Lobelia cardinalis, cardinal flower
photo GGardner

On August 1, 2024 we welcome you to join Nate McCullin, Land Stewardship and Outreach Manager and Aaron Teixeira, Community Connections Coordinator of the Westport Land Conservation Trust for a walk at Herb Hadfield Conservation Area in Westport, MA from 10am to noon.

Herb Hadfield is a 187 acre property open to the public year-round. It is built around a warm-season grass meadow which previously was used as pasture land, and its surrounding mixed hardwood and oak forests and wetlands. One of the primary tributaries of the Westport River, Angeline Brook, runs directly through this property – an important coldwater stream which acts as habitat for native brook trout. In addition to that, its meadows and forested wetlands are crucial stopovers for migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway.

Aside from the array of warm-season grasses in its meadow, summer-blooming species of plants like Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Mad Dog Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) can be found along the forested trails, along with unusual taxa like Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) and various lady’s slipper orchids.

This walk is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.DONATE

Registration Below.  We will email the meet up location and directions to those who register a few days before the walk using either office@riwps.org or communications@riwps.org.  (Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you do not get this email.)

Cancellations. We always have more people who want to attend a walk than can be accommodated. If you find that you cannot attend, notify communications@riwps.org as soon as possible.

As with all our walks, sturdy footwear, clothing appropriate for the weather and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. as well as a sufficient supply of water and nourishment are essential. Dogs are not permitted.