gowings swamp botanic hist or report

8/6/2019 Gowings Swamp Botanic Hist or Report

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GGoowwiinngg’’ss SSwwaammpp

aanndd TThhoorreeaauu’’ss BBoogg An Historic Wetland in Concord, MA

HISTORICAL SURVEY AND BOTANICAL INVENTORY

Published by Sudbury Valley Trustees, April 2010

Researched and prepared by Cherrie Corey, consulting naturalist

Project made possible through the generous support of the

Concord-Carlisle Community Chest and neighbors of Gowing’s Swamp



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Gowing’s Swamp, Historical Survey and Botanical Inventory 2009 -- 2

...It is in vain to dream of a wildness distant from ourselves. There is none such. It is the bog

in our brain and bowels, the primitive vigor of Nature in us, that inspires that dream..Consider how remote and novel that [Gowing's] swamp. Beneath it is a quaking bed of

sphagnum, and in it grow Andromeda polifolia, Kalmia glauca, Menyanthes, Gaylussacia

dumosa, Vaccinium oxycoccus, plants which scarcely a citizen of Concord ever sees. It would

be as novel to them to stand there as in a conservatory, or in Greenland...

Henry David Thoreau - August 30, 1856

Purpose of this ProjectThis project was undertaken to provide a consolidated historical summary and updated

botanical inventory and assessment of Gowing’s Swamp, a historically and scientifically

significant bog complex and glaciated landscape located in Concord, MA and partially ownedand stewarded by Sudbury Valley Trustees. In a time when there is both increasing public

interest in and potential development pressures on this ecologically rare and sensitive

landscape, this report provides a basis for determining future stewardship and conservationmanagement priorities, as well as a comprehensive benchmark from which to gauge changes

over time. The survey will also provide a basis for interpretation opportunities and

educational program planning.

Introduction and Summary

Gowing’s Swamp, an 8.9 acre wetland complex, is nestled within Concord’s agricultural EastQuarter and its American Mile historic

district, a short walk from famed

Meriam’s Corner. As both a uniquelycomplex wetland ecosystem and a

beautiful geologically sculpted

landscape, Gowing’s Swamp has madeits mark in literary and scientific

circles for more than 150 years. It

remains one of the longestcontinuously studied natural areas in

Concord, MA, if not beyond.

Gowing’s Swamp’s ecology and florarepresent a locally rare and thriving

example of a level bog ecosystem in the midst of a populated suburban neighborhood. It’sfloating sphagnum mat, ‘exotic’ northern plant community, and its serene location attractedThoreau’s devoted attention in the mid-19

thc., resulting in its continuous scientific study and

documentation on through the present. It is the crucible within which our modern scientific

understanding of peatland biochemistry and ecology in New England and more generally wasrefined.



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Gowing’s Swamp holds a place in literature and historical accounts as a landscape that

transports and transforms its visitors. It likely was an important natural and spiritual resourcefor this area’s earliest peoples as evidenced in a rich archaeological record (see Appendix A).

The historic cart path and agricultural fields to the east of the wetland were once part of

Concord’s Great Field. Now preserved, they continue to provide the experience of the

landscape as it was more than 350 years ago. The Minutemen passed along the bog’sshoreline on approach to their engagement with British soldiers at Meriam Corner on April

19, 1776. It has inspired many of Concord’s luminaries and those who study them from afar.

The juxtaposition of Gowing’s Swamp to town designated open spaces and the interlacing of trail networks continues to provide ongoing access for public enjoyment and foraging

wildlife. Without question, this special landscape continues to offer significant scientific and

public educational opportunities and nourishes, informs, and inspires all who walk its trails.

Plant Community Survey and Botanical Inventory

Contents of Botanical Review1. Plant community descriptions, including community structure and species

composition based on site visits which were conducted from January – December

2009.2. Lists of vascular plants, lichens, and a sampling of fungi. Lists include scientific

names based on Gleason and Cronquist’s Manual of Vascular Plants of NortheasternUnited States and Adjacent Canada and Sorrie and Somers’ Vascular Plants of

Massachusetts: A County Checklist . Two vascular plant lists include:

• Vascular species listed by site to indicate what is growing in each habitat andthe species relative abundance in that habitat.

• A complete list of all vascular and non-vascular plant species arranged

alphabetically by botanical family to show the total number of species, their

families, and rare or invasive status for the entire property.



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3. Plant Community and Trail Map.

4. The botanical inventory and photo documentation of prominent plant species and

significant fungi and lichen species will be shifted to a Filemaker database and made

available by the consulting botanist in 2010.

Summary of Botanical Findings1. Four prominent natural communities make up the landscape in and around Gowing’s

Swamp, and are described according to the Massachusetts draft list of natural

communities:

• Level bog with kettlehole level bog sub-community

• Woodland vernal pools – east, south, and west

• Mixed Deciduous Oak-White Pine forest (with overlapping sub-communities)

• Field and hedgerows

2. A total of 220 vascular and non-vascular species were identified on approximately

22.4 acres of wetland and terrestrial habitat (inclusive in contiguous properties owned

by Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT), Meriam Close Conservation Trust, and residentPaul Ware) with a total of 26 introduced or cultivated non-native species (or 12% of

the total species). Gowing’s Swamp’s level bog and level kettlehole bog habitats

comprise 8.9 acres of the survey area.

3. Gowing’s Swamp’s locally rare hydrogeology and botanical profile, it’s long historyof scientific and literary interest and documentation, and its relatively pristine

condition give it importance as one of the town’s and the region’s most significant

wetlands



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4. Gowing’s Swamp’s 8.9 acre level bog community appears to be comprised entirely of

native plant species.5. Two healthy stands of black spruce grow in Gowing’s Swamp. Black spruce is locally

rare in southern New England and this is the only known remaining station within the

town of Concord.

6. A dense tangle of invasive species dominates the eastern shoreline of Gowing’sSwamp and the field edges that abut it, providing a vigorous and self-perpetuating

seed source for the entire area. Eradication of these invasive plants (listed below)

along the northeastern corner of SVT property needs to be given high priority.Isolated patches of purple loosestrife east and north of the swamp ought to be

addressed as well. Buckthorn is taking hold in the forest understory, eventually

threatening native shrubs and wild flowers, and should be removed as resources allow.7. Rare or unusual plants for the property and the area include:

• Black spruce ( Picea marianna)

• Bog rosemary ( Andromeda polifolia)

• Bog or pale laurel ( Kalmia polifolia)

• Purple pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea)• Round-leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia)

• Small-flowered cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus)

• Tawny cotton sedge ( Eriophorum virginicum)

• 53 lichen species, including 3 not found elsewhere in the local area (Cladonia

incrassata, Parmeliopsis subambigua, and Pseudevernia consocians)

• Mountain holly ( Nemopanthus mucronatus)

The entire area in and around Gowing’s Swamp is part of a 2008 designated NHESP PriorityHabitat area.

Stewardship Recommendations

Protect sensitive species in their habitats

Plan public access guidelines, educational programs, and management/conservation prioritiesthat safeguard the plants and natural communities listed below

• Kettlehole level bog (southern end of wetland) – black spruce, purple pitcher-plant, bog rosemary, pale laurel, small-flowered cranberry, round-leaved sundew and

affiliated lichen species; a smaller dispersed ring of black spruce, tamarack, purple pitcher-plant, bog rosemary and associated lichen species grows in a shallower

kettlehole depression on the NW end of the wetland

• Three connected certified vernal pools (including Gowing’s Swamp and two outer

pools), plus one isolated woodland vernal pool, reside within the survey area. All butthe isolated vernal pool (on private property) are owned (or partially owned) and

monitored by SVT. All are state certified.

• Several hundred pink ladyslipper plants (Cyprepedium acaule) thrive in the forested

areas to the west and north of Gowing’s Swamp. One identified location for

rattlesnake plantain exists at the height of the western ridge. Though both species are

fairly common and widely distributed, orchids are difficult to propagate, grow veryslowly, and are often targets of poaching by aspiring gardeners.



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Control invasive exotic species according to sensitivity of the species/plant community they

impact, degree of invasiveness, and feasibility of control over time.

Priority:

• Oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, buckthorn, and Japanese honeysuckle along the

eastern shoreline comprise 95% of all plants along ENE shoreline of Gowing’s

Swamp

• Purple loosestrife in two locations: 1) the field along northeastern shoreline (part of Meriam Close Conservation Trust), and 2) in the private meadow (LeBlanc

conservation restriction) bordering SVT’s southeastern property line. While the

meadow is currently mowed each fall, consider talking to property owner aboutoptions for collaborative control of this plant.

•

Isolated barberries appear in a few edge locations around the survey area. Remove asfound.

Secondary:

• Buckthorn along northern and eastern shoreline (dense colony) and path and in forestunderstory along SE esker trail



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Tertiary:

• Buckthorn along SW shoreline and in forest understory down to shoreline on westernslope and around isolated woodland vernal pool

• Isolated autumn olive seedlings on northern edge of wet meadow and eastern edge of

cart path near outer, eastern pool. Large autumn olive shrubs alongwoodland/cemetery boundary can be left as resource for neighborhood harvest and

public education.

• Monitor large stand of Japanese knotweed along eastern shore of eastern vernal pool.Explore best measures to eradicate or control it.

Consider appropriate public uses

• Public access into Gowing’s Swamp and onto its floating sphagnum mat in non-winter months should be discouraged to prevent trampling or collecting of sensitive species

and potential for personal injury.

• Public programs generally should be limited to 16 participants including the leader to

minimize impact• Dog walking guidelines and/or

restrictions should be thoughtfullyconsidered. Numerous off-leash dogs

and their owners have walked the

wetland’s perimeter trail on a daily basis for decades – and are some of the

area’s most ardent preservation

supporters. At minimum, recommendowners clean up after their dogs and

keep them on lead when close to

shoreline (for safety of both thewetland and dogs).

The shorelines receive the most impact from wandering visitors and dogs. The sparse

herbaceous layer in the woodlands appears to receive relatively little damage, and theareas most sensitive wetland plants are inaccessible during the growing season,

damage due to trampling appears to be minimal. Consider posting use guidelines thatemphasize both protection of the area and the enjoyment of its visitors.

Study Potential Impact of Closing Historic Outflow Channel, east side

• With the goal of preserving Gowing’s Swamp’s natural ombrotrophic condition, the

consulting botanist recommends consulting with hydrologists Harry Hemond (MIT),Charlie Harvey (MIT), and bog ecologists regarding the relative long-term ecological

impact of keeping the historical eastern outflow channel open or filling it in.



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Educational Program Opportunities Gowing’s Swamp, and the forested glacial bowl it

occupies, has long provided an inspirational refuge

for naturalists and writers, an outdoor laboratoryfor the scientific community, and an open-air

classroom for students of all ages from both withinand well beyond Concord. The beauty and rich

historic and scientific resources within and around

Gowing’s Swamp offer a wide range of public

education and school curricular opportunities.

These may include general interpretive walks,

primary/secondary/college field trips and studies,student internships and special projects, outdoor

laboratory for naturalist and teacher training. Program topics can include (but are not limited

to) Thoreau studies, bog ecology, local hydrogeology, botany and plant communities,Concord’s agrarian and land use history, and local archaeological history.

Opportunities for ongoing research1. Confirm identification and update nomenclature of species in plant inventory2. Update species inventory over time

3. Monitor populations of sensitive plant species listed above4. Conduct inventories of butterflies/moths and dragonflies/damselflies giving special

attention to the possibility of any rare bog-dwelling species that might be found here

(ebony and banded boghaunter dragonflies, pitcher-plant borer moth, bog elfin butterfly)

5. Long-term water sampling:

Work with local specialist to develop a pH monitoring system and schedule for

Gowing’s Swamp and Thoreau’s bog. Sampling records can help determine obviousshifts in pH and locations of these shifts

6. Couple pH monitoring with shoreline and aquatic plant surveys within 20’ of mean

high water levels. Track introduction or spread of species indicative of pH shifts in thewetland.



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SITE DESCRIPTION

Gowing’s Swamp’s, an 8.9

acre level bog surrounded

by a geologically sculptedlandscape, occupies a long,

heart-shaped basin at the

center of 23 acres of woodland, wetlands, and

bordering fields. Situatedabove a groundwater

divide, Gowing’s Swamp

depends solely on rainwater for its recharge

(ombrotrophic) and is

consequently deficient inthe life supporting nutrients(ogliotrophic) necessary for

most common wetland

species of plants and other organisms. The dry, porous upland slopes support a mixed hardwood forest covering 50% of

the survey area. Three certified vernal pools lie to the east, south, and west of Gowing’s

Swamp, with the first two being connected by drainage channels to the bog. At the southernend of Gowing’s Swamp, a mature kettlehole level bog has filled in a deeper depression with

about one acre of an open sphagnum mat covered with bog rosemary, pale laurel, pitcher-

plants, sundews, cranberries, tawny cotton grass, and leatherleaf, ringed by tamarack and a

thriving stand of black spruce, and by an outer encircling tangle of maleberry, highbush blueberry, and leatherleaf ( see photo above). This smaller bog-within-a-bog is historically

known as Thoreau’s Bog in honor of Thoreau’s considerable scientific, philosophical, and

spiritual interest in it. Gowing’s Swamp is the last known, remaining location of black sprucein Concord and is locally rare in southern New England. Lichen species specific to these bog

and northern dwelling trees are diverse and numerous and include some locally unusual

species.

The 2010 fieldwork and inventory confirm that Gowing’s Swamp is a thriving level bog north

to south, containing the kettlehole level bog on its southern end and a dense peat layer supporting additional black spruce and tamarack on the northern end. (Previously, in

scientific papers and general articles, the surrounding wetland has been described as a redmaple swamp, which it is not, though occasional red maples do take hold in its eastern half

due to abundant seed sources along the shoreline.)

A trail encircles Gowing’s Swamp and connects on all sides to both public and private trail

networks, many with well-documented histories from Colonial times to the present. Thesetrails form a hub to an extensive, radiating network of federal, state, and local trails,

including: Minuteman National Historic Park trails to the southeast, East Quarter Farm



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Community Gardens and town trail to the east, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

trails to the northeast, the Bay Circuit Trail to the northeast and west connecting to historictown trails in Concord Center, the Moses Pond trail to the northwest, and the American Mile

historic district to the south. Increasingly these trails are enjoyed by both local residents and

visitors and provide vast interpretive, educational, and recreational opportunities.

Gowing’s Swamp is also centrally located to contiguous tracks of town-designated open

space, providing a central link to active wildlife corridors. Local trackers and neighborhood

reports confirm a variety of wild creatures that live and forage in this vital area. The bogwaters and three outer vernal pools are breeding sites for spotted salamanders, wood frog,

pickerel frog, green frog, spring peepers, and gray tree frogs. Fox, fisher, coyote, skunk, deer,

raccoon, garter snake, and a variety of rodents frequent the woodland and fields. Opossumare occasionally seen and otter sign has been documented in the area. A variety of birds

frequent and inhabit the bog and surrounding woodland and thickets. A list of those seen by

and reported to this reviewer is included in Appendix B. A sampling of notable insectsincludes Appalachian brown, mourning cloak, sulfur, and monarch butterflies; primrose moth;

and several species of dragonflies including ebony jewelwing.

Site Location Gowing’s Swamp is located in Concord, Massachusetts (42º27’43”N, 71º19’42”W) just

below the eastern terminus of Revolutionary Ridge, one-quarter mile northwest of Meriam

Corner (intersection of Lexington/Old Bedford roads), and behind and southwest of theRipley School. Public access and parking is recommended from the Ripley School parking

lot at the end of Meriam Rd.

HISTORICAL REVIEW

Early Settlement and Land Use Summary• Indigenous presence: 12,000-1632 years ago

• First clearing for agriculture: between 7000-1000 years ago

• Great Field: 1650-1750, with field areas persisting into 21st

c.

• Minutemen route across Great Field and down old cart road – April 19, 1776

• Jabez Gowing purchases Lexington Rd. house and fields extending to bog in 1830’s,appears on 1852 town map

• Thomas Burke purchases house and 50 acres (including fields east of GS) in 1871

• Irish and Italian immigrant expand market-based farming in East Quarter: 1900

• Catholic cemetery appears on Beers Pub. map, early 1870’s

• Ditching of wetlands for field irrigation (late 1800’s – early 1900’s)

• Gleason photos of Gowing’s Swamp: 1920’s

• Independence Road development: early 1940’s

• All but one irrigation drain filled in: 1930’s

• Chestnut blight begins: 1940’s

• Ripley School built: 1960’s

• State proposes rerouting of Rte. 62 through sandpit on Lexington Rd., across

Gowing’s Swamp to Old Bedford Road: early 1960’s



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• Eaton’s botanical survey, MAS monograph “Gowing’s Swamp”: 1969

• Harold Hemond (MIT) begins hydrogeologic study: late 1970’s, first monograph inearly 1980’s

• Meriam Close development and conservation trust (early 1980’s)

• Burke Farm land sold to town: 2005 (Photo: view west across field toward Gowing’s

Swamp)

• Cemetery expands into remaining land abutting northern boundary of survey area

• New baseball diamond opens 2010, back of Burke/Meriam Farm field

• All but a portion of the wetland’s east end and shoreline is included in Concord’sAmerican Mile historic district as of 2010.

Scientific and Literary History

Gowing’s Swamp was one of Thoreau’s most beloved Concord landscapes, providing him

with solace, curiosity, and contemplation just a short walk from his family home on Virginia

Road. Swamps, and particularly this bogland, were landscapes of deep inspiration for

Thoreau. He referenced Gowing’s Swamp in 37 entries in his Journal, in Walden, and in hisessay Walking. He made detailed measurements and drawings of the mature kettlehole bog

within the southern portion of the greater level bog complex, recorded inventories of its plant

life, and made intuitive observations of the environmental importance of bogs and swampsgenerally that were rare for naturalists and scientists of his era.

Both during his life and after his death, other naturalists, scientists, and writers followed

Thoreau’s inspiration:

In her book, The Alcott’s as I Knew Them (1909), Clara Gowing wrote, “A favorite resort

with us girls near our homes…was to a pool which F.B. Sanborn in his ‘Reminiscences of Seventy Years’ calls Gowing’s Swamp…We named the place Paradise and spent many happy

hours there.”



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Herbert W. Gleason, recorded numerous photographic images of the bog and surrounding

wetland between 1917-20, providing an invaluable visual benchmark for landscape changessince that time.

In 1969, Mass. Audubon published a booklet by local botanist Richard J. Eaton, entitled

“Gowing’s Swamp” which recounts Thoreau’s studies and adds Eaton’s own updated andexpanded plant inventories for the wetland. In 1974, Eaton includes these earlier observations

in his Flora of Concord.

An H.W. Gleason photograph of Gowing’s Swamp is included in the 1975 Sierra Club

publication, Thoreau Country.

Beginning in the 1970’s and

continuing over the last 30+ years,

MIT Prof. Harold Hemond, did anexhaustive and pioneering study of

the bog’s hydrology andgeochemistry, determining it to be

ombrotrophic in nature, fed only byrainwater, and maintained by

delicate hydrological, biochemical

and growth cycles. Hemond’sfindings update the definition of

this wetland’s ecology and the

underlying hydrology of thelandscape from 1980 forward.

Through numerous citations and publications of Hemond’s studies,

including papers in Ecological Monographs (1980), the Canadian Journal of Botany (1981),

and Ecology (1983), Gowing’s Swamp has gained name recognition for it’s unique ecologicalfeatures and Hemond’s pioneering research in northeastern bog biochemistry and ecology.

As a literary note, in 1996, Gowing’s Swamp received mention in Postmodern Wetlands:

Culture, History, and Ecology (Edinburgh U. Press), in a piece by Ron Giblett titled, “HenryDavid Thoreau: The Patron Saint of Swamps.”

In 2001, Cherrie Corey wrote an historical, botanical, and personal reflection about the bogtitled, “Bog and Soul: A Concord Experience” for Concord Magazine web-zine. The article

can be seen at http://www.concordma.com/magazine/sepoct01/gowingsbog.html.

Since 2004, Richard Primack, biology professor at Boston University, and his students have

been studying historical records of Concord’s plant life and bird sightings for his work on

global warming indicators. They have inventoried the plants of Gowing’s Swamp and other

Concord locations with reference to Thoreau’s, Eaton’s, and Hosmer’s records. Primack’sstudies of Concord’s flora and fauna have appeared in numerous scientific journals and

national magazines.



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A substantial archive of historic and scientific documentation and public testimony aboutGowing’s Swamp is consolidated in Concord town files for the Planning Board, the Natural

Resources Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals and is available for review upon

request. The Concord Museum holds an important collection of archaeological artifacts found

in the immediate vicinity of Gowing’s Swamp.

Conservation History and Context In 1970, the significance of Gowing’s

Swamp/Thoreau’s Bog caught the attention of several

area conservation organizations and Sudbury ValleyTrustees purchased the wetland’s eastern third and

shoreline, including half of Thoreau’s Bog on

December, 1 1970. In 2001, a portion of field andwetlands bordering the southeastern boundary of the

SVT property and eastern vernal pool also was putinto a permanent conservation restriction, granted to

SVT by Thomas and Cynthia Ann LeBlanc. The CR references adjacency to Minuteman Historic Park and

Gowings Swamp as well as its own wetlands, which

are within Concord’s Groundwater Conservancydistrict. In the early 1980’s, as a result of the Meriam

Close planned residential development southwest of

the wetland, additional open space provisions addedthe central and southwestern portions of the wetland

into permanently protected status, as the MeriamClose Conservation Trust. Today, roughly four-fifths of the wetland and surrounding

shoreline is protected by permanent conservation restrictions. The wooded, upland slope of

the wetland’s NW shoreline, the NW corner of the wetland and roughly half of the northernshoreline currently are privately owned by Lexington Road resident, Paul Ware. Gowing’s

Swamp, nearby vernal pools and much of its surrounding shorelines are included in both

Concord’s Water Conservancy District and its American Mile Historic District, and was

designated NHESP Priority Habitat area in 2008.

From 2007-09, the Town of Concord reviewed an application for a Special Permit for an 11-

unit PRD accessed from 201 Independence Road that, if built, would occupy the northwesterncorner of the privately held land 100’ west and north of Gowing’s Swamp’s shoreline. The

Special Permit was ultimately granted alongside an agreement between the applicant and the

town that conservation restrictions would be applied to substantial acreage within thewetland’s north shore 100’ buffer zone and much of the upland forest along Gowing’s

Swamps northwestern shoreline ( see Concord Dept. of Natural Resources files). There

continues to be strong local interest in the long-term preservation of this parcel, but it’s

ultimate disposition still is unclear at this time.



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Structure of the Landscape

Topography

Gowing’s Swamp sits 131.2 feet above sea level bounded to its southwest by the forested

slopes of Revolutionary Ridge, which rises up to 150 feet above sea level at its eastern edge.A deep and picturesque woodland vernal pool is located just below the ridge west of

Gowing’s Swamp. An esker, or ice channel filling, builds from southwest to southeastforming the other elevated shoreline of the wetland. Two vernal pools lie just east and south

of the esker. Gowing’s Swamp’s entire shoreline, east to northeast, is relatively level with the

wetland’s surface water due to the glacial outwash plain to the ENE.

Surficial Geology The large glacial basin that contains Gowing’s Swamp, its forested shorelines, and outwash plain meadows was formed and sculpted some 12,000 years ago during the retreat of the

glacial ice front and thedeposits from Lake Concord.The melting of large, buried ice

masses created the kettleholes

that now contain Gowing’s

Swamp, the vernal pool to itssouth, and the woodland vernal

pool upslope to its west. The

deeper water depths and standsof black spruce in both the

south and northwestern portion

of the wetland suggest that twolarge ice masses were likely

responsible for the wetlands

shape and floral composition.Their slow melting created

deep kettlehole depressions that, over thousands of years, have filled in with sphagnum and

accumulating peat layers. The outwash topography, including the islanded esker, or ice

channel filling, off the northern shore, suggest that the melting waters of both areas flowedtoward what’s now the northeastern corner of the wetland. The persistence of smaller ice

masses created terraces of shallower depressions along the western slope. (Photo: NW corner

showing shallow kettlehole depression with black spruce/tamarack/pine stand, islanded esker

on right, and glacial outwash channel in back center.)



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Soils

A mapping of

major soil types

underlying the

Gowing’sSwamp

landscape

provides aninitial blueprint

for likely plant

communities anddiscoveries we

might expect to

find there.

Soils typical of an outwash plain

are found alongGowing’s Swamp’s forested northern shoreline and forming a narrow, east-facing band at the

height of the esker (or ice-channel filling) in the wetland’s southeastern corner. Formed from

sandy glaciofluvial materials that are derived from granite and gneiss, these acidic Wareham deposits (32B, pink) drain poorly.

The wetland basin containing Gowing’s Swamp is lined with very deep, poorly draining, andextremely acidic (>4.5 pH) organic soils known as Freetown muck (52A, blue). Formed in

more than 4 feet of highly decomposed material this soil is typically found in bogs and acidicshrub swamps.

Revolutionary Ridge, which rises up to 150 feet above the Gowing’s Swamp basin, is formedfrom water sorted sand and gravel deposited at the high point of Lake Concord. These

Hinckley series soils (253B, purple) are very deep, excessively drained, and shed little runoff.

Mixed oaks, white pine and hemlock favor this extremely to moderately acid growing

medium.

Underlying the fields and hedgerows to the east and northeast of the wetland’s shoreline, deep

and moderately well drained soils typical of the Deerfield series (256A, green) profile arecharacteristic. Deerfield soils are commonly adjacent to poorly drained Wareham soils, are

strongly to moderately acid and typically have supported truck farms (like those historically in

Concord’s East Quarter) or white pine, gray birch, red maple, mixed oaks, and sugar maplewhen forested.

(Soil survey information and map from Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation

Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online athttp://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/, accessed 2/1/10. Numbers adjacent to the soil type

correlate with the numbers on the soil maps.)



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Hydrology The Gowing’s Swamp basin sits perched above and

isolated from a groundwater divide. The watershed

around its southern end drains south to Elm Brook,

then to Mill Brook, and ultimately into the ConcordRiver. The watershed on the wetland’s northern end

drains north directly into the Concord River. The

Concord River flows east into the Merrimac River.

Gowing’s Swamp is an ombrotrophic wetland.

Existing in hydraulic isolation from the underlyingwater table, it relies solely on rainwater for its

recharge and on evapotranspiration for overall

regulation of water levels. The acidity of therainwater combined with the highly acidic soil

substrates in and around the wetland combine to keepthe bog waters around 3.8 pH. It is this extremely

acid condition, combined with low mineral andnutrient availability, and a protective topography that

favors a cool microclimate that accounts for a locally

rare and thriving community of northern and bog-loving plants.

Typically, ombrotrophic water bodies have no measurable flow pattern. However, an historic

irrigation ditch penetrating the southeastern shoreline drains excess water from the bog duringhigh water periods through a channel and into an outer vernal pool. The outlet does draw

water toward it during high water periods, primarily from the more open moat areas to thenorthwest, forming a barely perceptible clockwise flow pattern within the upper portions of

Gowing’s Swamp.

Historic evidence remains of additional efforts to tap the

bog to irrigate surrounding farm fields. Remnants of a

ditch and filled in French drain are visible between

Gowing’s Swamp and the southern vernal pool. Rusty pipes with spigots still standing just north and south of the

Gowing’s Swamp shoreline. The eastern vernal pool

receives overflow water through a channel from Gowing’sSwamp. It, in turn, drains minimally through a small

French drain into the south-lying vernal pool which in

turn drains high water through an historic ditch at itssouthern terminus. This ditch crosses under the cart road

and ends at a farm pond in the historic Burke Field. The

ditches, drains, and pipes leave evidence that interference

with the bog’s hydraulic isolation did occur within the last150+ years. While it may have temporarily effected the

bog’s water levels and chemistry and caused some floral



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transitions in the outer vegetation rings, the draining doesn’t seem to have had a long-term

impact on the sensitive ecology within the kettlehole level bog on the wetland’s southern end.This may have to do with the relatively short time that the irrigation channels remained in

active use.

Due to the soil composition of the surrounding shorelines, the lower elevation of the outlet ponds, and the lack of development and impermeable surfaces within the larger glacial bowl

containing the wetland, there is, to date, no water inlet or discernable natural runoff that

naturally flows into Gowing’s Swamp. However during the unseasonably high water duringthe summer of 2009 and spring of 2010, the eastern vernal pool and outflow channel flooded,

raising the concern that backwash and nutrient contamination can occur during such periods.

In his letter to Stephen Johnson, SVT’s executive director in 1997, the late Stephen M. Meyer recommended blocking this remaining outlet ditch to assure the bog’s natural ombrotrophic

state.

Gowing’s Swamp outlet – an historical irrigation channel through

eastern shoreline



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Botanical Survey Findings

Survey Process This latest botanical survey was conducted by the author from May 2009 to February 2010.

The site was visited on an average of twice a month by the consulting naturalist. This survey

builds upon observations and documentation by Thoreau, Richard Eaton, Ray Angelo, Dr.Harry Hemond, and Don Miller and serves as a basis for clarifying the classification of the

wetland’s plant community association.

Survey Areas

The property was divided into five main survey locations

based on four general types of plant communities with sub-areas delineated in the narrative based on logical

management units and land ownership. These include:

• Gowing’s Swamp and Thoreau’s Bog

• Vernal pools

• Forested ridges and shorelines• Fields (including small wet meadow) and hedgerows

Survey Nomenclature and Sighting Details

Two plant lists complement these site descriptions:

• By site alphabetically by botanical family and genus

• Combined plant list alphabetically by botanical

family/genus for all species found.

Lists use scientific names based on Gleason and Cronquist’s

Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada and Sorrieand Somers’ Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A County Checklist . Given the

reclassification and name changes that have occurred for many plants in recent years, the

USDA’s Plants Database was consulted for recent updates (http://plants.usda.gov).

The consulting naturalist made every effort to provide a complete and accurate list by site for

the entire survey area, with an emphasis on plants most critical for conservation and

management planning. Ongoing additions and corrections are encouraged, particularly for willows and graminoid, fungi, and moss species which are not this reviewer’s strength.

In this environment, plants can be absent or inaccessible one year and present the next. Due to

record rainfall and water levels from early June through mid-July in 2009, the wetland plantswere either submerged or difficult to access, making detailed inventory difficult during the

height of the flowering season. The naturalist was not present for most of August. The surveywas extended into the winter months when frozen surfaces provided greater access to plants

within the kettlehole bog and deeper areas of the surrounding moat.



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Special note should be made of any future reappearance of plants that were historically

recorded by Thoreau, Eaton, and Hemond which haven’t been seen in recent years. Theseinclude:

Arceuthobium sp., Dwarf mistletoe (oral history accounts)Calla palustris, Wild Calla (Eaton)

Eriophorum spissum, Cotton grass (Eaton), possible seen by D. Miller (2007)Gaylussacia dumosa, Dwarf huckleberry (Thoreau)Menyanthes trifoliate, Bog buckbean (Eaton) Rhodora canadensis, Rhodora (Thoreau, Hemond)Scheuchzeria palustris, Pod rush (Thoreau)

Viburnum cassinoides, Witherod (Eaton)

Photo by Cynthia Ross

Dwarf mistletoe reported to once have grown in Gowing’s Swamp



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Gowing’s Swamp and Thoreau’s Bog

Hope and the future for me are not in lawns and cultivated fields, not in towns and cities,but in the impervious and quaking swamps. Thoreau (from Walking )

Environmental Setting

Gowing’s Swamp, an 8.9 acre ombrotrophic wetland located in a glacial bowl with an

opening to the northeast, is actually not a swamp at all. It’s physical and botanical structureconstitute a locally rare and thriving level bog community with a large, continuous floating

sphagnum mat and characteristic ericaceous shrubs and acid-loving herbaceous plants

dominating its landscape. The bog is surrounded by a moat that averages 12-15 feet in widthand ranges in depth from .5-4 feet depending on seasonal rainfall and point of entry.

A fully articulated kettlehole level bog inhabits a deeper depression (42º27’44.53”N,

71º19’41.35”W) within the Gowing’s Swamp basin at the southern end. This .93 acre area,locally known as “Thoreau’s Bog” for his recorded study of this special area, has all the

attributes of a mature kettlehole bog complete with concentric plant zones, locally rare boreal

tree and shrub species, and carnivorous plants. A shallower depression in Gowing’s Swamp’snorthwestern corner (42º27’47.95”N, 71º19’46.56”W) contains some of the same boreal tree

and herbaceous species but lacks the open sphagnum mat surrounded by concentric vegetation

zones.

Vegetation Description

Gowing’s Swamp’s specialized plant community grows on a substrate of floating sphagnummoss and an underlying deep peat layer of decomposing organic material. Due to its

hydrological and geologic features and the ecological effects of peat decomposition, the

wetland maintains a stable acidic and mineral poor environment. A continuous colony of

sphagnum moss covers the entire wetland. While some thin layers of sphagnum can be found



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close to shore, the sphagnum mat reaches sufficient thickness, about 15 ft. from the shoreline,

to support the root masses of shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants and the weight of small tomoderately sized animals.

An acidic shrub community dominates the overall wetland landscape including, in descending

proportions – leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), maleberry ( Lyonia ligustrina – shown below), sheep laurel ( Kalmia angustifolia), highbush blueberry, and dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa). Individual and larger stands of

Winterberry ( Ilex verticillata) occur throughout Gowing’s Swamp but are heartiest

along the northeast to northwest shorelines

indicating that some nutrient exchange alongthese shorelines may raise the wetland’s pH

slightly in these areas. Remnants of dead red

maples and struggling saplings are few andconcentrated in the northeast and northwest

portions of the mat. A somewhat larger number of trees occurs along the eastern

shoreline and may be what’s left of a moredominant stand described by Eaton (1969).

Since Eaton’s time the broader, more northerly portion of Gowing’s Swamp has been

described by some as a red maple swamp. It appears that this misattribution may have begunwith Eaton’s observations and the presence of a few conspicuous living and dead trees on the

eastern side of the wetland. However, a predominant and well-established sun-loving,

ericaceous shrub community growing on a floating sphagnum mat throughout the wetlandmore closely fits the state’s classification of a level bog .

A small variety of graminoid species and herbaceous plants grow on the outer reaches of the

mat and in shallower waters near the shoreline. Three-way sedge ( Dulichium arundinaceum) ,

rattlesnake grass (Glyceria canadensis) , manna grass (Glyceria obtusa), common rush( Juncas effuses), and smaller patches of wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus) are signatures here.

There is a small patch (about 50 plants) of Narrow-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia) near the

northwestern shoreline (likely from a seed source due north). Sparse showings of marsh St.

Johnswort (Triadenum virginicum), marsh bedstraw (Galium trifidum ssp. trifidum), swampcandles ( Lysimachia terrestris), and northern bugleweed ( Lycopus uniflorus) add seasonal

variety among the grasses. Massachusetts fern (Thelypteris simulata) grows in the damp soils

near openings in the shrub canopy along the southeastern shoreline and cinnamon fern gracesthe shore throughout the southern end of the wetland.

Along the damp wooded shorelines, sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), swamp azalea( Rhododendron viscosum), and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) appear

commonly from the southeast to southwest and sparingly in the north. The distinct crimson

glow of small groves of black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) trees is particularly apparent along the

northwestern shoreline and eastern shore of the islanded esker in autumn. The less commonmountain holly ( Nemopanthus mucronatus) reveals itself best in early August when Eaton

said its “habit of growth is such as to rank it among our most beautiful of native shrubs”



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(1969). Individual shrubs were found along the east facing shorelines in the southern end of

Gowing’s Swamp and on the island to the north. Two healthy specimens of poison sumac, a perilous bog loving species, are growing in the northeastern shallows both near the mainland

and along the island’s shoreline.

In the southern portion of Gowing’s Swamp lies Thoreau’s Bog, which has been studiedcontinuously by naturalists and scientists since Thoreau published his own investigations and

deeply felt reflections about this rare wetland gem. This thriving kettlehole bog within a bog

may contain the last remaining significant stand of black spruce in Concord.

MIT professor Harry Hemond, has been studying the bog’s hydrology and biochemistry for

more than 30 years. In his ongoing research, he has determined that acidity levels of 3.8 pHremain relatively constant over time within the kettlehole bog itself. Very specialized plants

that are adapted to this impoverished growing medium and deep peat layer dominate this sub-

community. Standing in the center of this kettlehole bog, a low mat of sphagnum interlacedwith bog rosemary ( Andromeda polifolia), large and small cranberries (Vaccinium

macrocarpon and V. oxycoccus), tawny cotton sedge ( Eriophorum virginicum) , andoccasional bonsais of tamarack ( Larix laricina) and black spruce (Picea Marianna) radiates

out about 75’ in all directions.

Within this bowl shaped area, one first notices

the exotic feeling of the place with its vastopen sky above and the surrounding ridges to

the southeast and west fringed in tall straight

pines with a mixture of oak along the southernrim. A dense and healthy stand of mature

black spruce (some 150+) dominate the outer edge of the open mat forming a tall ring of

woody vegetation along with tamarack and

spindly white pine. Just below these conifers asofter border of leatherleaf and maleberry fill

in around the bog mat. In the shaded recesses

under these woody stands, the inconspicuous,

carnivorous purple pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea) thrive. Near the soft center of the bog, round-leaved sundew ( Drosera rotundifolia) can occasionally be spotted. A small and

less organized stand of black spruce, tamarack, and associated bog flora also are found in the

middle of the northwestern quadrant of Gowing’sSwamp.

Lichens form an important part of any bogcommunity and several species rarely encountered in

the local area were found here. Black spruce and

tamarack branches host veritable gardens of beautiful

lichen species including: crumpled rag lichen( Platismatia tuckermanii – shown right), burred

horsehair lichen ( Bryoria furcellata) , boreal oakmoss



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lichen ( Evernia mesomorpha) , hooded tube lichen ( Hypogymnia physodes) , Fringed wrinkle

lichen (Tuckermannopsis americanaand bristly and brushy beard lichens (Usnea hirta and U.

strigosa) to name a few. Cladonia incrassata, Parmeliopsis subambigua, and Pseudevernia

consocians were identified during this survey, by Doug Greene and Elizabeth Knieper, as the

only recorded station for these species in the Concord-Lincoln area.

Beyond the circular open mat and ring of trees is a dense, almost impenetrable outer shrub

ring of maleberry, blueberry, and sheep laurel characteristically protecting the inner two rings.

The concentric configurations of the Thoreau’s Bog give way to the predominant acidicshrubs and surrounding moat of the outer level bog community.

Management Issues The health of this level bog community depends on it isolation from both the surrounding

water table and surface runoff contamination. Any introduction of surface runoff, nutrients,

pesticides and herbicides, and salts and other minerals could incrementally raise the pH andmineral content of the greater bog environment both opening the way for transitional wetland

plant species to move in while threatening the restrictive nutritional needs of the locally rare bog species that depend on a stable acidic environment.

Annually survey shoreline for signs of erosion, yard waste, and trail wear within at least the

100’ setback zone from the wetland – particularly along SE, northern, and eastern shorelines.

These disturbances over time can result in a disturbance of the bogs water chemistry andoverall ecology.

Conduct focused perimeter plant surveys of bordering vegetation within the wetland everyfive years, monitoring 30’ out from the high water mark. Under current conditions, priority

areas should include: the eastern shoreline with special attention paid in the vicinity of theoutlet channel, the southwestern corner in the vicinity of the steepest shoreline grades, and the

northern shoreline especially in the glacial outwash zone where moat waters seasonally reach

out into the field.

Further study and analysis should be

given to the idea of closing off the

remaining historical irrigation channeldraining out from Gowing’s Swamp’s

eastern shore. The presence of this

channel creates a modest, butmeasureable flow pattern in this

otherwise still ombrotrophic

environment. While drainage typicallyflows outward toward the somewhat

lower eastern vernal pool, record

precipitation in 2009-10 resulted in

backwash through this channel for upto 7 days on at least two occasions.



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NHESP Classification Gowing’s Swamp corresponds most closely to the Level Bogcommunity in the NHESP classification system with its predominance of tall and short shrubs

that are predominantly ericaceous. Most of the suggested indicator species apply. Thoreau’s

Bog – as defined by its concentric rings of woody vegetation (black spruce and tamarack)

surrounding an open inner mat of sphagnum moss, bog rosemary, pale laurel, tawny tussock grass, pitcher-plants, round-leaved sundew, cranberries, and conifer bonsais – is characteristic

of a Kettlehole Level Bog sub-community.



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Vernal Pools

Isolated vernal pool above western shoreline

Environmental Setting

Due to the glacial carving of the Gowing’s Swamp landscape, an unusual number of vernal

pools coexist in a relatively small area. These include Gowing’s Swamp itself, a pool to itseast, another pool complex to its south, and small isolated pool upland to its west. Though an

historical drainage ditch system links the main wetland to two outer pools to the east and

south, all three were likely isolated seasonal pools prior to its construction more than 100years ago. All three pools are state certified. Ownership of Gowing’s Swamp is split between

three parties -- Sudbury Valley Trustees, Meriam Close Conservation Trust, and resident Paul

Ware. The eastern most vernal pool is owned by SVT and the southeastern pool by SVT, the

Meriam Close Conservation Trust and R. and M. Mandel. A fourth, certified pool lies at the bottom of a deep, wooded kettlehole depression just above Gowing’s Swamp’s western

shoreline. This pool currently is privately owned by both Paul Ware (southeastern half) and

Charles Doolittle (northwestern half).


Containing vegetation characteristic of a level

bog community, Gowing’s Swamp is distinctfrom the other three vernal pools and has

already been described in detail.

The eastern vernal pool might well be named

Buttonbush pool for the nearly homogenous

stand of waist-height Cephalanthus

occidentalis that dominates its shallow waters



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and sunnier eastern half. The buttonbush has been growing here for sufficient years to reach a

mature height of about 15 feet, which might suggest that acidity levels are high enough for itto become established (>4.7 pH) but not enough for it to thrive (<5.5 pH). In the western

shallows of the pool, a few clumps of sweet pepper-bush (Clethra alnifolia) are intermixed

with healthy steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) both of which tolerate >4.5 pH. Mature red

maple, birch trees, and high bush blueberries line the pool’s western edge, while theremainder of its shoreline is lined with a tangle of invasive plants, mainly buckthorn and

multiflora rose. A large, established stand of Japanese knotweed dominates its eastern edge.

Two large willow trees (Salix sp.) grow at the pools eastern edge backed by a mown field thatfills with purple loosestrife and various goldenrods each summer. An historic cart path runs

along the eastern border of the pool and receives regular recreational foot traffic. The pool is

fed mainly by rainwater and, during high water periods, from runoff through Gowing’sSwamp’s outlet channel.

The southeast lying vernal pool complex fills a series of kettleholes

that stretches along the outer lengthof the esker that forms the

southeastern shoreline of Gowing’sSwamp. The pool begins near the

east lying field and the south

terminus of the eastern vernal pool,filling a long narrow basin along

the length of the esker. It then

narrows where the esker andopposing steep shorelines come

together. From there it brancheswest to a widened cul-de-sac

immediately below the Meriam

Close housing development and south where it widens into a half-acre shrub swampdominated by highbush blueberries and red maple remnants. An historic outlet channel drains

the pool to the southeast during seasonal high water periods, flowing between houses and

under the historic cart path, through a pond in an adjacent Burke Field, and ultimately on into

the Mill Brook to the south. Dense stands of sweet pepper-bush with intrusions of buckthornand greenbriar grow along the pool’s northern and western shorelines. Highbush blueberry

filles in shallower areas from the high to low water marks. Duckweed (Lemna sp.) appears to

be the only aquatic plant that makes this pool its home. A mature grove of Norway sprucedominates its steep southern shoreline. Part of a mature and sprawling witch-hazel grove

graces the pool’s northwestern shore and follows the damp remnants of an old irrigation ditch

that runs from the pool northward toward a filled in French drain from the main bog. ( Photo,

March 2010)

The isolated vernal pool on the forested slope west of Gowing’s Swamp lies at the bottom of

a 10-25% grade on all sides. With a lush growth of northern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)trailing down along its southwestern shoreline, high ridges to its west and northwest and the

ridge trail running along its east-southeastern borders, this vernal pool landscape provides a



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wildly picturesque and serene counterpoint to the suburban development perched high above

its waters. Its steep basin, shaded by towering red oaks and white pines has very sparseunderstory except for some spreading of buckthorn to the north, occasional black or sweet

birch ( Betula lenta) to the south, and sarsaparilla ( Aralia nudicaulis) and hayscented fern

( Dennstaedtia punctilobula) as the only notable groundcover. A weathered pine snag, riddled

with pileated woodpecker holes, dominates the ravine.

Management Issues

Annually survey the vernal pool shorelines for signs of erosion, yard waste dumping, and trailwear within the 100’ setback zone from the wetlands. Consider removing invasive plant

species along shorelines while their numbers are still at manageable levels. Purple loosestrife

stands to the southeast of SVT’s vernal pool could eventually invade the pool itself.

The question about whether or not to seal off the historic drainage ditch connecting Gowing’s

Swamp to the east lying vernal pool has been raised by several over the years (R. Eaton, 1969;S. Meyer, 1997). The record high water levels in 2010 resulted in prolonged periods where

the eastern pool was filled to the level of the drain channel creating a backwash toward theGowing’s Swamp end. A period of annual water testing within Gowing’s Swamp along all

the major shorelines and within the eastern vernal pool may help to answer questions aboutthe gradient of acidity from the shoreline toward the center of the level bog and the possible

effects that backwash from the eastern pool, surface runoff, or occasional groundwater shifts

may be having on the wetland over time.

NHESP Classification

The four vernal pools are certified under Massachusetts guidelines and qualify for all relatedstate and local protections. Woodland vernal pools are small, shallow depressions isolated

from other surface waters, which flood for at least 2-3 months annually. They provide criticalhabitat for amphibians and certain aquatic invertebrates, such as fairy shrimp. Because they

are ephemeral, they typically do not have fish.



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Forest Matrix: Mixed Oaks/White Pine

Oak-pine forest on western slope

Environmental Setting: A forest matrix dominated by mixed oaks and white pine coversabout 50% (11+ acres) of the survey area, in upland shorelines from the southeast to

southwest, rising up along a steep and glaciated ridge line, then down to more level area along

the northern shoreline of Gowing’s Swamp, and out over an islanded esker (or ice channelfilling) that bisects the wetland’s northern end. Dramatically changing grades and

topography, variable sun and wind exposures, and underlying differences in soil types are

evidenced by subtle shifts in forest composition from south to north.

Because of the highly porous glacial soils, most rainfall and snow melt moves directly into the

groundwater below, rather than over surface and down into the wetland. In recent years,unusually high rainfall periods and more extreme storm activity have resulted in runoff and

some significant erosion along the southeastern ridgelines above Gowing’s Swamp and along

some of the woodland trails.

The age and mix of the forest also conveys the land use history in this early settlement area.The northern and eastern portions of the survey area were likely cleared and cultivated over

the past millennium. This is evidenced in the archaeological record (see Attachment A) and inthe documented history of Concord’s Great Field, common lands used for tillage and pasture

beginning in the 1650’s, that extended from the town’s center east through this area. Theupland forest adjacent to this common land shows floral evidence of having been managed as

a woodlot and transitioned (through disease and lumbering) from a dominance of chestnut to

oaks.



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Vegetation Description:

While the forest matrix is predominantly a composition of mixed oak and pine, thedramatically variable topography and land use impacts result in some isolated areas of

specialized diversity. The damp forest lowland on the eastern edge of Gowing’s Swamp is

dominated by red maples, intermixed with a few ‘old field’ white pines, white oak, andmature paper birches. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fills in the shrubby

understory with ever increasing numbers of young buckthorn ( Frangula spp.) moving into

any available open spaces. Massachusetts and cinnamon ferns grow in the muddy areaswhere dappled sunlight can penetrate. The only nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) shrub

recorded in this inventory grows at the edge of the drainage

ditch connecting the bog to the eastern vernal pool, just to theleft of the footbridge. Eaton (1969) lists wild raisin

(Viburnum cassinoides) at Gowing’s Swamp, which was notseen in this survey. A healthy colony of Lycopodium

obscurum appoints the shoreline near the footbridge andsparse patches of Canada mayflower (Maianthemum

canadensis), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), and

starflower (Trientalis borealis) are found here and in thegravelly forest lowlands and plateaus through the inventory

area.

Moving up the esker bordering the wetland to the southeast,

the forest canopy transitions to an open, mature stand of white pine. Here, the highbush blueberries give way to lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium

angustifolium) with an otherwise patchy groundcover of winterberry, clubmosses (both Lycopodium obscurum and L. clavatum), pink ladyslippers, bracken fern (on the west facingslope), and numerous mushroom species in season. One chokeberry shrub was noted in the

midslope transition zone, an area quickly being crowded out by rapidly advancing buckthorn

and greenbrier. An isolated and healthy stand of

Norway spruce grows at the crest of the esker (as wellas on the nearby shoreline of the south-lying vernal

pool). These stands mark the location of underlying

Wareham deposits, poorly draining granite/gneiss soilof the outwash plain. Pinesap (Monotropa hypopithys)

also grows here. The only mature sassafras grove in

the survey area grows on the southeast facing slope of the esker where the white pine transitions back to a

pine-oak forest matrix.

The pine forest appears to be about 80-90 years old.Many of the trees have a dbh of 25-40 inches and are

about 50-70 feet high with one or two larger trees at the



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height of the esker and along the shoreline. Photographs taken by Herbert Gleason in the

1920’s show very few trees along this ridge, which would confirm this estimate.

Descending the esker to the southwest, red and white oaks become increasingly dominant

with an understory shift to maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), sweet pepper-

bush (Clethra alnifolia), and highbush blueberry on the lower slopes. Many of the oaks bothhere and throughout the forest are large and

multi-stemmed indicating that this likely

served as a woodlot some 80-100 yearsago. Hayscented fern (Dennstaedtia

punctilobula) predominates as the

groundcover under these stands. As theforest trail drops down again to the level of

Gowing’s Swamp, it is flanked on both

sides by a dense, mature grove of sweet pepper-bush. Just beyond, a large and

beautiful colony of witch-hazel grows inthe moist soils that connect the bog to the

south-lying vernal pool. Near the trailintersection along the protected southwest

corner of the forested survey area, several large specimens of red oak and white pine

dominate the landscape. These were likely left as shade trees by the water’s edge, during periods of wood harvesting. In this shady, protected area there is a small and singular pocket

of additional hardwood species including American beech ( Fagus grandifolia), Hop-

hornbeam (Ostrea virginiana), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata).

The forest matrix in the southwestern portion of the survey area occupies the narrow low,damp areas along the bog and a precipitous slope rising directly from the shoreline trail which

is populated by a nearly pure stand of white pine. The largest white pine in the survey area

(52 inches/dbh) is anchored deeply into the hillside and towers above the trail. A few maturehemlock grow here along with several venerable and towering paper birch. Vigorous

American chestnut (Castanea dentate)

sprouts begin to appear as the trail

turns north and increase in number along the western ridgeline and level,

forested shoreline to the north. Red

maple, paper birch, speckled alder ( Alnus incana var. rugosa), and sweet

pepper-bush co-mingle with highbush

blueberry, the occasional mountainholly ( Nemopanthus mucronatus –

shown right), and pernicious buckthorn

along the water’s edge. Cinnamon

fern, Massachusetts fern and a fewroyal fern (Osmunda regalis) fill in at ground level. Due to the added sunlight, disturbance

from flooding and footfall, and opportunities for greater seed dispersal in this area several



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wildflowers occur uniquely here. These include whorled aster (Oclemena acuminata ) , heart-

leaved aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia), and panicled hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum) along with the more generally present

partridge-berry (Mitchella repens) and Canada mayflower.

Along the western edge of Gowing’s Swamp, theforest rises steeply to a plateau and ridgeline that

marks the highest waterline of glacial LakeConcord. The Hinkley series soil that forms this

glacial kame is very porous and sheds little runoff.

A mature forest community of mixed oaks, white

pine, and the occasional paper birch grow alongthese slopes, with a healthy understory of sweet or black birch ( Betula lenta), American chestnut, and

beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). Most of the

oaks on this ridge are large, multi-trunked trees

which appear to have been coppiced (harvested to produce additional stump sprouts) about80-120 years ago. One such tree has six trunks sprouting from its base. The groundcover in

this area is predominantly partridgeberry, patchy Canada mayflower, wintergreen, wild

sarsaparilla ( Aralia nudicaulis), sessile bellwort or wild oats (Uvularia sessilifolia), spottedwintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana), and an

abundance of pink ladyslippers (more than 200 blooming plants were counted along the trail

during mid-May 2009). There is one small colony of northern bush honeysuckle ( Diervilla lonicera), which blooms in mid-June, growing to the left of the trail that rises from the

wetland’s southwestern shoreline. One small but mature grove of hemlock grows on the steep

slope that descends from the top of the ridge, forming the western side of a deep kettlehole

that contains the isolated, woodland vernal pool located on this plateau.

Some 50+ bushy stump sprouts of American

chestnut grow along this plateau and the wetland’sforested northern shoreline, indicating that

chestnut had a significant presence here. Chestnut

was heavily harvested during Thoreau’s lifetimeand any that remained would have succumbed to

the blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) after 1904.

Because its wood is resistant to rot, these stumpshave prevailed underground. A few 20-40 foot,

well-formed trees grow in this plateau area,

however, due to the density of the overarchingcanopy these currently don’t receive enough lightto bloom.

Descending the forest trail toward Gowing’s Swamp’s gently sloping northern shoreline, theforest matrix shifts to a younger (60-80 year), more homogenous area of single-stemmed red

oaks with a few large white pines and periodic red maples and white oaks (Quercus alba)

along the wetland’s shoreline. The shrub layer is patchy with occasional highbush blueberry



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(Vaccinium corymbosum), American chestnut sprouts, some thickets of white pine saplings,

American hazelnut (Corylus americana), and basswood (Tilia americana) saplingsconcentrated along trail and forest edges and the shoreline. Buckthorn species, of course, are

prevalent throughout. Though the herbaceous layer is sparse, Canada mayflower, sarsaparilla,

pink ladyslippers, and Indian pipes (Monotropa uniflora) are frequent with a few patches of

starflower and isolated spotted wintergreen. The apparent age of the mature oaks along withthe shoreline presence of a few shrub oak and spindly common juniper ( Juniperus communis)

suggest that until about 1930-40 the historic field and pasture land to the north extended to the

wetland’s northern shoreline. Wareham outwash soils occur here as they do in the southeastcorner of the survey area, marked once again by a small stand of Norway spruce and an

isolated clump of pinesap (Monotropa hypopithys).

Management Issues:

Buckthorn has spread significantly in the last eight years within the forest understory,

sprouting from the shallow waters up to the ridgetops throughout the woodland areas. If allowed to spread unchecked it will soon out compete the natural understory and create

conditions too shady for the relatively sparse but diverse herbaceous groundcover species. Inthe last 3-5 years, native greenbrier and invasive multiflora rose have begun to overtake

highbush blueberries in the vegetation transition zones along the esker trail and around theshorelines of the vernal pools. A targeted removal and control program for all invasive

species is recommended along the forested shorelines and ridge areas. Invasive species of all

varieties are most prevalent throughout the survey area’s southeastern and southern areas,much of which is owned by SVT.

With the record rainfall and strong storm activity in 2009-10, bank erosion has become amore significant concern along the steep wooded slopes of the SW corner of the trail circuit

and wetland. This could inevitably effect both forested slope stability and contamination of the bog through runoff and should be monitored.

Inspection of hemlocks revealed a few wooly adelgid sacs on two trees west of the isolatedvernal pool above Gowing Swamp’s western shoreline. These should be monitored over time.

NHESP Classification:This forest matrix reflects the profiles of a Forest Seep community, a Successional White Pine

forest, an Oak-Hickory forest, and a White Pine-Oak forest. The forest seep community fills

in the moist area between Gowing’s Swamp and the east lying vernal pool and contains redmaple, white birch, white oak, and small white pines with highbush blueberry dominating the

understory. The successional white pine forest -- characterized by a dominant stand of white

pine with a pine needle carpet and a thin herbaceous layer -- grows along the top of the esker in the southeast corner of the survey area. This area transitions into an oak-hickory

community to the south and southwest with a mix of white pine, red and white oaks, a couple

of hickories, sassafras, American chestnut, witch-hazel, and hop-hornbeam, with a shrub layer

of maple-leaved viburnum and sweet pepper-bush. The white pine-oak forest comes in alongthe western shoreline and dominates both the steeper western ridge, the area north of

Gowing’s Swamp, and the islanded esker that extends south from the northern shoreline.



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and a stonewall and hedgerow on the right, beyond which lies the town’s Burke Meriam Farm

field. Beyond the mown field, the cart road passes by a currently unmanaged area of grassland and thickets which border the east lying vernal pool and the SVT trail entrance. As

it passes the eastern shore of Gowing’s Swamp, the back fields of the Ripley School meet its

western edge. Just beyond the wetland’s NE corner, the old card road turns west and merges

with a paved access drive of the newly expanded cemetery. The wetland’s northeasternshoreline is bounded by a small wet meadow habitat and dry upland grassland.

Deep, well-drained, and moderately acidic soils typical of the Deerfield series and low-lyingagricultural areas underlie areas to the east and northeast of the wetland. An area of Freetown

muck extends from the bog into the open grassy area on the northeastern shoreline, creating

the substrate for a small wet meadow community. Under the remaining expanse of hedgerowand forest edge bordering Gowing’s Swamp’s northern shoreline, Wareham outwash soils

account for a slightly different mix of woody and herbaceous edge plants.


Much of the open area along the old cart road is dominated by non-native forage grassesincluding redtop (Agrostis gigantean) creeping bent grass (Agrostis stolonifera), sweet vernal

grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), orchard grass ( Dactylis glomerata), hairy panic grass(Dichanthelium acuminatum), timothy ( Phleum pratense), and Kentucky blue grass (Poa

pratensis). In late May through June, the grasses are interwoven with several non-native

flowering field herbs including blue alfalfa (Medicago sativa), various clovers (Trifolium

hybridum, T. pratense, and T. repens), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), yellow wood-sorrel

(Oxalis europea), common winter cress ( Barbarea vulgaris), and lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea). The occasional evening lychnis (Silene latifolia ssp. alba), rough-fruitedcinquefoil ( Potentilla recta), common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), evening primrose

(Oenothera biennis), and early (Solidago juncea), tall (S. altissima), and rough-stemmedgoldenrods (S. rugosa) flower later in the summer.

This grassy area is currently not mown and over thelast 20 years a variety of native and invasive shrubs

and vines have taken over. A large stand of Japanese

knotweed dominates the area between the eastern

vernal pool and the cart road. Gray birch, multiflorarose, small white pine, a few scrub oak, and a

substantial colony of European buckthorn have

turned the grasslands to the north of the vernal poolto a thicket, extending nearly to the footpath to the

SVT trailhead. On the other side of the footpath,

covering the area from the Gowing’s Swampshoreline out toward the cart road another dense and spreading thicket of Oriental bittersweet

and multiflora rose has overwhelmed the native shrubs, trees, and is encroaching on the field

grasses. Pussywillows were once numerous in this area.

Across the cart road to the east, a stone wall runs from the swamp all the way to Old Bedford

Road. Along the wall grow several large, old red and white oak trees, some black cherry, and



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red maple. Morrow’s honeysuckle, autumn olive, staghorn sumac, multiflora rose,

bittersweet, scrub oak, and a few buckthorn fill out the hedgerow. Another hedgerow,dominated by red maple, abuts the shoreline of Gowing’s Swamp across from the Ripley

School field. In addition to the Morrow’s honeysuckle, multiflora rose, bittersweet, and

buckthorn, several crab apple trees (Malus sp.) and a silky dogwood (Cornus amonum) catch

attention during spring bloom. A culturally revealing selection of herbaceous plants provideground cover including lily-of-the-valley, false solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum),

Virginia creeper, and poison ivy. This is the only station in the entire survey area where any

of these species were found. The color of their fruits and particularly catch attention in thefall.

As the shoreline rounds thenortheast corner of the wetland it

flattens to water level revealing the

remnants of a glacial outwashchannel. The underlying soils

transition from mesic Deerfieldseries to Freetown muck along the

water’s edge, to Wareham outwashsoils fanning away from the

wetland. The vigorous agricultural

history of this field area and recentleveling of the upland areas to

accommodate the cemetery

expansion has likely mixed some of the Deerfield and Wareham soils together here. This open landscape contains dry upland field

habitat grading down to a wet meadow area bordering a transitional area of moisture-lovingtrees and shrubs.

Along the northeast corner of Gowing’s Swamp’s shoreline and the field edge, gray birch,quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides), white pine, and rapidly spreading bittersweet vines and

buckthorn mix with highbush blueberry, swamp azalea, sweet pepperbush, black chokeberry

( Pyrus melanocarpa), maleberry ( Lyonia ligustrina) and dangleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa).

This is the only location where the last two shrubs can be viewed up close without having toenter the bog. The groundcover in this wetland edge habitat, includes plants that can tolerate

both a bit of shade and periodic flooding, including Massachusetts fern (Thelypteris simulata),

sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), northern dewberry ( Rubus flagellaris), willowleaf aster

(Symphyotrichum praealtum), and various moss and grass species.

Due to Gowing’s Swamp’s slow draining ecology, high water resulting from seasonal

snowmelt and heavy precipitation floods into the adjacent, low-lying field. Following record

rainfall in March 2010, some 15 inches of standing water covered the open area to within 15feet from the shoreline. Typically spring flooding is half this amount, though it provides

enough moisture through early summer to keep these soils spongy out some 40-50 feet from

the bogs edge. These seasonal conditions have resulted in a wet meadow microhabitat that is particularly diverse due to the added acidity and the presence of seed sources from the



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adjacent bog. Willow and

graminoid species highlight thisarea. Since these are not the

consulting botanist’s area of

expertise, identified species should

be re-examined for verification inthe future. Two or more willow

species appear to be growing in

these damp areas including whatappear to be large pussy willow

(Salix discolor ), Bebb’s willow (S.bebbiana), and black willow (S.

nigra). Several sedges including

sallow sedge (Carex lurida),

pennslyvania sedge (C. pensylvanica), three-way sedge

( Dulichium arundinaceum), andwool grass – considered a bulrush (Scirpus cyperinus) grow here along with Canada and

common rush, (Juncus canadensis and J. effuses). Manna grass (Glyceria obtusa) makes amodest showing in the wet field areas likely seeded by larger concentrations growing just

within Gowing’s Swamp. Some forbs and a fern that grow in this wet meadow area include

steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa), bugleweed ( Lycopus americanus), purple loosestrife, andsensitive fern.

Throughout the upland field, introduced species of meadowwildflowers grow along with a few natives. A mixture of

upland grasses and sedges, which were not inventoried as partof this survey, form the tangled groundcover for early flowers

of lesser stichwort (Stellaria graminea), dwarf cinquefoil

( Potentilla simplex), and silvery cinquefoil ( Potentilla

argentea). Later in the summer, the field fills with continuous

blooms of Queen Anne’s lace ( Daucus carota), black-eyed

susan ( Rudbeckia hirta), common mullein (Verbascum

thapsus), common fleabane ( Erigeron philadelphicus),common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca), common St. Johnswort

( Hypericum perforatum), sweet everlasting

( Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium), showy tick-trefoil ( Desmodium canadense), king devil( Hieracium caespitosum), common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), and purple

loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria). Several species of goldenrod grow at the field edges

throughout the summer and early fall, including lance-leaved goldenrod ( Euthamia

graminifolia), early goldenrod (Solidago juncea), Canada goldenrod (S. canadensis), and tall

goldenrod (S. altissima). New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and common

yarrow ( Achillea millefolium) grow just beyond the bounds of the survey area but could likelyreseed here.



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The upland field area has not been seasonally mown and small trees and shrubs are beginning

to take hold. Gray birch, scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia) and autumn olive ( Elaeagnus umbellata) punctuate the flowery expanse. Various butterflies, moths, and Odonata species

were encountered during the survey, including the more spectacular primrose moth (Schinia florida) and ebony jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata).

Management Issues

The fields, hedgerows, and cart roadthat wrap around Gowing’s Swamp are

historic remnants of Concord’s Great

Field. It is recommended that these bemaintained to provide both biological

and aesthetic diversity as well as

historical continuity of the landscape.The invasive exotics should be of

primary concern as they provide asource of infestation into the shoreline

and forest areas. Nearly the entireeastern shoreline of Gowing’s Swamp

and the eastern vernal pool are choked

with invasive plants – bittersweet ( see

photo), buckthorn, multiflora rose and in lesser amounts Japanese honeysuckle, autumn olive,

and purple loosestrife. Cut and daub eradication of the woody invasives should be a high

priority. Poison ivy encroaching on the cart path at the NE corner needs to be addressed. Lateseason mowing of the northern and eastern upland fields will help maintain their diversity

while discouraging a succession to woody colonizers. Bluebirds are resident throughout theyear and it is recommended that the bluebird houses be repaired or replaced and maintained

on the NE corner of the property.

NHESP Classification

This area fits the state classification of wet meadow and cultural grassland communities.

A wet meadow is described by the MNHP as a temporarily flooded, but persistently moist

wetland community dominated by graminoids. The mucky mineral soils are saturated duringthe growing season but generally not inundated. Repeated disturbance, usually from grazing

or mowing, keeps these communities free of woody plants. A cultural grassland is an open

habitat created by humans and usually maintained by annual mowing or haying. These plantcommunities generally occur on sand or other droughty, low nutrient soils and often involve

cemeteries, airports, or historic pastures or hayfields.



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Acknowledgements

Gowing’s Swamp has long received reverent and detailed attention from the scientific and

literary communities and this report, in large part, acknowledges and references those studies

and writings that have been compiled over the past 150+ years, beginning with Thoreau’s

Journal entries. In the process of researching and preparing this report, I’ve receivedgenerous and invaluable guidance, contributions, and recollections from local scientists,

naturalists, historians, town authorities, and residents who hold the deep history of Gowing’sSwamp in their collective memories, archives, and published works. My gratitude goes to

Ray Angelo (Associate, Harvard U. Herbarium, noted authority on Thoreau’s botanical

legacy), Deborah Bier (Concord Magazine blog editor), Shirley Blancke (Concord

archaeologist, compiled attached list of artifacts), Brian Donahue (author of The Great

Meadow, 2004) Kay Fairweather (fungi specialist), Doug Greene (lichen specialist, compiled

lichen list for this report), Thurston Handley (horticulturist and Gowing’s Swamp neighbor),

Charles Harvey (MIT hydrogeologist and Concord resident), Harry Hemond (MIT geochemistand author of definitive scientific papers on Gowing’s Swamp and northeastern bog

geochemistry), Elizabeth Knieper (lichen specialist), Donald Miller (SVT intern 2007,compiled preliminary plant inventory of Gowing’s Swamp), Lydia Rogers (Walden KeepingTrack), Lou Sideris (MNHP, Dir. of Interpretation), Mary Walker (local botanist), Bryan

Windmiller (local herpetologist), and many more not listed here.

Additional appreciation goes to the Concord Planning Office staff, Delia Kaye and Cindy

Gray of the Concord Dept. of Natural Resources, and the Special Collections staff at the

Concord Free Public Library for providing a wealth of historical maps, photos, and written

documentation about Gowing’s Swamp and to naturalist Deb Allen for the use of some of her photographs. A special thank you to Louise Berliner, Tom Wilson, Chuck Doolittle, Steven

Sbardella, John Nevins, and the many other residents of Independence Road and the

Revolutionary Ridge and Gowing’s Swamp neighborhoods for their support, assistance, andencouragement during this project. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs were taken by the

author and consulting naturalist for this report, Cherrie Corey.

Doug Greene and Elizabeth Knieper identifying lichens



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Bibliography

Burke, Gerard J. oral history archive Interviewed by Renee Garrelick (5.31.2005), Concord Oral

History Program.

http://www.concordlibrary.org/scollect/Fin_Aids/OH_Texts/Burke.html

Champman, Rachel R. and Harold F. Hemond. (1981) Denitrogen fixation by surface peat and Sphagnum in an ombrotrophic bog. Canadian Journal of Botany, 60: 538-43

Corey, Cherrie. “Bog and Soul: A Concord Experience,” The Concord Magazine, Sept/Oct 2001,

http://www.concordma.com/magazine/sepoct01/gowingsbog.html

Donahue, Brian. (2004) The Great Field: Farmers and the Land in Colonial Concord (New Haven:

Yale U. Press)

Eaton, Richard J. (1969) “Gowing’s Swamp,” (Mass. Audubon Society)

Eaton, Richard J. (1974) A Flora of Concord from Thoreau’s time to the Present Day. (Cambridge,

MA: Harvard U., Museum of Comparative Zoology)

Gowing, Clara. (1909) The Alcott’s as I Knew Them. (Boston: C.M. Clark Pub. Co.)

Hemond, Harold. (1980) The Biochemistry of Thoreau’s Bog, Concord, Massachusetts. Ecological

Monographs, 50(4), pp. 507-526

Hemond, Harold. (1983) The Nitrogen Budget of Thoreau’s Bog . Ecology, Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 99-109.

Koteff, Carl. (1964) Surficial geology of the Concord quadrangle. (Massachusetts: U.S. Geological

Survey, Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-331)

Giblett, Rod. (1997) Postmodern Wetlands: Culture, History, and Ecology. (Edinburgh U. Press)

Robbins Collection of Herbert Wendell Gleason Photographic negatives of Images of Concord, Mass.,

1899-1937

Sorrie, Bruce A. and Paul Sommers. (1999) The Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A CountyChecklist . (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species

Programs)

Thoreau Country: Photographs and Text Selections from the works of H. D. Thoreau, (Sierra Club

publication), 1975

Thoreau, Henry D. The Journal of Henry D. Thoreau, 1837-1861, Volumes 1-2. (Dover Publications), 1962

USDA, NRCS. (2010) The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). (Baton Rouge, LA: National

Plant Data Center)

Web Soil Survey. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of

Agriculture. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/, accessed 2/1/10



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Appendix A – Archaeology

June 2008

Report on the archaeological sites next to Gowing’s Swamp, Concord, MA

All the fields on the north side of Gowing’s Swamp contain archaeological sites. On the

south side, Revolutionary Ridge, only a tiny site is known at the far east end, which produced one

artifact. This does not mean there are no sites on the ridge, but that artifacts in the past were only

found in plowed fields. An archaeological survey is needed to find them in unplowed land.

The Gowing’s Swamp area is the southern part of what was known as “The Great Fields,”

which extended north to the river and comprised the fields both north and south of route 62.

Blancke conducted archaeological surveys and excavation of the northern section in connection

with Sleepy Hollow Cemetery expansion. Traces of a wigwam floor were found there that were

radiocarbon dated to c. 1450 C.E. (Shirley Blancke 2003. Archaeological Data Recovery at

Sleepy Hollow North Cemetery Expansion: Final Report, Phase 2. Concord, Massachusetts.

Report on file, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston).

Artifacts from archaeological sites immediately adjacent to Gowings Swamp were picked

up by two important collectors, Adams Tolman, and Benjamin L. Smith, a founder of the

Massachusetts Archaeological Society, and are in the Concord Museum. A list of them is

provided below. The sites are registered with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the

site numbers refer to MHC maps. The town of Concord has a by-law saying that archaeological

material should be considered in any development.

In the fields north of the swamp and west of Old Bedford road is site 19-MD-476, which

covers the whole area and comprises an older site 19-MD-97. The area south of St. Bernard’s

cemetery is numbered 19-MD-945 and comprises the older site 19-MD-98. The numbers 476 and

945 effectively cover the whole area north of the swamp and were designated because artifacts

have been picked up in those areas in recent years by Peter Waksman and Bill Eldridge. Artifacts

in the old collections come from 19-MD-97 and -98. Collections from site 19-MD-100 north of

route 62 also include some material from the Gowings swamp area (Benjamin Smith).

The area south of St. Bernard’s cemetery is part of the old Foss Farm on which was found

a very unusual artifact of current interest to Maine archaeologists because it appears to have come

from Maine. It is a large, 6 in. slate spearhead that resembles a medieval European metal one, but



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is several thousand years old. Benjamin Smith wrote a 5-page description of it. From site 19-MD-

98 there is a spectacular ulu, or woman’s semi-circular knife, of slate that is also 6 in. long. It is

unusual to find an unbroken specimen of these. It has a hole drilled in the handle, presumably to

tie it to a belt.

A rough timeline for the occupation of these sites is provided by the types of the projectile

points (spearheads, dart-heads, arrowheads). They cover 4 time periods: Middle and Late Archaic,

and Early and Middle Woodland, that extend from 7000 years ago to 1000 years ago

approximately. The quantity of chipping waste is unusual for Concord sites and indicates that a

great deal of stone tool manufacturing was conducted in the Great Fields

The combined totals of artifacts for sites 19-MD-97 and -98 from the Tolman and Smith

collections are as follows:

Total artifacts: 355

32 projectile points (ranging from Middle Archaic to Middle Woodland periods)

1 pestle2 gouges

1 sinker 1 hoe

1 perforator 2 small pounding stones

7 edge tools (knives, scrapers)3 ulus

3 bifacial blade fragments, pendant.300 pieces of chipping waste (flakes and chunks of rhyolite, quartz, quartzite, argillite)

The artifacts collected from site 19-MD-100 north of route 62 included some from the

southern area. The chipping waste was so extensive it could be weighed in grams, and the amount

collected in the Gowings swamp area for all types of stone weighed 2,213 grams (4½ lb.) (Shirley

Blancke 1987. Archaeological Site Examination of the Bedford Street Housing, Asparagus Farm

area, Concord, Massachusetts. Report on file, Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston).

Shirley BlanckeAssociate Curator for ArchaeologyConcord [email protected]



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Appendix B – Bird ListObserved by Cherrie Corey, 2008-10

Little green heron

Wood duck

American woodcock Cooper’s hawk

Red-tailed hawk Wild turkey

Mourning dove

Barred owl

Screech owlsWood pewee

Red-bellied woodpecker

Downy woodpecker Hairy woodpecker

Northern flicker Pileated woodpecker Eastern phoebe

Catbird

Blue-headed vireoBlue jay

American crow

Common raven

Black-capped chickadeeTufted titmouse

White-breasted nuthatch

Brown creeper

Carolina wrenGolden-crowned kinglet

Eastern bluebirdWood thrush

Hermit thrush

American robin

CatbirdMockingbird

Cedar waxwing

Yellow warbler Common yellowthroat

Field sparrowTree sparrowSong sparrow

Swamp sparrow

White-thoated sparrowDark-eyed junco

Northern cardinal

Red-winged blackbird

Brown-headed cowbird Northern oriole

Pine siskin

American goldfinch



Appendix C – Gowing's Swamp Botanical Inventory, 2009-10

Plant Type and Family Sort

Plant Group Nat/Int Family Scientific Name Common

Fungi N Amanitaceae Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric

Fungi N Amanitaceae Amanita spp.

Fungi N Amanitaceae Limacella glischera? Slimy, gilled mushrooms

Fungi N Auriculariaceae Auricularia sp.

Fungi N Clavariaceae Ramariopsis sp.?

Fungi N Entolomataceae Entoloma strictius?

Fungi N Exobasidiaceae Exobasidium vaccinii Azalea gall

Fungi N Hygrophoraceae Hygrocybe cantharellus?

Fungi N Meripilaceae Grifola frondosa Hen of the Woods

Fungi N Physaraceae Fuligo septica Dog Vomit slime mold

Fungi N Polyporaceae Piptoporus betulinus Birch polypore

Fungi N Polyporaceae Polyporus squamosus Dryad's Saddle or Pheasant's Tail

Fungi N Poriceae Trametes versicolor Turkey-tail

Fungi N Reticulariaceae Lycogala epidendrum Wolf's Milk slime moldFungi N Russulaceae Russula emetica? The Sickener

Fungi N Tricholomataceae Clitocybe nuda Blewitt

Lichens N Agyriaceae Sarea resinae Serea lichen

Lichens N Arthoniaceae Arthonia caesia Frosted comma lichen

Lichens N Candelariaceae Candelaria concolor Lemon candle-flame lichen

Lichens N Candelariaceae Candelariella efflorescens Powdery gold-speck lichen

Lichens N Cladoniaceae Cladonia coniocraea Common powderhorn

Lichens N Cladoniaceae Cladonia cristatella British soldier lichen

Lichens N CladoniaceaeCladonia macilenta var.bacillaris Lipstick powderhorn race

Lichens N Fuscideaceae Fuscidea arboricola Quilt lichen

Lichens N Fuscideaceae Ropalospora viridis Ropalospora lichen

Lichens N Lecanoraceae Lecanora hybocarpa Bumpy rim lichenLichens N Lecanoraceae Lecanora strobilina Mealy rim lichen

Lichens N Lecanoraceae Lecanora symmicta Fused rim lichen

Lichens N Lecanoraceae Lecanora thysanophora Mapledust rim lichen

Lichens N Lecanoraceae Pyrrhospora varians Crimson dot lichen

Lichens N LecanoraceaeScoliciosporumchlorococcum

City dot lichen or Green needlelichen

Lichens N Lecideaceae Hypocenomyce friesii Clam lichen

Lichens N Lecideaceae Hypogymnia physodes Hooded tubelichen

Lichens N Leprariaceae Lepraria incana Dust Lichen

Lichens N Leprariaceae Lepraria neglecta Zoned dust lichen

Lichens N Micareaceae Micarea erratica A dot lichen

Lichens N Mycocaliciaceae Phaeocalicium polyporaeum Phaeocaliciumlichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Bryoria furcellata Burred horsehair lichenLichens N Parmeliaceae Evernia mesomorpha Boreal oakmoss lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Flavoparmelia caperata Common greenshield lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Imshaugia aleurites Hooded tube Lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Melanelixia subaurifera Abraded camouflage lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Parmelia squarrosa Bottlebrush shield lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Parmelia sulcata Hammered shield lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Punctelia rudecta Rough speckeled shield lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Tuckermannopsis americana Fringed wrinkle-lichen



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Lichens N Parmeliaceae Usnea hirta Bristly beard lichen

Lichens N Parmeliaceae Usnea strigosa Brushy beard lichen

Lichens N Pertusariaceae Ochrolechia androgyna Powdery saucer lichen

Lichens N Pertusariaceae Ochrolechia arborea Saucer lichen

Lichens N Physciaceae Amandinea punctata Tiny button lichen

Lichens N Physciaceae Buellia stillingiana Common button lichen

Lichens N Physciaceae Phaeophyscia rubropulchra Orange-cored shadowlichenLichens N Physciaceae Physcia millegrana Mealy rosette lichen

Lichens N Porpidiaceae Porpidia albocaerulescens Smoky-eyed boulder lichen

Lichens N Thelenellaceae Julella fallaciosa Julella lichen

Lichens N Trapeliaceae Trapeliopsis flexuosa Board lichens

Ferns-Allies N Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern

Ferns-Allies N Dennstaedtiaceae Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hayscented fern

Ferns-Allies N Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris intermedia Intermediate/Evergreen wood-fern

Ferns-Allies N Dryopteridaceae Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern

Ferns-Allies N Dryopteridaceae Lycopodium clavatum Running clubmoss

Ferns-Allies N Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium obscurum Rare club-moss

Ferns-Allies N Osmundaceae Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern

Ferns-Allies N Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis Royal fern

Ferns-Allies N Polytricaceae Polytrichum sp. Hair-cap moss sp.Ferns-Allies N Sphagnaceae Sphagnum spp. Sphagnum moss

Ferns-Allies N Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern

Ferns-Allies N Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris simulata Massachusetts fern

Gram N Cyperaceae Carex lurida Sallow sedge

Gram N Cyperaceae Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge

Gram N Cyperaceae Dulichium arundinaceum Three-way sedge

Gram N Cyperaceae Eriophorum virginicum Tawny cotton grass

Gram N Cyperaceae Scirpus cyperinus Wool grass

Gram N Juncaceae Juncus canadensis Canadian rush

Gram N Juncaceae Juncus effusus Common rush

Gram I Poaceae Agrostis gigantea Redtop

Gram I Poaceae Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent grass

Gram N Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass

Gram N Poaceae Dactylis glomerata Orchard grass

Gram N Poaceae Dicanthelium acuminatum Wooly panic grass

Gram N Poaceae Glyceria canadensis Rattlesnake grass

Gram N Poaceae Glyceria obtusa Manna grass

Gram N Poaceae Holcus lanatus Velvet grass

Gram N Poaceae Phleum pratense Timothy

Gram N Poaceae Poa pratensis Kentucky blue grass

Gram N Poaceae Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem

Gram N Typhaceae Typha latifolia Narrow-leaved cattail

Conifer N Cupressaceae Juniperus communis Common juniper

Conifer N Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar

Conifer N Pinaceae Larix laricina Tamarack, American larchConifer N Pinaceae Picea marianna Black spruce

Conifer N Pinaceae Picea abies Norway spruce

Conifer N Pinaceae Pinus strobus White pine

Conifer N Pinaceae Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Aceraceae Acer saccharum Sugar maple

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Anacardiaceae Rhus typina Staghorn sumac

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Anacardiaceae Rhus vernix Poison sumac

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy



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Tree/Shrub/Vine N Aquifoliaceae Ilex verticillata Winterberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N AquifoliaceaeNemopanthus (Ilex)mucronatus Mountain holly or Catberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Berberidaceae Berberis thunbergii Japanese barberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Betulaceae Alnus incana var. rugosa Speckled alder

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Betulaceae Betula lenta Black birch

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Betulaceae Betula papyrifera Paper birch

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Betulaceae Betula populifolia Gray birch

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Betulaceae Ostrya virginiana American hophornbeam

Tree/Shrub/Vine I Caprifoliaceae Lonicera morrowii Morrow's honeysuckle

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Caprifoliaceae Sambucas canadensis Common elderberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Caprifoliaceae Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved viburnum

Tree/Shrub/Vine I Celastraceae Celastrus orbiculata Oriental bittersweet

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Clethraceae Chamaedaphne calyculata Leatherleaf

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbush

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Gaylussacia frondosa Blue huckleberry or Dangleberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Kalmia angustifolia Sheep laurel

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Kalmia polifolia Bog or Pale laurel

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Lyonia ligustrina Maleberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azaleaTree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Vaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Ericaceae Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Castanea dentata American chestnut

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia American beech

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Quercus bicolor Swamp white-oak

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Quercus ilicifolia Shrub oak

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Quercus rubra var. ambigua Northern red oak

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Fagaceae Quercus velutina Black oak

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Hamamelidaceae Hamamelis virginiana Witch-hazel

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Juglandaceae Carya ovata Shagbark hickory

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Lauraceae Sassafras albidum Sassafras

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Nyssaceae Nyssa sylvatica Black gum

Tree/Shrub/Vine I Rhamnaceae Rhamnus cathartica L. Euro. buckthornTree/Shrub/Vine I Rosaceae Malus sp. Crab apple

Tree/Shrub/Vine I Rosaceae Rosa multiflora Multiflora rose

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Rosaceae Prunus serotina Black cherry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Rosaceae Pyrus melanocarpa Black chokeberry

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Rosaceae Spirea tomentosa Steeplebush

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Salicaceae Populus grandidentata Big-toothed aspen

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Salicaceae Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Salicaceae Salix discolor Pussy willow

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Salicaceae Salix nigra Black willow

Tree/Shrub/Vine I Salicaceae Salix sepulcralis Weeping willow

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Salicaceae Salix spp. Willow ssp.

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Smilacaceae Smilax rotundifolia Common greenbrier

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Tiliaceae Tilia americana American basswood

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper

Tree/Shrub/Vine N Vitaceae Vitis labrusca Fox (Concord) grape

Forbs I Apiaceae Daucus carota Queen Anne's Lace

Forbs N Asclepiadaceae Asclepias syriaca Common milkweed

Forbs N Araceae Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage

Forbs N Araliaceae Aralia nudicaulis Wild sarsaparilla

Forbs N Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia Ragweed



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Forbs N Asteraceae Artemesia vulgaris Common mugwort

Forbs N Asteraceae Aster laterifolius Calico aster

Forbs N Asteraceae Symphyotrichum praealtum Willowleaf aster

Forbs N Asteraceae Bidens connata Swamp beggar-ticks

Forbs N Asteraceae Conyza canadensis Horseweed

Forbs N Asteraceae Erigeron annuus Daisy fleabane

Forbs N Asteraceae Erigeron philadelphicus FleabaneForbs N Asteraceae Eurybia divaricata White wood aster

Forbs N Asteraceae Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved goldenrod

Forbs N AsteraceaePseudognaphalium obtusifolium Sweet everlasting

Forbs I Asteraceae Hieracium caespitosum King devil (Hawkweed)

Forbs N Asteraceae Hieracium paniculatum Panicled hawkweed

Forbs N Asteraceae Oclemena acuminata Whorled wood aster

Forbs N Asteraceae Prenanthes trifoliolata Gall-of-the-earth

Forbs N Asteraceae Solidago caesia Blue-stemmed goldenrod

Forbs N Asteraceae Solidago gigantea Late goldenrod

Forbs N Asteraceae Solidago juncea Early goldenrod

Forbs N Asteraceae Solidago rugosa Rough-stemmed goldenrod

Forbs N Asteraceae Symphyotrichum cordifolium Heart-leaved aster

Forbs N AsteraceaeEupatoriadelphus maculatusvar. foliosum Spotted Joe-pye weed

Forbs I Betulaceae Corylus cornuta Beaked hazelnut

Forbs I Brassicaceae Barbarea vulgaris Winter cress

Forbs N Caprifoliaceae Diervilla lonicera Northern bush-honeysuckle

Forbs I Caryophyllaceae Silene latifolia ssp. alba Evening lychnis

Forbs I Clusiaceae Hypericum perforatum Common St. Johnswort

Forbs N Clusiaceae Triadenum virginicum Marsh St.Johnswort

Forbs N Droseraceae Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew

Forbs N Ericaceae Andromeda polifolia Bog rosemary

Forbs N Ericaceae Gaultheria procumbens Wintergreen, Checkerberry*

Forbs N Ericaceae Rhodora canadensis Rodora

Forbs N Ericaceae Vaccinium macrocarpon Large cranberryForbs N Ericaceae Vaccinium oxycoccus Small or wren's egg cranberry

Forbs N Fabaceae Desmodium canadense Showy tick-trefoil

Forbs I Fabaceae Medicago sativa Alfalfa

Forbs I Fabaceae Melilotus officinalis Yellow (White) sweet clover

Forbs I Fabaceae Trifolium arvense Rabbit's-foot clover

Forbs I Fabaceae Trifolium hybridum Alsike clover

Forbs I Fabaceae Trifolium pratense Red clover

Forbs I Fabaceae Trifolium repens White clover

Forbs I Fabaceae Vicia cracca Cow vetch

Forbs N Lamiaceae Lycopus uniflorus Bugleweed

Forbs N Lemnaceae Lemna minor Common duckweed

Forbs N Liliaceae Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower

Forbs N Liliaceae Maianthemum racemosum False solomon's-sealForbs N Liliaceae Medeola virginiana Indian cucumber-root

Forbs N Liliaceae Trientalis borealis Starflower

Forbs N Liliaceae Uvularia sessilifolia Sessile-leaved bellwort

Forbs I Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife

Forbs N Monotropaceae Monotropa hypopithys Pinesap

Forbs N Monotropaceae Monotropa uniflora Indian pipe

Forbs N Onagraceae Circaea alpina Small enchanter's nightshade

Forbs N Onagraceae Oenothera biennis Common evening primrose



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Forbs N Orchidaceae Cypripedium acaule Pink ladyslipper

Forbs N Orchidaceae Goodyera pubescens Downy rattlesnake plantain

Forbs N Oxalidaceae Oxalis stricta Yellow wood-sorrel

Forbs I Polygonaceae Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese knotweed

Forbs I Polygonaceae Rumex acetocella Sheep sorrel

Forbs N Primulaceae Lysimachia terrestris Swamp candle

Forbs N Pyrolaceae Chimaphila maculata Spotted wingergreenForbs N Ranunculaceae Anemone quinquefolia Wood anenome

Forbs I Rosaceae Potentilla argentea Silvery cinquefoil

Forbs N Rosaceae Potentilla canadensis Dwarf cinquefoil

Forbs I Rosaceae Potentilla recta Rough-fruited cinquefoil

Forbs N Rosaceae Rubus flagellaris Northern dewberry

Forbs N Rosaceae Spiraea tomentosa Steeplebush

Forbs N Rubiaceae Galium trifidum ssp trifidum Marsh bedstraw

Forbs N Rubiaceae Mitchella repens Partridge-berry

Forbs N Sarraceniacea Sarracenia purpurea Purple pitcher-plant

Plant Community SortPlantCom Family Scientific Name Common Name

Field/Hedgerows Asclepiadaceae Asclepias syriaca Common milkweed

Field/Hedgerows Anacardiaceae Rhus typina Staghorn sumac

Field/Hedgerows Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy

Field/Hedgerows Apiaceae Daucus carota Queen Anne's lace

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Artemesia vulgaris Common mugwort

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Aster laterifolius Calico aster

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Aster praealtus Willow-leaved aster

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Erigeron annuus Daisy fleabane

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Erigeron philadelphicus Fleabane

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Gnaphalium obtusifolium Sweet everlastingField/Hedgerows Asteraceae Hieracium caespitosum King devil (Hawkweed)

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Hieracium paniculatum Panicled hawkweed

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Solidago caesia Blue-stemmed goldenrod

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Solidago gigantea Late goldenrod

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Solidago juncea Early goldenrod

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Solidago rugosa Rough-stemmed goldenrod

Field/Hedgerows Asteraceae Symphyotrichum praealtum Willow-leaved aster

Field/Hedgerows Brassicaceae Barbarea vulgaris Winter cress

Field/Hedgerows Caprifoliaceae Lonicera morrowii Morrow's honeysuckle

Field/Hedgerows Caprifoliaceae Sambucas canadensis Common elderberry

Field/Hedgerows Caprifoliaceae Viburnnum dentatum Northern arrowweeod

Field/Hedgerows Caryophyllaceae Silene latifolia ssp. alba Evening lychnis

Field/Hedgerows Celastraceae Celastrus orbiculata Oriental bittersweet

Field/Hedgerows Clusiaceae Hypericum perforatum Common St. Johnswort

Field/Hedgerows Cornaceae Cornus amonum Silky (Swamp) dogwood

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Desmodium canadense Showy tick-trefoil

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Medicago sativa Alfalfa

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Melilotus officinalis Yellow (White) sweet clover

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Trifolium arvense Rabbit's-foot clover

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Trifolium hybridum Alsike clover

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Trifolium pratense Red clover



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Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Trifolium repens White clover

Field/Hedgerows Fabaceae Vicia cracca Cow vetch

Field/Hedgerows Liliaceae Uvularia sessilifolia Sessile-leaved bellwort

Field/Hedgerows Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife

Field/Hedgerows Monotropaceae Monotropa uniflora Indian pipe

Field/Hedgerows Onagraceae Circaea alpina Small enchanter's nightshade

Field/Hedgerows Onagraceae Oenothera biennis Common evening primroseField/Hedgerows Oxalidaceae Oxalis stricta Yellow wood-sorrel

Field/Hedgerows Poaceae Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass

Field/Hedgerows Poaceae Calamagrostis canadensis Blue joint-grass

Field/Hedgerows PoaceaeDicanthelium acuminatum var.fasciculatum Wooly or fascicled panic-grass

Field/Hedgerows Poaceae Poa pratensis Kentucky blue grass

Field/Hedgerows Polygonaceae Polygonum cuspidatum Japanese knotweed

Field/Hedgerows Polygonaceae Rumex acetocella Sheep sorrel

Field/Hedgerows Polytricaceae Polytrichum sp. Hair-cap moss sp.

Field/Hedgerows Ranunculaceae Potentilla argentea Silvery cinquefoil

Field/Hedgerows Ranunculaceae Potentilla simplex Old field cinquefoil

Field/Hedgerows Rosaceae Malus sp. Crab apple

Field/Hedgerows Rosaceae Potentilla recta Rough-fruited cinquefoilField/Hedgerows Rosaceae Rosa multiflora Multiflora rose

Field/Hedgerows Rosaceae Spirea tomentosa Steeplebush

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Populus grandidentata Big-toothed aspen

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix bebbiana Bebb's willow

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix discolor Pussy willow

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix nigra Black willow

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix petiolaris Meadow willow (sp.?)

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix sepulcralis Weeping willow

Field/Hedgerows Salicaceae Salix spp. Willow ssp.

Field/Hedgerows Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper

Field/Hedgerows Vitaceae Vitis labrusca Fox (Concord) grape

Wet Meadow Asteraceae Bidens connata Swamp beggar-ticksWet Meadow Asteraceae Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved goldenrod

Wet Meadow AsteraceaeEupatoriadelphus maculatus var.foliosum Joe-pye weed

Wet Meadow Betulaceae Alnus incana var. rugosa Speckled alder

Wet Meadow Betulaceae Betula populifolia Gray birch

Wet Meadow Cyperaceae Carex lurida Sallow sedge

Wet Meadow Cyperaceae Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge

Wet Meadow Cyperaceae Scirpus cyperinus Wool grass

Wet Meadow Dryopteridaceae Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern

Wet Meadow Lamiaceae Lycopus uniflorus Northern bugleweed

Wet Meadow Poaceae Agrostis gigantea Redtop

Wet Meadow Poaceae Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent grass

Wet Meadow Poaceae Glyceria obtusa Manna grassWet Meadow Rosaceae Rubus flagellaris Northern dewberry

Wet Meadow Rosaceae Spiraea tomentosa Steeplebush

Forest matrix Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple

Forest matrix Aceraceae Acer saccharum Sugar maple

Forest matrix Amanitaceae Amanita muscaria Fly agaric

Forest matrix Amanitaceae Amanita spp.

Forest matrix Amanitaceae Limacella glischera? Slimy, gilled mushrooms

Forest matrix Araliaceae Aralia nudicaulis Wild sarsaparilla



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Forest matrix Asteraceae Eurybia divaricata White wood aster

Forest matrix Asteraceae Oclemena acuminata Whorled wood aster

Forest matrix Asteraceae Prenanthes trifoliolata Gall-of-the-earth

Forest matrix Asteraceae Symphyotrichum cordifolium Heart-leaved aster

Forest matrix Asteraceae Symphyotrichum lowrieanum Lowrie's aster

Forest matrix Auriculariaceae Auricularia sp.

Forest matrix Berberidaceae Berberis thunbergii Japanese barberryForest matrix Betulaceae Betula lenta Black birch

Forest matrix Betulaceae Betula papyrifera Paper birch

Forest matrix Betulaceae Corylus cornuta Beaked hazelnut

Forest matrix Betulaceae Ostrya virginiana American hophornbeam

Forest matrix Caprifoliaceae Diervilla lonicera Northern bush-honeysuckle

Forest matrix Caprifoliaceae Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved viburnum

Forest matrix Caprifoliaceae Viburnum lentago Nannyberry

Forest matrix Clavariaceae Ramariopsis sp.?

Forest matrix Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbush

Forest matrix Cupressaceae Juniperus communis Common juniper

Forest matrix Cupressaceae Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar

Forest matrix Dennstaedtiaceae Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hayscented fern

Forest matrix Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fernForest matrix Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris intermedia Intermediate/Evergreen wood-fern

Forest matrix Entolomataceae Entoloma strictius?

Forest matrix Ericaceae Gaultheria procumbens Wintergreen, Checkerberry

Forest matrix Ericaceae Vaccinium angustifolium Lowbush blueberry

Forest matrix Ericaceae Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry

Forest matrix Exobasidiaceae Exobasidium vaccinii Azalea gall

Forest matrix Fagaceae Castanea dentata American chestnut

Forest matrix Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia American beech

Forest matrix Fagaceae Quercus bicolor Swamp white-oak

Forest matrix Fagaceae Quercus ilicifolia Shrub oak

Forest matrix Fagaceae Quercus rubra var. ambigua Northern red oak

Forest matrix Fagaceae Quercus velutina Black oak

Forest matrix Hamamelidaceae Hamamelis virginiana Witch-hazel

Forest matrix Hygrophoraceae Hygrocybe cantharellus?

Forest matrix Juglandaceae Carya ovata Shagbark hickory

Forest matrix Lauraceae Sassafras albidum Sassafras

Forest matrix Liliaceae Maianthemum canadense Canada mayflower

Forest matrix Liliaceae Maianthemum racemosum False solomon's-seal

Forest matrix Liliaceae Medeola virginiana Indian cucumber-root

Forest matrix Liliaceae Trientalis borealis Starflower

Forest matrix Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium clavatum Running clubmoss

Forest matrix Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium obscurum Rare clubmoss

Forest matrix Meripilaceae Grifola frondosa Hen of the woods

Forest matrix Monotropaceae Monotropa hypopithys Pinesap

Forest matrix Nyssaceae Nyssa sylvatica Black gumForest matrix Orchidaceae Cypripedium acaule Pink ladyslipper

Forest matrix Orchidaceae Goodyera pubescens Downy rattlesnake plantain

Forest matrix Physaraceae Fuligo septica Dog vomit slime mold

Forest matrix Pinaceae Picea abies Norway spruce

Forest matrix Pinaceae Pinus strobus White pine

Forest matrix Pinaceae Tsuga canadensis Eastern Hemlock

Forest matrix Polyporaceae Piptoporus betulinus Birch polypore

Forest matrix Polyporaceae Polyporus squamosus Dryad's Saddle or Pheasant's Tail

Forest matrix Poriceae Trametes versicolor Turkey-tail



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Forest matrix Pyrolaceae Chimaphila maculata Spotted wingergreen

Forest matrix Ranunculaceae Anemone quinquefolia Wood anenome

Forest matrix Reticulariaceae Lycogala epidendrum Wolf's Milk slime mold

Forest matrix Rhamnaceae Rhamnus cathartica L. Euro. buckthorn

Forest matrix Rosaceae Prunus serotina Black cherry

Forest matrix Rosaceae Pyrus melanocarpa Black chokeberry

Forest matrix Rubiaceae Mitchella repens Partridge-berryForest matrix Smilacaceae Smilax rotundifolia Common greenbrier

Forest matrix Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris noveboracensis New York fern

Forest matrix Tiliaceae Tilia americana American basswood

Forest matrix Tricholomataceae Clitocybe nuda Blewitt

Kettlehole Bog Clethraceae Chamaedaphne calyculata Leatherleaf

Kettlehole Bog Cyperaceae Eriophorum virginicum Tawny cotton-grass

Kettlehole Bog Droseraceae Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sundew

Kettlehole Bog Ericaceae Andromeda polifolia Bog rosemary

Kettlehole Bog Ericaceae Kalmia polifolia Bog or Pale laurel

Kettlehole Bog Ericaceae Rhodora canadensisRodora (reported observation,Hemond)

Kettlehole Bog Ericaceae Vaccinium macrocarpon Large cranberry

Kettlehole Bog Ericaceae Vaccinium oxycoccus Small or wren's egg cranberryKettlehole Bog Pinaceae Larix laricina Tamarack, American larch

Kettlehole Bog Pinaceae Picea marianna Black spruce

Kettlehole Bog Sarraceniacea Sarracenia purpurea Purple pitcher-plant

Level Bog Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple

Level Bog Agyriaceae Sarea resinae Serea lichen

Level Bog Anacardiaceae Rhus vernix Poison sumac

Level Bog Aquifoliaceae Ilex verticillata Winterberry

Level Bog Aquifoliaceae Nemopanthus (Ilex) mucronatus Mountain holly or Catberry

Level Bog Araceae Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage

Level Bog Arthoniaceae Arthonia caesia Frosted comma lichen

Level Bog Candelariaceae Candelaria concolor Lemon candle-flame lichen

Level Bog Candelariaceae Candelariella efflorescens Powdery Gold-speck Lichen

Level Bog Cladoniaceae Cladonia coniocraea Common PowderhornLevel Bog Cladoniaceae Cladonia cristatella British soldier lichen

Level Bog Cladoniaceae Cladonia macilenta var. bacillaris Lipstick powderhorn lichen

Level Bog Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepperbush

Level Bog Clusiaceae Triadenum virginicum Marsh St. Johnswort

Level Bog Cyperaceae Dulichium arundinaceum Three-way sedge

Level Bog Ericaceae Gaylussacia frondosa Blue huckleberry or Dangleberry

Level Bog Ericaceae Kalmia angustifolia Sheep laurel

Level Bog Ericaceae Lyonia ligustrina Maleberry

Level Bog Ericaceae Rhododendron viscosum Swamp azalea

Level Bog Fuscideaceae Fuscidea arboricola Quilt lichen

Level Bog Fuscideaceae Ropalospora viridis Ropalospora lichen

Level Bog Juncaceae Juncas effusus Common rush

Level Bog Lamiaceae Lycopus uniflorus Northern bugleweed

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Lecanora hybocarpa Bumpy rim lichen

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Lecanora strobilina Mealy rim lichen

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Lecanora symmicta Fused rim lichen

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Lecanora thysanophora Mapledust rim lichen

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Pyrrhospora varians Crimson Dot lichen

Level Bog Lecanoraceae Scoliciosporum chlorococcum City dot lichen or Green needle lichen

Level Bog Lecideaceae Hypocenomyce friesii Clam lichen

Level Bog Lecideaceae Hypogymnia physodes Hooded tube lichen



Level Bog Micareaceae Micarea erratica Dot lichen

Level Bog Mycocaliciaceae Phaeocalicium polyporaeum Phaeocalicium lichen

Level Bog Osmundaceae Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern

Level Bog Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis Royal fern

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Bryoria furcellata Burred horsehair lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Evernia mesomorpha Boreal oakmoss lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Flavoparmelia caperata Common greenshield lichenLevel Bog Parmeliaceae Imshaugia aleurites Hooded tube Lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Melanelixia subaurifera Abraded camouflage lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Parmelia squarrosa Bottlebrush shield lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Parmelia sulcata Hammered shield lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Punctelia rudecta Rough speckeled shield lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Tuckermannopsis americana Fringed wrinkle-lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Usnea hirta Bristly beard lichen

Level Bog Parmeliaceae Usnea strigosa Brushy beard lichen

Level Bog Pertusariaceae Ochrolechia androgyna Powdery saucer lichen

Level Bog Pertusariaceae Ochrolechia arborea Saucer lichen

Level Bog Physciaceae Amandinea punctata Tiny button lichen

Level Bog Physciaceae Buellia stillingiana Common button lichen

Level Bog Physciaceae Phaeophyscia rubropulchra Orange-cored shadow LichenLevel Bog Physciaceae Physcia millegrana Mealy rosette Lichen

Level Bog Poaceae Glyceria canadensis Rattlesnake manna-grass

Level Bog Poaceae Glyceria obtusa Manna grass

Level Bog Porpidiaceae Porpidia albocaerulescens Smoky-eyedboulder lichen

Level Bog Primulaceae Lysimachia terrestris Swamp candle

Level Bog Rubiaceae Galium trifidum ssp trifidum Marsh Bedstraw

Level Bog Russulaceae Russula emetica? Sickener

Level Bog Sphagnaceae Sphagnum spp. Sphagnum moss

Level Bog Thelenellaceae Julella fallaciosa Julella lichen

Level Bog Thelypteridaceae Thelypteris simulata Massachusetts fern

Level Bog Trapeliaceae Trapeliopsis flexuosa Board Lichens

Level Bog Typhaceae Typha latifolia Narrow-leaved cattail

Level Bog Leprariaceae Lepraria incana Dust Lichen

Level Bog Leprariaceae Lepraria neglecta Zoned dust lichen

Vernal pool Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red maple

Vernal pool Clethraceae Clethra alnifolia Sweet pepper-bush

Vernal pool Ericaceae Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberry

Vernal pool Lemnaceae Lemna sp. Duckweed

Vernal pool Rosaceae Spirea tomentosa Steeplebush

Vernal pool Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush

Vernal pool Salicaceae Salix spp. Willow sp.

gowings swamp botanic hist or report

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