bordering wetlands. Prime accesses are from both ends of Rolfe Road. LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION 11� '��_� �-EXON°t0 5 w°soRN .•• _\ 1.0 -., � I SHAKER GLEN 210\ ; .<:','�a':'„..--'P . // _DOUGLAS sr ▪ ,�3.. . req.,.4Y • c� !`l1 II" 9" \\ — '�c �JI,4\?:;�3r�:t^.7 Td 1sT'. '3;F �` fJ,rr; p �,Ic : �\ ' :.,',.)9,0:),-,-,)::,i °F.trj,6:Joe r +` ,,, \9�\� SCALE 1" - 200 1/16/76 \,,, '—°!..;;,..,;• *::$1,,,t>> F�\S1g7E r . \ 1r \ A COMPILED PLAN J`lb;,�- .;+�'f` a ▪ ,�<4c-':';',1.7:;,.? --nL W� 1 +234.2..,'t , �<? VVV ,y' _ '' 230 . ?, �, n 2, ,L�wa�r:�;�2- 3. / 220 ,:c9:4;),-;k,..°',, ``;, :�A,,I 2."5.,.;y?fV", �;• 5.��• �`'r'''rG0 .J ,,c am•?? ' 1 `1 FOREST CANOPY;,', ° ,, 91';;;° .M .�'���,:.',..,...:,,,...,.:..,„;,,,,,,,,,,m. , < fi .ry r c.tj`w•.`�E,�`'�^J(.�'/��`o`�,:,,,:,;!..c.,; e'„+`� n;�` ,°. •r,,• o' ' +2194}'^B:J 7„..,„,,,,, 3' Wittez ,J ,, ¢ ; ., CONSERVATION ',',,:- -3 fi • � ,3r,,;T. r,*o EASEMENT f'1, ,`.62°'' 'o e t �a „ri F M'ti � .▪"Y;'%• r .,p er' .� - n ,w-.?:4^u �.^ ;'-cam'. -,;'•:4�� �,");J ,✓' )Cc < c.P;,-r, p, i :i/� / /POND] -- f 3 f2,' 3 " Q[. � � � ..i ';,'53(;";:(' ( �' �'% .- x190, ` *. I ` ' .93:'CIC',•( F2 IA ROLFE I "/l o '`'> ;. ,r <> ROLFE RD. __ R if f�yGrct 'c,G'"rV• , ji '4,'°:CS'::J, ', MEADOW 200 Z = . ;;. jg. .`;',...i. ,,..1'.;',5';<�' J'�''-• ',�'.C'Lpi:C.,'' rj-"- P'f J��ct� r '; 7'L'',�..,, �' ,•',71",:b Gf rs itfJ' `' �J ,�`';;.t3,''t'O,. .e,..„,..-c; LEGEND PATH -- == = == = LOWELL S.T. PROPERTY LINE ___ �_.__ WETLANDS A. .111._ A. AL -\,„ : _ CONTOUR LINE - - -----.250- TREE LINE, . (elev.above mean sea level) --_,,r-? W r P u.i w 1__________6_____ 2ENTIARTElGHTS MASSACHUSETTS AVE. , RESIDENTIAL N io co <<.L3<.:0' , c .. ;� 4 m _ i; RESIDENTIAL HILLS�pF I = ` 230` c3' (i `Fi . ; ,--Fr„- t: _ AVE 240 4j t -- ; 4110. 4 't 6"(`-'-`-`'I' ,� ,.. P — `c. `k`- c34t�4E„..cEic''-? c771,-..... •---�r�J� ,\�i;"7"L- Y7”- ) dL � ? . QJ _ c� ",c. 1—. ..;13:-t:"?�—,^•`c4�t .<3 `s' t`y ie>` "s � { c:. .> �"3.` ?f • E t c t>�� ``� cFf,4"`<>, ' ''''''•`',''',3, /, ` `�s'77.'260 `' ` '�„F ;�4� ' r� �= ?2 �� ��� �\ t �C Sji4 \�4 4L �` ,(:- -(� Vis;—, LEXINGTON s��,• .,-..:2,7,9,. .,',,,.,-„,- ,,,,,-..-1 „4 ,4 _ CONSERVATION COMMISSION £ 2'OV� <''ty . " ;, `4; ` ' LLS.`, ,. 3 4j�s E[ N __ v , - W SCALE 1" = 200' 10/6/76 z z \—J m i\I 1 Q z A COMPILED PLAN = QI p1 f Liberty Heights This 5.5 acre parcel provides open space in one of Lex- ington's most highly developed sections. Heavily for- ested with mature red and white oak, ash, hickory and cherry trees, Li- berty Heights serves as a noise buffer and refreshing touch of green in an urbanized area. Access is by path from Bowker- Street or Hillside Ave. LEGEND PROPERTY LINE --- --- TREE LINE„{;'q• ; °.wVW" 014401* - PATH - —___ — WETLANDS 1&.. -\4 yr AL _W, CONTOUR LINE --------x.250, (elev.above mean sea level) a yr--) wro 0 Hayden Woods Varying from wooded slope to wetlands, this area provides opportunities to experience the flora and fauna character- istic of the New England countryside. The heavy undergrowth in the wet- lands and along the perimeter of the meadows provides excellent habitat for many wildlife species. Several cart roads and many stone fences are ' still in evidence throughout the 64-acre site. Access can be gained at Cutler Farm Road or Valleyfield Street. SCHOOL GRASSIgNp ST cBROOK cs' _._„-,„,_ ,- -•�� __ �V „ ,, __ ,......._ ,.__, / _____—,„::::—.,55.55” ......._,..., ..—,.. ,. I) , , ,,ty ` v,7,,, , , .... �.__ fW ,- ,',,'� ,,,41'.x... CULTIVATED al/ Allitir ..."*.i,... ) ;2) ''-------------'----'".."." l / W I 1...... , i ,,,,j „I 4-.:z Q. i ...„ 1) . 1, j , 4... t ,., ,„ .,._j _ , ,,, /..,"„,64.-1v,,- , ail WETLAND AREA ' Fr �. ;'',e7n /teqsF;?'rid 1 l--220 l .�E \(.1 420 T. r �fC� f ; \\ ,-.%;:�i',,c, ♦ = 1 J Th �. ' �' '.�? . 11 X2,0 ^rG �' Q '- 1 !F�` I FOREST CANOPIf�. ;r` -�� 3 ;�{;�PINE I MAPLE" OAR`;?•,•' � e�. 1 �" i. .;.,." 'j a ,+2',;', Aq , .,,c3:9',,,,,,0. ^. ,',."^•: ' 1 ( --- 230 .iC` .����'r�'�v`i'f??�^ "' ..''',6'...c ,':';' . �.,`.,h" �./ ��. e ,` 200e" / 1 l \ i �O �� _ / ��� 220 R /i W.R GRACE ,l /i -- HAYDEN RwSE 2 SCALE 1" =600' 1/5/78 A COMPILED PLAN LEGEND PROPERTY LINE --- --- HAYDEN WOODS TREE LINE ,; 41410" LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION PATH f-- - — WETLANDS . ,'= .114. Aft.. .14. :ti„ CONTOUR LINE ---------250— ' (elev. above mean sea level) _,y,r- Dunback Meadow The Clematis Brook flows southerly through this 140+_ acre parcel, eventually emptying into the Beaver Brook in Belmont. The major- ity of the site is open and rolling in nature, with red maple swamp, pine grove and mixed hardwood trees growing in the southern and eastern portions of the site. Historically, this area has been farmed since the earliest days of settlement of the Town, and it is this type of bottom land that made Middlesex County fifth among coun- ties of the U.S. in the value of vegetables grown for market after World War I. Today the land is used as an outdoor class- room by nearby schools as well as by hikers, equestrians, joggers, cross-country skiers, community gardeners and other seekers of passive recreation. Access can be gained `,:,`° from Allen Street, Brookside Avenue or '4 Ww�., Marrett Road. W w Aa ORTHEN RD UPPER VINE BROOK AREAS B A C K MEADOW � M.Gc,7.. '_AN '6,5'., � L,feL,:. � ; w, SCA L 1� 600` ,,z,: ;: 4 G'.o.°i.�Civ , `.k*.... ,oA .Jo ;2 •. . G�ti '' ' CONSERVATION _ .,,R001.,,,,?,,,4`,--, , Q� b::„..-‘,.'2a' C. \ ���L 1 ,, ,3 •Y, MARRETT RD. ,,t , yr ;_ 210 — 1 (, �sy s'l. i 4e ig I y c MEADOW CLARKS ' J/tZ ' '' JR. HIGH I' L >. SCHOOL i 210 210;V:43::: �^��a`.,, FOOT / Ji h"BRIDGE �'�zzo-i /.� 5; 'c''4 Y. Pit-- -,-----.... .:,. Agfili1118 1' \--- ............___ ..- oir oy ''''....;,:`\•, ,GARDENS 1 1 / s 0 9 "J.> �''_PINES;.. 9.+ / /�� ,3,,,,a.,,e,, \\\ 74. J........-_,....--"#"'•-...j ....,.. F4:2_, \ ir,7/ FRANKLIN � ,1FRA KLIN jl , \ _____.- --1:...,-- ..• .2, w t• , b % ` _ . ? t•. y SCHOOL / '7so ♦ -- - e ° ��o ; WL , ..,„ .. , I ® i r- 1^ I G 240 a a•: ,tt 1 leo ' �� , LEGEND \,'.` ` //Q V ,-J/ .. ;' f;. "..' PROPERTY LINE --- (IFN ��'=_ « 3 g ,\ f.--,.:.•c"▪ ,y7c i TREE LINE �;.Pa,; 4., J.;, 'G r' �a EP_'(''.�'; �:; • ,.?,▪ dPATH = s. ye, n-; ..A , WETLANDS . vl, AL \ CONTOUR LINE ------ a BOWMAN '250— i 1=G .44— SCHOOL -183-elev. above mean sea level) �r� ti�� t Paint Mine Area (Turning Mill) This area gains its name from the paint mine (providing natural pigments) that once flourished here after the Civil War. This 35-acre parcel has recently been trans- ferred from Town general purpose land to Town conservation land, thus as- suring preservation of its character. A tributary of the Simonds or Far- ley Brook originates here, flowing westerly through a maze of man-made ponds before joining the main channel in Tophet Swamp. Several easements trisect the area and provide walking paths and access to most points. Various factors, including the north facing slope, have given rise to plant species usually associated with more northerly weather zones. Among these species are canoe birch, American beech and Eastern or Canadian hemlock. Enter from Grove Street, Turning Mill Road, Estabrook School or the Hennessy recreation land off Robinson Road. 9 N,, o.,toN PAINT MINE AREA tadiLEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION •'i1vRN►NG �MILt - --_� \ \ 190kr4.-_,.. • ' • \ 160 \e \•\� ,L.. 10 `\ SCALE 1" = 500' 6/6/76 • ;. . , �� \ PAINT MINE SITE •-, % &,:- ' - ,,;,,,, '`F, ' ." RESIDENTIAL A COMPILED PLAN O a ; .;. °`3 \° '' .-. ----`___-_-- J RESIDENTIAL <°).. ``. °;, :;� N 2 • :3 ` TOWN \ Sa..-:; . \ HEMLOCKS\ RECREATION LAND` /' O '& ,�o•.,-, Ns\ 1�'BEECH t \�L X120 it" 3 ''4°: (>'\\' 0*;,?, E.,•,;')1, 150 ` •-w?��." �* ROBINSON 3\',,\:.7:.,.7tj,!,,: '�'_ \ c- . t _ t t`.� i ,;, �..._/' '200 • L .:,.A.4;''' `,.:Sorg ,1)1)\ --� J N 1 9 '° ' ''E I ( `I ESTABROOK PONDS "`d I SCHOOL s ,� 1 Ili RESIDENTIAL ') % II [ __ __ / h- -, lilt \I ---1 ke s> 1 //11 /1,,,,,1 le LEGEND / 4DENTIA7 -. PROPERTY LINE • --- --- % TREE LINE=D16ita" °' aQ PATH ::: == === _ WETLANDS yk. ,'z• ji_ si.. AL .\,„ CONTOUR LINE -------'250- (elev.above mean sea level) `,,,_,o--) \A/!' D Willard's Woods - The initial 58 acres of this outdoor recreation area was acquired by the Town in 1958. Several parcels, four of , which are conservation land, have been added, to bring the total contiguous open land to 100 acres. A bicycle path from Hathaway Road to North Street, as well as numerous trails, bisect the area, offering access for recreation and a pleasant way to traverse this section. Many indications of the area's agrarian past are still in evidence, including stone fences, orchards, a man-made pond and fields. Many of these fields have begun to revert to forest as pio- NORTH ST. , �'� l neer plants edge into the clear- 1•17:5R11-1 ,;<�, ,' �LPARKING �— _ in and Mother Nature erases ` ,` � � " ���� OPEN \ man's handiwork. Some fields, ,i;1,-,`,.-':',',,, I I ORCHARD \ ---- nesting are mowed after the •••. ,, FIELD \ �`` ,ePO' D nesting season in order to v \`1\PICNIC AREA 11 RESIDENTIAL maintain vistas and open I _*'''',/-1! \\ space for field sports and _. _ l \\ �C. / picnic areas. \\ 200 5 �a ,. je-WETLANDS \ �� ,F� \ Y `i x The best access is at North �� �5 ��` __ m i� w� _ Street where limited park- U 7�: '� -- .` `'4, `/ = \ ing is available. ,frig+ '•f9 S'q:`"p�[•,F>.`• .,; ...1 '".m:.. RESIDENTIAL rx_: :::%.,,'.'q.-.E`i'io '6) -'7:\ '9 »;; ,„.,.. .).,.. •••• E . 7 ... .No J2,. • LONGFE((Ow Q�� >`" h' �n>` 4 (' € TIAL• w i -' `a / ''gin <, '4.,1 t4Q_ LEGEND •'. �s,, t ,d_ -- ___ PROPERTY LINE --- --- z • .3; WETLANDS \ TREE LINEMVW% Mitt RESIDENTIAL -si- )w , i u PATH - -= _ -='_- — - Q ' i Ai DIAMOND JR. WETLANDS k. ,d- � r ti, HIGH SCHOOL �- - - ;.�n€ \ f =a� CONTOUR LINE ` ' '_250-^ 0 '°° (i ,1 Y1.` (elev.above mean sea level) r- O � ?s 1 �� PARKING ' 00 • /- •. CH IE5A M ADOW - .._.„.46);( II / CONSERVATIONS AREA ,, \•;�+; BURL/A, ,--it,' 10 o REISIDENTIAL WILLARDS WOODS HANCOCK ST.` ' SCALE 1" . 600' 6/10/76 "— LEXINGTON CONSERVATION A COMPILED PLAN COMMISSION W_C_P LOWER VINE BROOK LEXINGTON CONSERVATION SCALE 1"=600' çP11 EAST Oci -- 2y RESIDENTIAL �V -'.\\\ i LACONIA STREEt ii D ,6MERSON RD C---- , � a'°�1TOWN IS * SCHOOL �II�E I,t'P � . 3 x � SIT E) O �c1"�o• zio/ tb,,rrf / )licb• CONSERVATION <3''' EASEMENT � c:`,. // RESIDENTIAL CTO EAST 5 230 ,c.-'.(r..- e' `///� //h �< a,,-, c,2,. y Pt '..— 2so RESIDENTIAL �f ,OAK-PINE yt <_i4'4 /� / O .....- 'W' '-'">- k,.:• Tr.t--;,(W,,..r..-4,:..,,,, Ive .::< C C o „,„,:,.,,,,i4 F3•, -4 cit. I ! , , Q : 4qi ; • ''C'.`;t.� Can �'I '� • ' 4,,, ... ORD 4;' 4:: / ��° , 14• i:i'Ve V A rF° , i. ra ', ;'s• 47 . .."----- \\I:1715A 1 / ' .i -- II- - ® e \ _ V? co \\ �� J<1' O O --- `rte /11110 \...... _vg- 1 - G � RESIDENTIAL ' � S OLD GRAVEL PIT s� CONSERV TION , . s ASEMENT o ' / 1� 4- 7 ti �• E- F,�• = '' • TURNERS I4 I Lt-. a. p h`!'• ,c• FSr A- • I• , ! ,//��\\ lqCi:::-.V-44:4 ,' •I _ \ , A short distance east of the town center and straddling the Vine Brook as it courses into Burlington lies a patchwork of Town conserva- tion land and easements ultimately providing over 100 acres of open space along the stream LEGEND from East Street to Hayes Lane. PROPERTY LINE------ --- A bike path will eventually thread its way TREE LINE`� Y' �,: 14100k through these parcels and allow non-motorized PATH = = — ---=== —-- " vehicles and pedestrians to travel from scat- tered residential neighborhoods to the Town WETLANDS 1. center. CONTOUR LINE -----' 250— (elev. 50,(elev.above mean sea level) -,-,e- SIMONDS BROOK LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION A COMPILED PLAN ,... it, ..0,.. S:LE1 " z: 41100' 1 12 ., C i • '." ' ' PAINT MINE' . . 1, et 540 I" i t . '- :.• ,: fae ,„ `. CO/4*ern V AMON ARICA. 4: .. •-' q , ' • V:'" '' 0 ' , 0-A. „,‘ ..ia.r .4."`-' . *''., ' - ' " 1 .4 ,, 2.76; "e \ gig511711iNTIA.L 4'26'-'14'1 .4' :4•- Poi 4' 1 e '• „ 0 41110 iiSrla..grooic. SC1400" 1 0' I 4 „if . illik ,, ....4).4$• ..40•' ' ..3- // I : .' r.: '.. -,,a•: .„,,i -it ,,, .....er. • -, -4,-,7:-:;--.4v ( 41' 4'' zi,'gt . °."! ., % \\\•.............„....,"" , s`f8.2 g.:-•°:. * • ,... f ..... . ...;op.,. i .. 4 », ,. N ‹e-----Z r ...• r. 44 II \ \ZS/4*C; •$1 1 mr a.. 1 ..it r ...___ 4 V ' ‘I. i rili giS I 17114411AIL. .14 / .?*/* lii 44 V / ikt III i I I ...' AI ,,,,, i ' • ,... / \ 44- s alliallini -":"."-- --...., -.4- ? i .... \ # .10 t41t— \sic /111 HA ir t . , op ....._ 1 . —1 .....” ..7 i \ , 0 t Iiiiill, li LEG(N: .-- ' PROPERTY LINE-------- - -411' -'''''' TREE LINE 1X16241% are:, .,.....,_,,, .... k\ z -r-oPtiorr '3Viihitsiix WETLANDS is.. 1r- ji. A. ,112.. ....suL. tt CONTOUR LINE (elev.above mean sea level) ,... ,-> Simonds Brook To the west of Grove Street lie three separ- ate parcels totaling 75 acres and known col- lectively as the Simonds Brook area. Most of the land is seasonally wet and is drained by the Simonds and Turning Mill brooks into the main part of Tophet Swamp and thence into the Shawsheen river. This area, 15 percent of which was donated to Lexington, provides water retention, wildlife habitat and passive recreation. Enter from Grove Street. 9A/011 Oft * 29.5 ACRES CONCORD AVENUE CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATIONLEXINGT LEGEND 13 A COMPILED PLAN COMMISSION PROPERTY LINE , --- ---- SCALE 1" .600' TREE LINE '',... ,<. "! -.4114t PATH , === =— _— WETLANDS k. _\14. AL % 1. CONTOUR LINE — p X250- > gr (elev.above mean sea level) . ..-- p ‘, \ , 0 1- io �2�- EASEMENT i NCORD AVENUE S �--- 1. C® ti, -,it.," MI t4 ., e.tPt.›,,s1. 1 . v, •\ -. ':. , r �, °#, Gam\ l / E9.' . !1,*"''�' •s . / Era ?.•4' .: rn n:.\\4 . tA y� `� co co 0 f �; +�,:� e63� ;. �<, 300 ee ,,448 300 e•°� o. ,J ��' \ �'�7 THIS AREA TO BE \ Kti* -"L _) CONVEYED TO THE TOWN Concord Avenue Conservation Area As shown on the above map, two parcels of conservation or land will in the near future be connected by the addition of II II the Planned Unit Development concept. Through the efforts of , ; ,t the Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Conservation Commis- sion, the stream and abutting wetlands on the west will be linked with the hillside to the east. The area will then be about 30 acres in size with County and M.D.C. open lands abut-. ting on the south. • tie ji . v /A*A . J }.#1 \ ;y �,, h Daisy Wilson Meadowland ~wive ',. f .,.. . ,,7" Nestled in a south facing hollow of Mt. Independence, • (4:1: 940 this meadow and the old Wilson farmstead were saved @G0' from development by the hard work of a neighborhood e� i �1y association and the Conservation Commission. Compare id 7�: - �1 h :, . P the passive solar house recently constructed nearby ti /'N, and the continuous architecture of the Greek revival \ farmhouse of the 19th century that also makes wise oe 4 14 use of solar energy. ,c DAISY WILSON MEADOWLAND NIN.,....-," _ / '*,+CEyS/O,�il.'TlAL .4•'Is; -,,j ii S h FON i st >fa `• .E.1• "'* Ir - itS RE5(PEN T7AL g! ---: SCALE ! aGUO � a�sIDEarrr , �„�JP r A COMPILED PLAN 4r, LEGEND _`�---aid l �-i PROPERTY LINE----;--- ._-- TREE LINEo . "'> .. An..??- PATH r PATH ====== == ,....................„,..„:„; WETLANDS NL 14- O.114. - CONTOUR LINE --♦--.._:..-- �� (elev.above mean sea level) 250_ ..) LEXIM 1t il GRC' 'N 15 PARKER MEADOW Encompassing 17.5 acres of meadow and woodlands this area is named in honor of its previous owner, Jonas Parker who died in the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775 while serving as a member of Lexington's Minute Company. The North Lexington Brook courses through this area which contains the last important wetlands in the upper reaches of the stream. Buried in pipes from its headwaters on Concord Hill to the railroad right-of-way at Camillia Place, the stream emerges here on its way to Tophet Swamp and eventually the Shawsheen River in Bedford. Sediments and pollutants,as well as, storm waters generated by the urbanizing area upstream are mitigated by the natural wetlands that occur here. A small manmade pond has recently been enlarged to provide additional storm- water retention and recreational use. Enter from Revere St. or Hancock St. . LEXINGTON \41)CONSERVATION 'MMISSION A COMPILED PLAN :.a / COn / wy , TOWN .,..,::,:s2:- '''S\k0 4 � �7 71lIMi7ll LANDFILL SI t' :KgAt .r\, -44 -Ski. - 1.,,, ,'.,...:, '‘.;.-,''','.'.-.,','-, 1/*\\\ —16 � � --44. ;',,11:"L ss / - 2 k /� MEA4NEgVIL _.s r ac` CON5a-,2!/<iyr,�ON f(2EA AL -;`,",'.12,- — :44=,17`.:::--) i ,,—,i':1'.:171;"" 0/ ' r ' ''''''\'''''''''' '—' ' KAcTA N d[N _ PAEC`L. APPROVED L ' s 4 �tltl0 : - `„."r,- W 00 t'5 �: �~ FOR c.. saliva-rk v ,) _ A Cour -. ;' ' , TOWN 4" ,:, ::S.':;:'-, ,-,,._ x 1. • (SCHOOL sire) '' I F/ CtlN3£rA7ltly ) �t )6/ 49.7 4s . o T I / RES/D8 /AL I/ yfNc MEADOW `L \ . COUNTRY' crus R '' //1y 16 f `1 ;� TOPHET SWAMP , cov�sroaA A patchwork quilt of public and private 'Y / ownerships cover much of what is left ( / of the Tophet Swamp. In geologic times, RES!PONTIAC. ,`_ this area was a vast lake known to s scientists as Lake Concord. Eutrophication has filled the lake bed with deep deposits of peat. A number of sluggish streams . 'r *4. drain the area into the Shawsheen River which is immediately downstream in Bedford. '°v Through conservation acquisition and ease- SC SLE 1" :6001 o.® ments, the Conservation Commission is work- s ing to link open spaces and save this much PROPERTY LINE T� abused resource for it's numerous wetlands TREE LINE= `" values. Among these values are flood storage, PATH = " = =-=_ = stormwater abatement, wildlife habitat and WETLANDS &.. Au- .yt.. AL .1. prevention of pollution. 17 CRANBERRY HILL ACOMPILEDPLAN LEXINGTON CONSERVATION:. COMMISSION SCALE r =baa` MINUTE MAN . NATL. HIST. PARK FISKE HILL \ MASS. AVE . • A F / c i \ N � MINUTEMAN REG. VOC. TECH. SCHOOL i ----AC--As) \ ( \ \ NO ' , \�� � ) / ) � I ��—\ � ��I I �� I Traversed by the Lexington/ / ') / V { iJ Lincoln town boundary, the ((;� //nl \ I �1`�J/ summit (295 ° above mean '6,, o' �) ( sea level) and the majority ,,°, ;, . '* Q> ??i \� �1 ] of this tree-covered hill " '�' f � +3` 0 ,� f �,�r �A rests within a 24.8 tract i F'' h"'' ". w. of conservation land in 01:3..:; \ I IL, `1t.'�� ,� \ \ Lexington. Much of the �/ �/>£`'-` Ic3. surrounding land is under /' ' P11:4 e' \\1 -1 \ the aegis of various gover- 411116. ��; ��;. � nmental agencies (Minute- ,.t.1 ''' ° f 4.,,,/ Man National Historic Park, ,E `� ,,.f, . Hobbs Brook Reservoir, `/ ,;47.3 �%,/ �'�; Minute-Man Vocational Techni- / " //,. ! cal High School) which lends 2so - �) 1 .,,,.. ,. L� °r D'''e'. 1' to the openness of the area. \ ss` / 4' ' d / Oak, beech, birch and cherry °'' II`\.-�/" / trees struggle to maintain 250 '� �1 ( 1 / their foot hold in the sparse LEGEND HO - ; \) lFt, p0-K soil. Repeated brush fires RE9 and insect attacks (gypsy � moths, tent caterpillar, et al) - PROPERTY LINE --- --_ (CAM 'je��yEt have altered, but not stopped the TREE LINE G-'V -f); ��•-.(:.s"F cr chain of forest succession. Enter PATH = = = == ._.., by foot along power line access WETLANDS -1:. .Lz road. CONTOUR LINE ....-.---�.250— (elev. above mean sea level) ---�,.- war*rn