Map of Open Trails

Map of Trails.  Image from 'GPS Kit HD' for iPad.  

Walking and cycling trails in Spring Pond Woods are shown in the map as dashed (brown, pink and blue) lines.  The trail network can be found by using a GIS mapping device application, or by entry through the points indicated on the map above, also listed below...

Peabody  

Spring Pond Road, Lynn Street, Sunset Drive, Longview Ave, Linden Road, Veterans Memorial Drive, Coolidge Ave, Glen Road and Cedar Grove Cemetery

Lynn

Fays Ave, Verona Street, John H. Cann Way

Salem

Cain Road, Tanglewood Lane, Barcelona Ave, Osborne Hill Drive

The data layers in 'GPS Kit HD' indicate the trails are 'Open Cycling' and 'Open Street'...

Enjoy walking, cycling, relaxation or history/ nature observing.

Old Postcard from the Fay Arboretum

"This divided-back postcard was printed in Germany for the Glenmere Co. of Lynn Mass. Although it has no postmark, it can be dated with confidence, between 1907, when the U.S. Postal Service first allowed divided-back postcard, and 1914, with the start of World War I. After the WWI began American postcards were printed either in England or in America.  By the time of this photo, Dudley Fay had sold out the estate to the Boston Interurban Realty Trust.  It documents that the citizens of Lynn, Salem and beyond were enjoying Mr Fay’s arboretum 100+ years ago, as the citizens and children of Lynn and Salem do today (or “did” if woods are developed)." ~ Tom O.  Thank you Tom for sharing.  

Curious, if the image (not the print), is a reprint of an earlier decade, in the late eighteen hundreds?  Here is a map in progress of the remaining Fay Arboretum:  www.springpondwoods.com/p/arboretum.html

Drawn using Vectorworks Designer/Architect/ Landmark/Renderworks, by yours truly.

Fall foliage colors

A scientist once credited the sight of colors in helping longevity... The wonder.
Maybe this is true, as colors are known to evoke certain emotions in places and retreats, helping the blood flow.


Green is peaceful, symbolizes nature, refreshing, relaxing & restful, feeling of warmth.
Sky blue and reflecting water is calm, tranquil, serene, and purifying.
Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness, energizing and uplifting.
Orange evokes enthusiasm and excitement.
Red is vibrant, rich and elegant, pumping the heart like no other hue.


Here are a few fall palette colors, from the trees of Spring Pond Woods. 

Images, a few weeks old...

peace 

Map of Fay Arboretum

              Mr. Fay's Arboretum was once a well known place, notable for being one of the earliest arboretums, predating Olmstead and for having trees being sighted here first in the country.  People enjoyed walking the estate, admiring the vast variety of native and exotic foliage.  Below is a map of the inventoried flora in the historic Fay Estate.   There is more area (blank areas) to further inventory, as this is only an initial study.  The love of nature and history of this hidden treasure is one of the biggest reasons why so many wish to preserve the entire area.   In comparing the species of flora with historic research, this drawing reveals the hidden gem we have here in Essex County, in Lynn, Peabody and Salem, MA.  I hope regional planning includes uniting these three cities to preserve this old paradise and beloved area.   Three cities are connected here by the recreational wooded areas around Spring Pond.  

The arboretum map will be updated on occasion, when a new inventory of flora is made.  

To view, click on map, and again to zoom in. Right-click to download. 

peace

Spring Pond Reservoir - Passive Recreation

According to Peabody's Open Space Plan, Spring Pond Reservoir has restricted use:  

• Spring Pond is a wildlife reserve (hunting is prohibited).
• Public access is allowed.  
• Passive recreation associated with the trail systems are for low impact activities: which means walking, hiking, jogging, snowshoeing, birdwatching, and picnicking on a carry-in, carry-out basis.  Some area residents fish here.
• Off-road vehicles are prohibited. The area is environmentally sensitive and needs to avoid erosion. 

The 'No Trespassing'/ 'No All Terrain Vehicles' signage by the entry to Spring Pond Road, are for vehicles.

Source: Peabody Open Space Plan 2006

Saturday's walk

A few more than twenty people joined the long walk through the trails of the old Estate by Spring Pond, this past Saturday. 

A pretty clam shell was picked up from the shore, by Leslie Courtemanche.  She discussed on tour, some of areas as being Potential Vernal Pools and the dangers that come in building over them.

I found two more holes, dug next to one an other.  

(Totaling seven holes found on Camp Lion)

Photo shared by Wendy J. of a tree base.  

Rich Randal an arborist, joined the tour to help identify trees.  Most of the time he was wondering off the path, grabbing new leaves to identify.

Wendy J. shared this photo of someone holding purple flowers, and of a little girl standing by the water.

After the walk, some of us continued walking toward the Peabody side to view the bound marker at the edge of Spring Pond, where we watched, what we believed to be a Broad Winged Hawk flying around in circles.

Please share your photos.  email peace@springpondwoods.com

Sunset

peace...

Mineral Spring Hotel advertisement

Here is an advertisement from 1831 of the Mineral Springs Hotel describing the delightful retreat and waters by Spring Pond.  

Thanks to a friend, who submitted this.

peace

In the News.... Spring Pond Woods on state's 'Great Places' list

Gr. Lynn sites enjoy prominent spots on state's '1,000 Great Places' list, 
The Daily Item - by Debra Glidden, Chris Stevens, David Liscio and Thor Jourgensen. 
July 14, 2010


Spring Pond Woods of Lynn, Peabody and Salem, was voted onto the "1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts" list.  Read more ( here ) or click images below to view.

Spring Pond Woods on the ~ Great Places in Mass list!

 "Spring Pond Woods"  made it into the "1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts" 

           "The Special Commission Relative to Designating 1000 Great Places in Massachusetts was created by an Act of the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on January 15, 2009. Its mission is to identify and recognize the 1000 most truly special places in the Commonwealth, in order to celebrate pride in our history and culture, increase knowledge of our natural surroundings, and encourage regional and international tourism." ~ MassVacation.com

Spring Pond Woods was voted a favorite place in Lynn, Peabody and Salem.
Because it is divided in three cities, it is categorized under Peabody, but if you call the commission they will verify it was voted as being in all three cities.

The area was named "Spring Pond Woods" in an immediate effort to raise awareness in saving the area.  A call of action was made to those who enjoy the area, to vote for it under this name.  Happy it made the list :) ~Katerina

Good work to everyone who voted!  Peace!