Boxford, Massachusetts

Total Acres: 26.8

Year Conserved: Multiple years

Property Description

Spofford Pond is a "Great Pond," protected for public use by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Greenbelt owns part of the wetland marshes at the north end of the pond, running up to a small esker. Since these wetlands have expanded over the years, exploring the pond is best done by water, not on foot. The waters of Spofford are neutral in pH, which is unusual for this region of acidic soils.

Great Pond: A great pond is defined as any pond or lake that contained more than 10 acres in its natural state.

Esker - An esker is a long winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel, which was formed by the retreating glacier. Because of their unique linear shape, eskers are somewhat like railway embankments.

Get Out and Paddle 

The plants and creatures at Spofford Pond constitute a dynamic and fascinating ecosystem that makes a trip rewarding in any season. In the fall, red maples surrounding the pond offer colorful foliage displays, and in the winter, ice provides a roosting place for waterfowl.

An easy paddle around the 28-acre pond margins measures nearly 0.7 mile, and will take 1/2 to 3 hours, depending on the intensity of your study.

Parking

Park in the pullout on the left by the pond, Please make every effort to park your car so as not to obstruct traffic flow or access to the hydrant in this pullout.

Directions

From Route 95 and Rote 97:

Travel west on Route 97 for 0.1 mile and turn left onto the service road. Proceed almost 0.5 mile and turn right onto Ipswich Road. Travel 2 miles and turn right onto Spofford Street, then continue 0.4 mile.