quest boxes will remain in place from april 15th to november 15th - south shore quests · 2020. 3....

South Shore Quests

Quest Boxes will remain in place fromApril 15th to November 15th

Be sure to check website for updates before beginning your Quest

www.SouthShoreQuests.org

©2020 South Shore Quests

Sponsored by the Weir River Watershed Association

Book layout by J&R Graphics, 155 Webster St., Hanover MA.Cover design by Donald Souliere.

SOU

TH SH

ORE QUESTS

South Shore QuestsSouth Shore Quests was formed in 1998 to encourage exploration of the outdoors through the use of CLUE-directed walks through local public lands and parks. Questing is an ideal activity for small groups and families, as well as individuals. By turning a walk into a treasure hunt, children often race ahead of their parents instead of lagging behind!

For a given Quest, participants use the map and directions found in this booklet to follow hidden CLUES to a treasure box. The box contains a small guest book, a stamp pad, a rubber stamp, and answers to questions asked by curious “Questers”. Once the box is found, participants stamp the back pages of this booklet (as proof of accomplishment), and each person signs and stamps the guest book to record having finished the Quest.

Earn Your Patch!

After you have successfully completed 6 Quests you are eligible to receive a South Shore Quests Patch. See page 64 for details.

Weir River Watershed AssociationIn 2004, South Shore Quests was adopted by the Weir River Watershed Association. A watershed is the area of land that catches rain and snow and drains into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. Watersheds connect communities. Most of the Quests in this booklet are located in watersheds.

www.weirriver.org

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Table of ContentsSouth Shore Quest Codes 4Frequently Asked Questions 5

Approx.Quest Location Time Min.Alden House Historic Site 7 Duxbury 45-60Blazing the Bog 11 Norwell 60Burns Memorial Park Quest 15 Hingham 20Chapman Landing Big Pines 18 Hanover 30Cohasset’s 250th 22 Cohasset 45Fairies of Witch Hazel Hollow 27 Cohasset 45Holly Hill Talking Oaks 31 Cohasset 60Into the Forest 36 Norwell 30-45King Oak Hill Park 40 Weymouth 25More-Brewer Park 42 Hingham 30-45Rocky Scramble 45 Scituate 45Secrets of Whitney and Thayer Woods 49 Hingham 45Thompson Pond Quest 54 Hingham 60Webb Park is not an Island 59 Weymouth 40Woodland Wonders 63 Hingham 60Stamp Pages 69General Information 72

We recommend you check our website prior to your Quest for updates

www.SouthShoreQuests.org

Handicap Accessible

Year Round

Fairy Sightings

New !

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South Shore Quest Codes• Keep to established paths.• Avoid damaging fences and stone walls.• There’s no need to dig – no boxes are buried.• Respect the treasure box as private property of South Shore Quests.• Don’t reveal the location of hidden boxes.• Be discreet when taking out and returning the box, to minimize the

potential for vandalism by others.• Securely close and re-hide the box carefully where you found it.• Keep dogs under control.• No fires.• Respect wildlife, plants and trees.• Have a good map and compass with you when you are in an

unfamiliar area.• Poison Ivy is found throughout the forest; learn to identify it!

While many of these trails are paved, there may be some sections with uneven ground (e.g. flat, grassy areas). Additionally some assistance may be required to retrieve the box from its hiding spot.

Most Quests close on November 15th but if you see this symbol by a quest it is open year-round. Note: check online quests.

These quests have some magic mixed in. This symbol means fairies have been sighted.

DISCLAIMER: ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN A QUEST DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. As always when walking in the outdoors and in unfamiliar places, please be careful and aware of your surroundings. Children should not do Quests without an adult. South Shore Quests does not knowingly place CLUES or boxes in hazardous areas. However, South Shore Quests cannot guarantee the conditions of the trails. Moreover, conditions may change, so Questers must consider the current conditions as well as their own abilities and limitations at all times. South Shore Quests and the Weir River Watershed Association assume no responsibility for events that may occur during a Quest.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Questing? This is an educational treasure hunt and an outdoor

experience that involves following a map and a series of CLUES to find a hidden plastic box. The box is never buried. Once there, you may sign into the guest book and leave the impression of your personal stamp if you have one. We encourage you to put an imprint of the Quest Box stamp on the back page of your own Quest booklet.

Where did this idea come form? It started in 1854 in Devon, England, when a gentleman hiker told his friends, “I have placed my calling card in a bottle at Cranmere Pond (a good 6 miles across Dartmoor, each way), and I advise you find it. Just leave your own card when you get there.” The game gradually caught on and today there are over 10,000 organized treasure hunts. In Devon, the hunts are called “Letterboxes”. The idea was brought to northern New England by David Sobel in 1993, in response to a plea from friends to find a way to increase people’s appreciation of their communities. At present, there are many Quests in the Valley Quest Booklet and website along the Upper Connecticut River Valley, in Vermont and New Hampshire.

How do I find the Quest location? Most Quests have a map to help you locate where the Quest begins. The map is found on the page preceding the Quest. Quests without a map have written directions to the site and a street address to be used with GPS.

How long does a Quest hike take? It varies with the length of the trail and the difficulty of finding the CLUES. Some Quests take only 20 minutes, while others take 2 hours. Check at the beginning of the text for information about how long a particular Quest will take. We recommend you check our website prior to your Quest for updates: www.SouthShoreQuests.org

What should I do when I find the treasure box? Inside the box is a special stamp for you to mark the stamp pages of this Quest booklet.

Each person in the group signs the guest book with their name and hometown. (We tally the number of people who complete each Quest and note how far people traveled to do the Quest.) Write a comment or poem, if you like. Some Questers carry their own personal stamp to mark the guest book page.

When done, close the lid tightly, slip the box into the plastic bag, and hide the box where you found it.

If you find a box that does not seem to be a Quest box, leave it in its spot and keep looking! Please realize that a few of the Quest hiding spots may also be used by geocachers, who also leave small boxes to be found. A Quest box will be clearly labeled.

What if I find a problem with the Quest or box? Report any problem with the Quest CLUES or finding the Quest box to [email protected]. You will get a response and the problem will be corrected. We appreciate your help in alerting us to any problems.

Can I use my Quest book for more than one season? Each year some Quests are ‘retired’ and new Quests are added. Additionally, many of the older Quests are slightly modified each year to account for changing trail conditions. Therefore, you’ll need to obtain your CLUES from a current Quest book.

Can I bring my dog? If it is known that dogs are prohibited, a notation is made at the beginning of the Quest CLUES.

Why do you call this “educational”? Many of the Quests contain ques-tions that have to do with area wildlife, plants, conservation issues, geol-ogy and history. The answers may be located in the Quest Boxes, or you may have to hunt and find them on your own.

How can I help? The South Shore Quest Committee is seeking people who would like to design Quests, monitor Quest Boxes, test new Quests, and help with our website as well as our booklet. For more information contact: [email protected].

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Alden House Historic Site

QuestAlden HouseHistoric SiteLocated in Duxbury, 105 Alden Street

Surveyed and created by: Teddy Stahl

Check the South Shore Quest website (www.southshorequests.org) before beginning your quest for possible updates.

105 Alden St., Duxbury, MA

Time to Complete: 45-60 minutes. Leashed Dogs welcome

For more information, please visit www.alden.org.

During this year’s 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage, journey back in time to explore the family homestead of celebrated Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla Mullins Alden. Discover the site of their original 17th century home and walk the paths they trod as you enjoy Duxbury’s scenic beauty. Alden House Historic Site, owned and operated by the Alden Kindred of America, preserves and shares the Alden legacy and Mayflower Pilgrim spirit through guided tours of Alden House, educational programs, and genealogical research.

After parking in the main lot, walk up the path to the National Historic Landmark plaque. The plaque was given to the Alden Kindred by the United States Department of the Interior and is an important award. The property has been in the possession of the same Mayflower family since 1628 and is connected to the nearby Alden First Site, which is an important archaeological site. Also a factor was the cultural influence of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Courtship of Miles Standish, which placed John and Priscilla Alden firmly in the national consciousness. The date of the award is marked on the plaque. The first letter of the last number of that year spelled out is CLUE #2, CLUE #8, CLUE #13, and CLUE #14.

Head out past the house and the cottage. The cottage was a part of a tea room built in the 1920s. This was when the Aldens first opened the house as a museum and the railroad brought visitors to the area. A sign marks the trail ahead. The first word on the sign is the surname of the famous family who lived here. The second letter of this surname is CLUE #9 and CLUE #10.

Follow the signs down to an open field. Walk to the pine trees on

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the far side of the field. There you will find a roped off area. In that area is the foundation of an earlier Alden house where Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla and their family lived from the 1630s for over 50 years. They had 10 children! The foundation was discovered and excavated by Roland W. Robbins in 1960. The dig also unearthed a large number of Pilgrim and Native American artifacts, some of which are on display in the Alden House. To learn more about this history go to www.aldenfirstsite.org. The square space outlined in the foundation was called the root cellar and was where the family stored butter, cheese, vegetables, fruits, and other foods; the first letter of the word we use for this space today is CLUE #1.

With the Alden First Site on your right, walk through the fence ahead and look for the sign marking the beginning of a path. The last letter of the name of this path on the sign is CLUE #7 and CLUE #12.

This path was the first official colonial highway in Duxbury. It was laid out in the 1630s making it almost 400 years old! At that time the path connected the farms of several Pilgrim families, the

meetinghouse, and ran to the first Pilgrim settlement. The first letter of the Colony’s name is CLUE #15.

Walk down the path to where a small boulder with a plaque sits on the left. On the plaque is a quote from Rachel Carson. The 20th century environmentalist, who discovered the harm caused by the pesticide DDT, mentions someone from Duxbury. The fifth and sixth letters of this person’s last name written on the plaque are CLUE #4 and CLUE #5 respectively.

Now you can either head back or take a short stroll through the rest of path, which loops around. Once you are back at the head of the trail retrace your steps to the Alden First Site. Next to the pine trees noted earlier, you should spot a granite marker with a bronze plaque. On the plaque is the name of the famous cooper for whom the site is named, the third letter of his first name and the third letter of his last name are CLUE #3 and CLUE #6 respectively.

Head back towards the Alden House. The house is thought to have been built by John Alden’s grandson on land granted to the Aldens in 1628 and home to Alden family members until the 1920s.

Look at the front of house as you emerge from the path. Notice the large windows. Houses were built facing south so that sunlight could better warm the house during the winter. If you peek into the window to the right of the door, you’ll notice the large beam running along the center of the ceiling called the summer beam. This has been part of the house since it was first built around 1700. Now count the number of windows on this side; the first letter of the

total number of windows on this side is CLUE #11.

With the clue phrase revealed, head around the left side of the house and you will find the object referenced ahead and the location of the Clue Box.

We hope you enjoyed this Quest. For more information about the Aldens and the Alden House, please call (781)934-9092 or visit www.alden.org.

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11 12 13 14 15

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Blazing the Bog

Located on Mt. Blue St in the town of Norwell. From Route 53 Hingham/Norwell/Hanover take Grove St. for 3.5 miles to Lincoln St. Turn left on Lincoln St. Follow Lincoln St. to the end. Turn right on Mt. Blue St. In .03 mile, look for the Black Pond Bog sign on the left. Park in the unpaved parking lot on the south side of Mt. Blue St., opposite the sign. After heavy rains, this lot is muddy. Boots recommended.


Allow 60 minutes to complete this quest. This trail is not suitable for dogs. Please leave your pet at home. Rocks, roots and sapling stumps along the paths require attention to avoid tripping. The land you walk through on this quest is protected by two different groups, The Nature Conservancy and Town of Norwell.

The trail is blazed. Do you know what that means? A blaze is a

colored mark on trees that helps walkers stay on the right trail. You’ll be using blazes to guide you on the trail.

From the parking area, cross Mt. Blue St. carefully and stand by the sign. This preserve is a special type of environment called a bog. Put the last letter of this type of environment in CLUE BOX #20.

Walk along the trail to an open area. Look for a large rock on the right with a plaque. There is a dedication to the person who helped keep this place natural and open to all. Put the first letter of his last name in CLUE BOX #13.

Continue along the trail into the woods. A large sign on the left tells about Black Pond Bog’s habitat. At the bottom is the name of the environmental group that manages the area. Put the first letter of the second word in the group’s name in CLUE BOX #1 ,#9, #15, and #21.

Follow the blue-blazed trail. You will come to another smaller rock along the trail. This trail is named for a person who helped design the trail. Put the 5th letter in his last name in CLUE BOX #19.

In about ten minutes you arrive at a power line clearing. As you approach the clearing,

QuestBlazing the Bog

Located North and South River Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by: Julianne Mehegan

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look on a tree to the right for a small diamond shaped marker indicating the boundary of The Nature Conservancy property. What color is this sign? Put the first letter of the color of this sign in CLUE BOX #17.

Cross the power line clearing and enter the woods on the other side. Look to the right for a small round marker saying Town of Norwell. This marker tells what kind of area you are entering. Put the first letter of this type of area in CLUE BOX #7 and #16.

Follow the trail with white blazes. When you reach an intersection with another trail, turn left. Continue on this wide trail as it gradually goes up hill. This wide trail is an old cart path which explains why it is wide and straight. In about 10 minutes you come to a simple bench. Sit down to rest and get a few more clues. There are large rocks right in front of the bench. How many rocks are there? Put the first letter of that number in Clue Box #3. Put the last letter of that number in CLUE BOX #8.

While you are seated on the bench look ahead of you to a tree on the trail with a round white Town of Norwell marker. When you’ve rested enough, continue

on the trail, passing the tree with the Town of Norwell marker. The blazes become red and black. Keep to the left. Walk along this path as it goes gradually downhill.

When you come to the power line cross over and look for a tree with three white signs nailed to it. Look at the top sign. Put the second letter of the word on the top sign in CLUE BOX #4. Look at the word on the middle sign. Put the second letter of the word in CLUE BOX #6 and #11. Look at the words on the bottom sign. The second letter of the first word on the sign goes in CLUE BOX #2 and #14.

Continue along the trail. Now there are three blazes on the trail, using three colors. What is the color of the top blaze? The first letter of the color goes in CLUE BOX #5 and #12. As you walk along the path you will see more Town of Norwell markers.

When you arrive at an intersection with a sign on the right pointing to the parking lot and a sign on the left pointing to Black Pond, take the Black Pond path. Notice black and blue blazes.

Soon you will see a wooden boardwalk ahead. Caution: the boardwalk is slippery. Proceed slowly, with care. As you walk

along the boardwalk you are entering Black Pond Bog. Remember what you read on the sign when you started out on the quest. Notice the vegetation growing on both sides. There are ferns, shrubs and sphagnum moss. Put the first letter of this kind of moss in CLUE BOX #10 and #18.

The end of the boardwalk is slippery and often under water so be very cautious. Turn around before you get to the end and return along the boardwalk to the intersection with a sign pointing toward the parking lot. Go left on the trail that will take you back to where you started.

You have all the words to lead you to where the quest box is hidden.

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7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21

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Burns Memorial Park

the staircase to the left is a mas-sive tree. Its girth tells you that it is quite old. What kind of tree is it? Put the third letter (of five) in CLUE #6. Now, count the steps going up. How many are there? Put the second letter of this num-ber in CLUE #s 4 and 12.The sign posted to the right of the staircase at the top is emblazoned with the name of this park. Examine the back side of it. An Eagle Scout has worked on this trail. Put the fourth letter of his first name in CLUE # 14. Put the second letter of the first word following the scout’s full name in CLUE #7.

A certain number of vertical posts support the fence on the left hand side of the pathway. Count them. Put the last letter of this number in CLUE #5.

You will shortly come to a trail kiosk on your right which houses a trail map. There are three words printed in large, black letters. The last word denotes the type of land space this is. Put the last letter of this word in CLUE # 10. At the bottom of the trail map is a bar indicating distance. What units of measurement denote these dis-tances? Put the first letter of this word (beneath the bar) in CLUE #11. Be sure to read the informa-tion about this property on the back side of the trail kiosk as a


Located opposite 101 Hersey Street, Hingham.

This quest is short and probably good for little legs and beginning questers!

Park in front of the old DPW build-ing at 101Hersey Street. Look over the corrugated metal garage door for a sign cast in cement. Take the first letter of the third word and put it in CLUE #3. Just below the town name in faded letters sten-ciled on a rusted, rounded, metal pipe are two words. Put the first letter of the first word in CLUE #8 and the second letter in CLUE #13.

Carefully cross the street and with your back to the DPW building, go left up the street. Shortly, you will approach a staircase set into the embankment between two wooden fences. At the bottom of

QuestBurns Memorial Park

Located in the South Coastal Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by: Eleanor Kilham

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large, historic gathering was once held here in 1834.

To the left is yet another sign posted high on a pole. Put the first letter of the first word in CLUE #1. Just beyond this sign, you will see a blaze on a tree on your left. What color is it? Put the last letter of this color in CLUE #2.

Now, walk along the trail and when you enter a grove of white pines note that you can take a short loop to the right if you choose. It’s hard to spot but if you take it, it will join the same trail you are on further along. For now, walk down slope and at the base of the slope you will see a ditch over which is placed a bridge. What is this bridge made of? Put the first letter of this material in CLUE #9.

Just beyond this bridge the trail goes gently upslope. You will see on your right a row of low, largish rocks. How many are there? What does your clue phrase say? I think you know what to do! Once you have signed in, please replace the box carefully so no one will inadvertently spot it. Continue along the trail and in no time, it will make a little circle and you can return back to your car. I hope this little walk was fun!

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2 Indian Head Drive, Hanover

From the intersection of Route 53 and Broadway in Hanover, go right (and south) on Broadway. When Elm Street enters shortly on the left, here, turn left. Further along, turn left on Indian Head Drive and con-tinue a little over a tenth of a mile to the parking lot on your right.

This is an easy hike on flat, but potentially muddy trails. Wear suitable foot gear. Poison Ivy abounds on the sides of the trails. The woods and wetlands of this property abut the North River and tidal marsh, and the Indian Head River and, as such, has lovely views of them.

Question for the Curious: Both cinnamon and royal ferns flourish in this boggy area. Go online to see photos of them for identifica-tion. What is the history of this area?

QuestChapman Landing Big Pines

Located in the North River Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by Julianne Mehegan and Eleanor Kilham

Walk to the small ‘island’ on the edge of the parking lot on which stands a kiosk. The Marine Recre-ational Fisheries of Massachusetts describes a fish that dwells in the nearby streams. Put the 2nd letter (of four) in CLUE #7. On the other side of the kiosk you’ll see a photo of a structure over the Iron Mine ______. Put the 1st letter of this word in CLUE #13.

Now, walk towards the trailhead where you see a bright, orange fire hydrant. On the backside of it are some names, numbers and dates. It appears this hydrant was manu-factured in Alabama. The name of the specific town in Alabama also begins with an ‘A’. Put the 5th let-ter of this name in CLUE #5. Count the number of nuts securing the base plate to the pipe in the ground and put the 2nd letter of this number of nuts in CLUE #15.

Walk over to the sign saying, ‘Chapman’s Landing Trail’. Below it is another sign. Put the 4th letter of the town in CLUE #11.

Just beyond this sign you’ll see, on a tree to your right, a small, white circular plaque. Three words encircle the top, outermost part of the circle. Put the last letter of the 3rd word in CLUE#s 3 and 16.

Walk down this trail, keeping the massive white pine on your left.

You will approach a bridge. It is held up by a number of vertical posts. How many are there? Put the middle letter of this number in CLUE #18.

Walk along this trail and admire the lovely expanse of woodlands on either side of the trail. In no time, you’ll arrive at a plank bridge over a stream bed. How many planks cross the bed? Put the 1st letter of this number in CLUE #6.

Keep walking and when you arrive at a fork in the trail, notice a white, circular shape on a tree in the “is-land” of the fork. On it is an arrow. What color is it? Put the 1st letter of this color in CLUE #17. Here, go right.

In just a few feet, you will see a painted green blaze on a large oak tree on your left. What shape is the blaze? Put the 6th letter of this shape in CLUE #2.

As you walk along, look for yet another white circular metal plaque on a conifer on your right. Examine it carefully. Two activities are prohibited in these woods. The first is a type of bike with an en-gine. It is called a _____bike. Put the two letters that are the same in this word in CLUE #10.

Amble along this trail until you see a low bridge over a boggy

spot. Count the planks on the top of this bridge. Put the 1st letter of this number in CLUE #9. After the bridge, keep a sharp eye for a short trail leading to a view of the river. Return back to the trail.

You will soon come upon yet an-other low bridge. And yes, count these planks too! Put the 3rd letter of the first word of this hyphen-ated number in CLUE #8.

Before you know it, you will see two white circles with two arrows on them. The green one points to the right The other one points left. Put the 1st letter of the color in the other white circle in CLUE #14. Here, go left. You will know you’re on the red trail when you see a red blaze on a large white pine tree.

Soon enough, you’ll arrive at a trail intersection. Here go left. You will know you are on the right trail when you see some sawed-up tree trunks lying on the ground on either side of the trail. You are still on the red trail (see the red blaze on a small white pine on your left.)

Continue walking about 100 feet, and when the trail forks, go right, up over a low berm (a low,[artificial] ridge of land, per-haps formerly bordering a railroad bed), staying on the red trail. You will soon come back to the trian-

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gular trail junction we came to before but now, go to your RIGHT. You are now back on the green trail.

As you approach the two-plank bridge, you will see that there are a number of large, granite rocks both before and after the plank bridge. How many are there? Put the 1st letter (of five) in CLUE #12. Put the double letter of this num-ber in CLUE #4.

Now, walk back to the fire hydrant beyond the bridge. Examine those words embossed on the back side of it. The largest letters are of a man’s name beginning with an ‘M’. Put the 2nd letter of his name in CLUE #1. Well, then – your clue phrase is now complete! Walk back to what the clue phrase describes and find the quest box. Sign in and stamp the guest book and replace everything carefully. Well done!

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9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Cohasset’s 250th

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This quest will take around 45 minutes. On Thursdays from mid-June to mid-October between 2-6pm, a family friendly farmers market with music and ice cream is held on the Common. You will find the quest clues as you stroll around the Common, past build-ings and churches built long ago. The Quest will end at an historic house which is open in the sum-mer on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 1-4pm. (A donation is requested.) See if you can find two of the buildings on the town seal shown above!

This quest celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Cohasset! Did

QuestCohasset’s 250th

Located on the Town of Cohasset’s Common, this quest starts at the flagpole on the common near the intersection of Highland Ave and Beach Street. Park in the public lot behind the Town Hall at 41 Highland Ave.Surveyed and laid out by Katie Holden and Carol Valentine

you know that Conahasset (now Cohasset) was once part of the town of Hingham? Families started migrating to this land around 1680, after the Wampanoag Tribe lost their Chief Metacomet in battle. The citizens of what is now Cohasset finally decided to begin separating from the Hingham parish in 1717 when they got permission to have their own meeting house and levy taxes. They needed their own meetinghouse, church and school for their children, which they built on or near the Common. By 1737, around 50 houses existed. The families raised sheep and cows, they farmed and started small businesses. Shipbuilding and commercial fishing arose, as well as barrel making, dairies, gristmills, sawmills and ironworks. Talk began about becoming a new town in 1751 and in 1770 the independent district of Cohasset was established. The Common used to be much larger, extending all the way to the ocean! In 1996, the Common was added to the National Register of Historic Places and became a National Historic District.

Begin at the flagpole in the middle of the grassy area on the Common. This was the first municipal flagpole in Cohasset. Guess how high it is? 80 feet!

Read the plaques on the base of the flagpole. Clue #3 is the first letter of the bank that gifted the flagpole in 1997. Clue #1 is the first letter of the last name of the person memorialized.

Sit on the bench and look back at the Common. At one point a whipping post and stocks were located on the Common. These were used for discipline. Aren’t you glad they aren’t here anymore! Clue #12 is the seventh letter of the last name of the person to whom the bench is dedicated.

Look up North Main Street toward the hill on the right to #67. The yellow house on the hill is a Georgian mansion built in 1713 by Joseph Bates. It’s one of the oldest houses in Cohasset.

Now proceed to the large white church in the center of the Common. Find the front doors on North Main Street, and the white sign to the left of the church doors. Clues #7, 11, and 17 are the second letter of the first word on the white sign, the name of the religion of this church. This is the First Parish Meeting House, the oldest church in Cohasset built in 1747. It replaced a smaller Meeting House which was closer to the pond. The original plan was to build the new church near Lily Pond in the geographic middle of

the town but, under the cover of night, a group of villagers moved the wood and began building the church where it stands today. Arms and ammunition were stored in a closet under the pulpit during the Revolutionary War. Militia drills were held on the Common!

More recently, the church was featured in the 1987 Witches of Eastwick movie starring ______ Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer! Clue #8 is the first letter of Mr. Nicholson’s first name.

Head to the other side of the church and look across Highland Avenue to another white church. Twenty parishioners left the Meeting House in 1824 to form another congregation. Clue #15 is the first letter of the name of this church.

Next to the church is a pale yellow building with a black sign and gold lettering. Clue #4 is the first letter of the second word, and Clue #10 is the first letter of the third word on the sign. The original structure was built in 1857. The people in this building help run the town!

Continue on the sidewalk and find the large evergreen Norway Spruce tree on the green (which is lit up in winter). Just before the

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Spruce is a Red Maple tree that is a popular climbing tree. Can you hang on a branch? Nearby on the other side of the Spruce, find a tree with ‘corky’ bark and read the tree label. Clues #2 & #5 are the first letter of the English name of this tree. Real cork is made from a different tree called the cork oak tree grown in Spain and Portugal.

Now explore the pond. See any fish or maybe a turtle? Often called the Common or Duck Pond, it was originally named the Meeting House Pond because the first Meeting House was built close to the pond in 1714.

Find a plaque on a rock by the pond near a bench. Is this pond natural or human made? Both! This pond was created a long time ago during the Ice Age! Imagine a giant block of ice sitting here melting which formed this natural _______ punch bowl. Clue #14 is the last letter from this missing word (see plaque). The wall was constructed around the natural pond and the original fountain was installed in 1890. Ice skating on the pond is fun in the winter! Clues #18-22 are the second entire word of the name of the pond on the plaque.

With your back to the rock with the plaque on it, glance to the right over the pond and across

Highland Avenue. Do you see a massive tree at the corner of a residential lawn and Great Brewster Trail (Road)? Get a little closer, but stay on the grass of the Common. Guess how old this stately old Sycamore tree is. We think 260 years! The younger bark towards the branches appear camouflaged. The outer bark thickens and is unable to grow as fast as the inner bark, so the bark peels off in blotches to reveal different colors; green, tan, and white inner bark. In the fall look for very large leaves in the pond that fell from this tree.

Now carefully cross the short street to find the large grey World War 1 Memorial near the rocky ledge. Clues #9 & 16 are the second letter of two words in gold! Above is St. Stephen’s Church, built in 1900 in the Gothic style. In the bell tower is one of the world’s best carillons with 57 bells. This is also the site of one of Cohasset’s early schoolhouses.

Follow the paved walkway to South Main Street. Diagonally across the street is the South Shore Community Center, which offers a nursery school, classes, and a bowling alley. Continue on the sidewalk toward the stores. The cafe on the left was the location of Cohasset’s first

fire station (1848-1913). Imagine in 1849, Cohasset had the first “hand tub” fire engine pulled by men. The water was pumped by hand by many strong men. There were a lot of fires since families cooked and heated their homes with wood fires and used candles for light. The original fire engines are now located in the Beechwood Museum. The first police station, which had the town’s first jail, was also on this location (1913-1963). Last Clues #6 &13 are the 5th letter of the name of the cafe.

Continue along the sidewalk until you find the historic building that your clues name. Guess how many children lived on the 2nd floor of this building? Nine children! There was no bathroom or heat as we know it. The Wilson House is owned by the Cohasset Historical Society. Go visit and learn what domestic life was like in the 1850s for this deep sea captain and his family.

Go through the stone entrance way to the bench where you will find the clue box. Remember to sign the booklet with your names, your hometown and the number in your party.

The second historic house was a marine supply store built in 1754 by Samuel Bates, a ship captain and businessman. Now the Maritime Museum, it is one of the earliest remaining commercial maritime structures in Massachusetts. It was moved from Border Street to this location in 1957. Now look across the street to see a replica of the old town water pump.

Town seal answers: Town Hall, First Osgood School, First Parish Church

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South Shore Quests

Page 27

Fairies of Witch Hazel Hollow

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Located at 5 Great Brewster Trail, Cohasset

The start is located at the end of a road called “Great Brewster Trail” off Highland Ave. at the corner of the Cohasset Town Common near the duck pond and St. Stephen’s church. Look for a stately sycamore tree and a small green trail sign on the street sign. There are two park-ing spaces on the left at the very end of the narrow road with Cohas-set Conservation Trust signs.

Note: There is also a self-guided tour in the clear box under the trail sign at the start. You will see yel-low trail markers and numbers as-sociated with this self-guided tour.

Question for the Curious: What is witch hazel used for today?

At the green sign at the entrance of the trail, what is the 2nd letter

QuestFairies of Witch Hazel Hollow

Located in the South Coastal Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by: Katie HoldenFairy door and signs by Mae Carpenter

of the 1st word (the name of this area) for CLUE #6?

Walk along the trail which passes by a couple houses on the right. After an intersection (stay right), you will see a large green welcome sign. Under the bird logo at the bottom of the sign is the name of who owns and protects this land. What is the 1st letter of the 3rd word for CLUE #5.

Continue on the trail until you see a tree with #2 on a yellow diamond shaped trail marker. What is the last letter of the common name of both the trees labeled on either side of the trail? This is CLUE #9.

If you look straight ahead you will see another tree growing into itself! This is called a ‘coppiced’ tree and is evidence that this tree was once cut. After the tree was cut the roots remained alive and sprouted again and the branches from these two regrown trees grew into each other! What type of tree is this (based on the two trees you just viewed)?

If you guessed red oak, you are right! Continue hiking straight and eventually you will go down hill. Near the bottom, look for a small sign on an oak tree on the right. CLUE #3 is the 2nd letter of the 2nd word on the sign. Witch hazel is a multi-stemmed shrub that grows in V shaped clumps. You will now see witch hazels throughout this trail! It has a wavy leaf and

South Shore Quests

Page 29

look for spidery yellow flowers in the fall. To find the Witch Hazel Fairy, find the remains of an old fort on your right built with dead branches and look 25 feet behind it. Discover a fairy door and pool in a very straight oak tree. Look behind the door to find CLUE #2. The medicinal properties of witch hazel were discovered by Native Americans. Extract from the aro-matic bark is sold in stores today for the treatment of bruises, bites, and muscular stiffness. For more information, open the little fairy book behind the fairy door.

Back on the trail, continue to the right and very soon look carefully for an intersection (marked with a yellow “Intersection” trail marker on a red oak tee on the left). On the back of this tree look for two lovely small fairy pools. Take a left at the intersection. The trail will curve to the right, with a stone wall and driveway on the left. In a 100 feet, look to your right for a large an-gular rock with a red trunked tree with deeply veined bark in front of it. This is an old sassafrass tree! A sassafrass tree has three different shaped leaves: a simple oval leaf, a mitten (two lobes), and a ghost (three lobes). The leaves smell nice. Sassafrass, named by the native Americans, has aromatic roots with bark that was used to make tea.

Look around the double maple tree nearby to find a fairy play-ground and CLUE #8 hanging in

the back. The redness of the fall foliage depends on the acidity of the soil. The more acid the redder the leaves!

Just down the trail, look to your left to find a bumpy mossy stone. This is pudding stone, a con-glomerate rock made up of small rounded pebbles held together with iron oxide, lime and silica. The name is derived from its resem-blance to tapioca pudding with raisins. Can you find another old sassafrass tree nearby?

Keep going straight until the trail goes through a cut in a large downed log. Look on the left for a sapling (young tree) with inter-esting peeling bark that is in a spiral. This is a young American hop hornbeam tree. Why do some trees have spiral bark? Some think that the spiral-grained tree can distribute water and nutrients evenly, making the tree more eas-ily survive periods of drought or windstorms, as well as the chronic stresses of growing in dry, windy areas. The wood of hop hornbeam is hard and durable. It is used for fence posts, fuel, and tool handles. The bark and inner wood was used to treat toothache, sore muscles, coughs, and many other ailments by Native Americans.

Continue down the hill and even-tually you see a large oak tree on your right which has fallen across an old stone wall with a large rock

ledge behind covered in ferns and lichen. This area once had a small-pox hospital. Mrs. Daniel Tower who lived in Cohasset carted water from Lily Pond to Mohawk Trail (2 miles!) to not only water the fields that were suffering from a severe drought, but also to bring water to the smallpox hospital! (A painting of this is at the entrance to the Cohasset Historical Society headquarters building on South Main Street). This occurred during the American Revolution and she was nicknamed “Resolution”.

Can you balance on one of the fallen tree trunks nearby?

Continue on the trail, and stop at another large oak that fell across the trail and has been cut up into pieces. This allows you to see the growth rings on the inside of the tree (each ring represents one year). Was this oak older than your parents?

Now keep going with the Mohawk salt marsh on your left until you reach an intersection at a double red oak tree (marked with a yellow trail marker). Go left to a seasonal stream. You will see a bench in front of a large rock outcrop with a view. Enjoy a rest or snack. Can you find the two baby sassafrass trees near the bench? Its smooth greenish bark is so different from

the older sassafrass you saw earlier! One should have a fairy swing and CLUE #7 is under the swing!

Return back and take a left at the double oak intersection. At the stone wall, veer right to go straight up the hill. At the top there is an-other intersection before the stone wall. Find a red maple tree with a hole at the bottom and look on the back side to find the Red Maple Fairy and last CLUES #1 & #4. Then take a right (do NOT go straight through the stone wall).

Go uphill, pass a large outcrop with rock tripe lichen on your right, and at the top, where there is another rock outcrop with lichen on the left, look for a trail on your right. This goes up to a scenic overlook (marked with yellow trail marker). Near the top on your right look for the treasure box near the white pine tree on the right side of the trail (and using the answer from the clues!). Enjoy the view!

Now head back on the trail to the right. You will cross rocks over a seasonal stream and eventually go back to the intersection with the fairy pools (you have completed a loop). Keep going straight to make it back to the parking lot. At the in-tersection after the welcome sign, remember to take a left! Please remember to check for ticks!

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Page 31

PARKING

MAIN BARN

HOLLY HILL FARM

MOTHER OAK

PRIVATE PROPERTY (driveway, residence, & PL Trail closed)

Private

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Holly Hill Talking Oaks


236 Jerusalem Road, Cohasset

Waterproof boots are really a MUST even in the summer, which you can spray with tick repellent. A water and snack are recommend-ed. Although the Quest takes an hour, you can easily spend the entire morning or afternoon visiting the animals, and picnicing at the Ice Pond. Take a photo at the kiosk trail map next to Main Barn with your smartphone for a colored map of the entire area.

The theme of this Quest is based on the book The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben which discusses new scientific discover-ies of how trees secretly communi-cate and support each other.

For trees to live a long time, they need a forest to better protect them. This tree neighborhood creates better conditions for

QuestHolly Hill Talking Oaks

Located in Richardson Brook WatershedSurveyed and laid out by Katie Holden

themselves (a microclimate/ecosystem) that provides wind protection from storms, moderate temperatures, and stores a great deal of water. Trees need their tree friends to support each other. When an oak tree is sick or needs more water/food it can ask an-other oak tree for help. How is this done? Trees talk with their roots! Underground, roots connect and can share nutrients and water. The roots have fungus at the tips which help them communicate -- the roots and fungi are like a ‘wood wide web’. These fungus networks (called hyphae) are vast and dense (operating like fiber optic internet cables)! Hyphae are thread like chains or tubes which grow from the roots. One tea-spoon of forest soil contains miles of “hyphae”! If an oak tree is be-ing attacked by a bug, it can send a warning message to other trees via chemical signals sent through this roots/fungal network. The message is relatively slow though (a third of an inch per second) compared with people. After re-ceiving the warning message, the other oak trees will start to pro-duce specialized chemicals that will keep that specific bug from attacking them. In this Quest, you will meet some very old Oak trees and think about what trees they are talking to!

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Extensive network of fungi hyphae radiating from roots of

baby larch tree sapling!

At the Main Barn look up at the large sign over the doors. CLUE #2 is the 2nd letter of this sign (name of the farm). Follow the gravel/dirt road on the left, and after the horse stalls, stop at the red doors with wood sculptures attached (Malcolm White’s Rustic Studio-open on Saturdays). Find the green and white sign with red let-ters to the left of the doors. CLUE #4 is the last letter of this sign.

Next, at the left fork in the road find a green diamond trail marker “I” on a tree on the left. Look (but don’t touch!) the hairy vine grow-ing up the tree. This is poison ivy! “Rusty hairy rope, just say nope!” Touching any part of poison ivy can give you a nasty itchy rash.

Keep hiking along the road, and when the road eventually curves right and downward, look for a Holly tree next to a stone wall on your left. Be careful of the sharp evergreen Holly leaves as you open the fairy door at the bot-tom! CLUES #1 is the letter on the front of the door. Continue along the road (passing by “PL” trail on right) and take the first left on a grassy trail to fields. There are two trails at this junction (“S” trail to the left and “I” trail to the right). Take the “I” trail which is parallel to the stonewall and driveway. After passing by two Holly trees (evergreen pointy sharp leaves) on either side of the trail, you will immediately find yourself at a trail junction (before the stonewall). Start looking on the right for a giant oak tree which is in front of a stone wall set back from the trail. Go explore this oak tree.

This is a ‘mother’ or ‘legacy’ tree and might be one of the oldest at Holly Hill farm! A veteran ‘mother’ tree is a dominant tree widely linked to other trees in the forest through their fungal-root connec-tions. This mother oak is estimat-ed to be 230 years old! It started growing about 1789, when our first President George Washington was elected. When the stone walls were created to separate land

between neighbors and clear the fields for agriculture, this tree was allowed to keep growing since it was next to the stone wall. All oth-er trees were cleared for farming. They call these trees “wolf” trees. They have a large girth and low heavy branches since they had plenty of room and sun to grow.

Do you see a hole at the bottom of the tree? What animal might live under this oak tree? These trees are favored by wildlife for food and cover.

To trick deer, squirrels, and blue jays that like to eat their oak tree seeds (acorns), all oak trees will talk to each other and agree to send out A LOT of seeds one year (called a mast year) instead of the typical amount most other years. This way, the animals will have enough to eat but there will still be seeds left for more oak trees to grow. Over her lifetime, one of these mother oaks probably dropped a million acorns! Chanc-es are only one of her “progeny” will grow into a mature oak (75 years old). How do you think the oaks talk to the other trees to co-ordinate this seed strategy? They talk through their roots!

Now, continue to the right on the “I” trail with fields (and beehives) on your left (pass by “LF” trail on your right). To avoid muddy feet,

soon take a right into the woods on a short trail up slope. Notice and feel the furrowed bark on the first six trees on the left. Now feel the bark on the last 6 trees. Although both are old trees with bumpy bark, can you tell the dif-ference? The first are old Sassa-fras and the other is old oak. The sassafras stand is about 88 years old. Do you think these trees were planted? They grew so close to protect each other from wind since they are found close to the edge of a field.

At the end of this short trail, take a right to go up to the Ice Pond. Can you find another old giant mother oak tree? Guess how old? This tree was born in 1898, 121 years ago! Keep a look out for turtles, salamanders, frogs, but no fish. There is a sign on this tree. CLUE #3 is the third letter of the second word of the name of the pond.

At the pond take the trail to the left following the restored retain-ing wall around the pond passing by the massive rock cliff on your right. Go over the concrete spill-way and straight (pass by the IL trail on left and right) to continue on the “M” trail (Morgan’s Barn Path). CLUE #7 is the 1st letter of this trail.

Take a left at the “R” trail which stands for Ridge. CLUE #5 is

South Shore Quests

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the 1st letter of this trail. After a minute, look on your right for two large lean-tos (forts) made out of branches. Explore this area. Can you find two different types of oak trees? One fort is leaning on a white oak tree (with rounded leaf tips). Adjacent to this tree is a holly tree and then a red oak tree (with pointy leaf tips). What is different about the bark of both oaks? Pick a tree and stand next to it. Who do you think this tree is connected to below your feet and talking with underground? What do you think the tree would say? Maybe “Mast year-spread the word!” or “I need more food/nutri-ents please.” or “send some water this way!” or “I have a bug eating my bark-protect yourself!”

Continue along the trail. When this trails ends, go left on the “C” trail. Look to your right for a short

spur trail to climb the rock (be careful-the other end is steep!) and enjoy a view of the marsh! Now, continue on and take a left at the next intersection on “IM” trail (Ice Pond Meadow Path). Look out for poison ivy creeping up along the edge of the field in the grass! “Leaves of three, let them be!” CLUE #8 is the first letter of this hazardous plant.

Where “IM” trail intersects with the “I” trail (you have completed a loop), take a right on “I” trail back the way you came. Back on the road, head right to the Main Barn for the last clues. At the Main Barn head to the other large all red barn across the parking lot for the last clue. CLUE #6 is the 2nd letter of the second word of the name of this barn (on door). Now you have figured out all the clues and the treasure box is very close on your left!

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South Shore Quests

Page 37

The quest starts at the South Shore Natural Science Center and includes part of the Jacobs Woods Conservation Area. Dogs are not allowed at the Science Center.

You will be crossing Jacobs Lane twice; be on the lookout for cars. The trails are generally fairly smooth. Some parts do have a lot of exposed roots and a few areas could be muddy or wet depend-ing on the season.

The quest should take 30-45 min-utes.

If you are interested, there are a couple of locations along the quest that are great spots to stop for a snack or picnic.

__________

Start at the parking lot of the South Shore Natural Science Center.

Carefully walk down the driveway to Jacobs Lane.

Once you get to the road, look at the sign for the Science Center. The middle letter of the type of Science Center is CLUE #21. The first letter of the last word on the sign is CLUE # 20; the last letter on

QuestInto the Forest

the sign is CLUE #2.

Carefully cross the street. As you walk toward the parking lot, notice something short and yellow across the street. The object has a two-word name. Put the first letter of the second word in CLUE #19.

Continue to the parking lot. There is a sign welcoming you to the area. The second letter of the particular area where you are goes into CLUE #7.

Cross to the back of the parking lot. As you leave the lot and start down the wide, dirt road, notice a sign on the left asking you to clean up after your pet. The first letter on the sign is CLUE #9.

The kiosk to the right includes a map of the area. What body of water was dammed to create Jacobs Pond? The second letter of the second word is CLUE # 11. The letter that occurs most often in the three words is CLUE #5.

As you continue toward the pond, there is a second wooden kiosk on the right. What type of forest is at Jacobs Pond? The first letter of the word is Clue # 3.

As you get closer to the pond, there is another small sign asking you to clean up after your pet as well as asking you to leave noth-

ing behind. The bottom of the sign includes a list of three things that should not be left behind. The second letter of the third thing you are asked not to leave behind is CLUE # 15.

In order to care for public safety, what kind of monitoring is al-lowed? The fourth letter of the word is CLUE #16.

There is a small handicapped accessible parking area near the pond. The first letter of the type of parking that is not allowed is CLUE #1.

Take the boardwalk to the dock. At the end of the dock there are two benches. The first letter of the company that made the dock and benches is CLUE # 23.

While on the dock, take some time to admire the view of the pond, and look for birds, fish, or turtles.

Head back to shore and turn to the right. What is not allowed for any boater? The fifth letter of that word is CLUE # 13.

Take the path next to the sign. Watch your step, since there are exposed roots, and, depending on the time of year, there may be some muddy or wet areas. You will find an area with a picnic table and some benches. How many

benches? The last letter of the number is CLUE #6.

Walk a bit further until you find a commemorative bench. The first letter of the last name of the person honored is CLUE #12. The first letter of the last name of the person who said the quote on the bench is CLUE #8.

Question for the Curious: Why is the person who said the quote notewor-thy?

Retrace your steps to area near the handicapped parking.

(If you have time either now or after finishing the quest, take the path be-yond the handicapped parking area to explore the Jacobs Pond Conser-vation Area more fully.)

As you head back to the parking lot, look again at the wooden sign about the type of forest. Who helped make the forest project possible? The third letter of his first name is CLUE #10.

There are two picnic tables off to the right as you get near the park-ing lot. The last letter of the maker of the smaller one is CLUE #17.

Before you leave the parking lot, look back at the sign for the Sci-ence Center. What color are the larger letters on the sign? The first letter of the word is CLUE #14.

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Carefully cross the street at the crosswalk and enter the field, known at the Science Center as the Woodchuck Field, through the gap in the stonewall. Cross the field. As you leave the field, you will go over a low wall. What is it made of? The first letter is CLUE #22.

Follow the path to the left. There is a colored trail marker on some of the trees. The last letter of the color is CLUE #4.

When trail forks, take the trail to the right. Continue along that path until you get in sight of the building. Turn right and go over the short boardwalk. How many planks are in the boardwalk? The last letter of the number is CLUE #18.

Continue toward the building and find the box.

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10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23


Located at the top of Emery Lane in Weymouth, off Commercial Street, across from the Legion Field.

This quest is short (.25 miles) and handicapped accessible. It will take around 25 minutes. The park is open dawn to dusk. The oval mound or elongated hill, also known as a drumlin, was formed by glacial movement. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a short leash.

Park your vehicle in the lot and fol-low the paved path between the pavilion and a small building. Put the 2nd letter of the color of the building in CLUE #2.

Follow the path to your right. You will find a wooded border encir-cling five acres of rolling grounds. Notice the stand of white trees

QuestKing Oak Hill Park

Located in the Weymouth Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by Carol Valentine

in the woods halfway to the first bench. Put the 3rd letter of the tree species in CLUES #3, #8 and #11.

Among the various tree species around the park, you will find some large Eastern Redcedar trees with blue/gray berries that birds love to eat.

Continue along the path. Across from the second bench are two plaques honoring Weymouth High School graduates. Put the 2nd letter of the woman’s first name in CLUES #4, #5 and #14. Put the 1st letter of Sgt. Chesna’s branch of military service in CLUES #7, #10 and #12. Put his middle initial in CLUE #6.

Now you can fully appreciate the magnificent view of the Emory Homestead fronted by six pillars. The path curves to the left in front of what looks like a dollhouse that was probably home to the Home-stead’s caretaker. Built in 1903 by William H. Binnian, the beautiful Georgian Revival style Homestead was modeled after George Wash-ington’s Mount Vernon. The home was transferred to Allan C. Emery, a prominent wool merchant, in 1916. All 24 acres were acquired by the Town of Weymouth in 2011.

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Page 41

Unfortunately, the Homestead is not currently open to the public. Put the 1st letter of the color of the shutters on the Homestead in CLUES #9 and #13.

The path curves to the right, past another bench and a flagpole, be-fore passing the pavilion on your left. How many benches did you pass in total? Put the first letter of the number in CLUE #1.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14

Take your time and look around. You will find the quest Box on the right side of the building you have spelled out. Look for a horseshoe attached to the building. Sign the booklet in the quest box, include the number in your party and hometown, stamp your quest book and carefully replace the box.

More-Brewer Park

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More-Brewer Park is located along Hobart Street in Hingham. Park in the lot facing a mustard-colored sign and bordered with a fence made of old telephone poles.

The trails in this park are generally flat or on gentle slopes and are often covered with leaf litter. Ticks often hide in this litter so it’s best to wear clothing that deters them and, of course, check yourself for them after your walk. The quest is short - allow 30- 45 minutes to complete it.

Questions for the Curious: What is catbrier?

Examine the mustard-colored sign facing the parking lot. The sixth line tells you when the park is open for visitors. Put the double consonant in the third word on this line in Clue Box #7.

Walk down the trunk-lined path to the large sign board at the base of a small hill. On it you will see information regarding a farm

that once occupied this area back in 1889. On a sheet towards the bottom left of this kiosk, you will see a photograph of a large barn. Above this photo is a label stating where farming took place. Put the last letter of the second word of this place name in Clue Box #8.

Walk down this old cart path and admire the magnificent hayfield to your right. To this author’s eye it looks so much like waves out on the ocean! When you reach a trail kiosk you will see a map of the park posted within. What is the name of the large, blue pond on the map? Put the first letter of the first word in Clue Box# 5.

Keeping the kiosk to your left, continue down the cart path. On the slope to your right are numerous larch trees – the only conifer which is truly deciduous. On one of the larch trees is a small wooden sign with a number carved into it. Put the first letter of this number in Clue Box #4. Continue walking along this path. Be sure to admire the monumental stone wall on your right.

Very shortly, you will see a cart path entering on your left. Take this path going slightly downslope. As you walk along, two paths will enter from the left. At the first path, look to your left and admire a glimpse of Brewer Pond. At the second one, the path curves sharply to the right.

QuestMore-Brewer Park

Located in the Weir River Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by: Eleanor Kilham

Continue walking on this path. Admire the shady grove of white pines bordering the path and a spectacular and massive oak tree on your right. The path curves and soon you will see yet another trail kiosk. Once again, take a close look at it. On the bottom of the map posted within you’ll see a triangular logo printed there. On it there are some conifers. How many are there? Put the last letter of this number in Clue Box #2. Underneath the logo, in very small letters, you will see the Hingham Trails motto. Put the first letter of the seventh word in Clue Box #3.

Keeping the kiosk to your right, go left along the path. My, what a LOT of catbrier! Catbrier,– a thorny vine-like plant with a green stem, is growing prolifically in this area. Happily, birds enjoy its berry-like fruits and other animals, its tuber-like roots. However, it is also known as ‘Wait-a’Minute’ because, should you attempt to plunge through a thicket of catbrier, you will wish you hadn’t! More about this robust vine in the quest box.

Walk along until you come to a large, block of stone with five notches on its face, showing where it was cracked free from a larger mass of stone. What type of stone is it? This type of stone is still

actively quarried in Hingham. Put the third letter (of seven) in Clue Box #6.

Continue walking on this path. You will walk over two cement bridges crossing two brooks. These are drainage brooks from Brewer Pond. At the three way intersection, go left. Funnily enough, you will come to yet another trail kiosk! There are no clues here. As you walk straight towards the pond, you will come to a small cement dam. On it are two rings (presumably placed there to lift it into place.) What metal are they made out of? Put the second letter of this metal in Clue Box #1.

Now walk along the pond and slightly upslope to that first kiosk (on your left.) Opposite is a mature cedar tree. From this tree, count 90 or so steps (back towards the parking lot) to a large, three-trunked oak tree on your right. Just behind it and to the right is what your clue phrase describes. Retrieve the quest box, sign in telling us how many are in your group and replace the box – covering it with a few leaves for good measure. Continue straight ahead and back to your car. Hope it was fun!

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Rocky Scramble

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QuestRocky Scramble

Located in the Gulf River Watershed

Surveyed and laid out by Elea-nor Kilham, fairy doors created and sited by Mae Carpenter and Katie Holden


Located opposite 128 Indian Trail, Scituate. From Route 3A, turn onto Henry Turner Bailey Road and cross the train tracks. Continue straight onto Gannett Road in Scituate, heading north east for 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Indian Trail and continue one half a mile to address #128. Hubbell Preserve is located on the left opposite this house. Park on the same side of the road as the preserve, keeping off the road as much as possible. Note: the entire Indian Trail area was used by indigenous Native Americans as a summer encamp-ment site.

Questions for the Curious: What were corduroy roads?

Allow 45 minutes to complete this quest. The trail traverses rocky and slightly hilly terrain with many root-studded parts. There are a

number of rocky, brook crossings and steep drop-offs from glaciated boulders. Caution is advised in all seasons.

As you approach the tall, vertical post supporting the name of the preserve, take the fifth letter of the preserve and put this in Clue #5. Walk along the trail as it borders a boggy area and shortly, you will start to clamber up some smooth rocks. To your right, on a small oak tree, you’ll see a white marker. What shape is it? Put the first letter of this shape in Clue #1.In a few more feet, straight ahead you will see a trail marker of another color posted on a white pine. What color is it? Put the double letter in this color name in Clue # 9. Here, bear left and walk upslope on the white trail.

Walk through yet another open-ing in a stone wall into a rather bright patch of land. A trail enters on your right and, for a momen-tary diversion, walk this trail to an overlook on a glaciated boulder to admire the view. The Lauren-tide Glacier rolled over this area from 14,000 to 25,000 years ago grinding and smoothing down huge rocks and depositing others. The rock on which you stand is one which was ground down by the flow and weight of a glacier! Return to the trail.

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Walk downslope admiring the prickly, evergreen trees both to your left (standing near a large outcropping of rock) and to the right. These are holly trees. This is the northernmost range of this tree. You will soon step over some stones in the trail which may have been quarried in this area. What type of stone are they? The name begins with a ‘G’. Put the sixth let-ter of this type of stone in Clue #2.

Shortly, the yellow trail enters from your right. (You will take this trail upon your return.) For now, continue to the left on the white trail over an old ‘corduroy road’ of sorts…logs placed there in a boggy spot in the path. Learn more about corduroy roads in the quest box.

The trail goes up and bends to the left near a grassy spot and, once making the turn, notice on your right two white pines, one of which is split and growing up (and into) its partner, directly behind it. Continue ambling along the trail and soon you’ll see a large splayed oak to your right further on. Given its shape and the patches of grass all around, this area might once have been much more open and sunny – possibly a field.

As you climb up over some rocks to a section of the trail filled with pine needles, you will see to your

left a smooth, glaciated rock out-cropping to your left. Though not recommended, if you choose to climb up on this outcropping, do be careful as the drop-off is steep!

Now, make your way down-slope on the white trail until you come to a seasonal creek bed. Cross over it carefully. The trail rises up sharply and crosses some rocky outcroppings.

As you begin to walk down hill, I hope you don’t miss a tiny fairy pool located on your left at the base of an oak tree with a rock embedded in front of it. I would like to imagine a fairy taking a dip here on a hot, summer’s day!

Soon you’ll reach a dam of sorts. In warmer weather, to your right you’ll see some green plants with sword-like leaves that like ‘to get their feet wet’. What type of plants are they? Do you know their name? Iris! This area might well be a pool in the early spring. If the area is not inundated, continue along the path – otherwise, care-fully walk on top the wall to get to the trail on the other side.

As you walk upslope, you will pass through an opening in a low stone wall. Look sharp here as on the right there will be a large oak tree with a mossy trunk. At its base you’ll find the door of a fairy

whose home it is. The fairy even has a tiny juniper tree of her own out front! Open the door to find Clue #3. It’s painted on the inside.

The trail will go up slightly once again, over a rock outcropping and then down to where you will cross a little brook. How many big stones are there to help you cross the brook? Put the second letter (of three) in Clue #6. Soon, you will reach a place where earth has been removed to create a U-shaped depression called a ditch. Stop here, and look to your left. On a large oak tree you’ll see a trail marker. What color is it? Put the second letter of this color in Clue #8. Now, turn on your heel and head back in the direction you came.

After you cross the little brook, look to your right for a blue trail marker. Just after this, as the trail rises, you’ll see two large oak trees with mossy trunks on the right. One of them is the home to another fairy. Can you find the little door? Hopefully, the fairy is at home! If not, take the letter painted on the door and put it in Clue #4.

Walk back to the dam and cross it; and then up to that little pool at the base of the oak tree. Now, who did we say might like to take a dip here on a hot day? Put the second letter of that little sprite in Clue #7.

Now your clue phrase is complete! You have a bit of walking to do but it won’t take long. Walk back to the little rocky creek. Clamber uphill to the large glaciated outcrop-ping and then keep going, past the large, splayed oak in a grassy patch. After the trail takes a sharp right, and the land begins to drop down, you will soon come upon what your clue phrase describes. Inspect this site closely, especially near the opening in the wall, for the quest box. It is hidden but not buried. Please replace it carefully so that it is not easily spotted! The addition of dry leaves can be help-ful here.

Once you cross the ‘corduroy’ section of the trail, you will see on your left a yellow trail marker. Take this trail and where it joins the white trail again, go left and con-tinue back to where you parked your car. We hope you enjoyed this little outing!

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Secrets of Whitney and Thayer Woods

QuestSecrets of Whitney and Thayer Woods

Located at the top of Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA

Surveyed and laid out by Katie Holden and Carol Valentine.

Before you begin, please check our website for any updates to this quest.

Use 140 Turkey Hill Lane on your GPS to locate where this Quest begins. The Quest will take around 45 minutes.

From Rt. 228, turn onto Leavitt Street at the Hingham Town Library. Follow for 0.6 miles and bear left onto Turkey Hill Lane. Park in The Trustees Weir River Farm Parking Area on your right, just past the Pat Roche Hospice House. The modern, yellow house at 140 Turkey Hill Lane was the studio of artist Polly Thayer Starr (1904-2006).

In the spring, sections of the trail may be wet, and boots are recommended. Dogs are not allowed. Please do not open gates, disturb livestock or interrupt farm operations. Do not feed the animals. Electric fencing is used around the livestock acreage. The

barnyard is only open seasonally for programs. (Check the Trustees of Reservations Weir River Farm program link if you want to include a visit with the chickens, horses, sheep and goats.) The thick mix of hardwoods and pines that dominate Whitney and Thayer Woods is typical of the history of the region’s terrain since Colonial times. The fields and pasture land once plowed by farmers is now re-populated with trees. From the top of the hill there are spectacular views of the South Shore and Boston skyline.

Cross the street carefully, then walk the grassy “chute” path down the hill. Take in the views of Boston and look for black and white Belted Galloway cows. (They may be grazing here, or in a different location along the quest.) Do they remind you of a cookie?

See the tower on the top of the hill to your right? Clues #9 and #14 are the 2nd letter of the liquid inside.

See the tree on your left? Take a left before the farmyard onto another fenced “chute” path. (If you want a colored map, you can grab one from the kiosk further down the hill and then return to this spot). Two gates allow animals to cross between paddocks. Go through the gates, making sure to

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re-latch the locks. Clue #7 is the first letter of type of fence you cannot touch.

When the fence ends, follow the trail down the hill to your right. This will bring you to a paved walkway. Take a peek at the large barn on your right. Clue #10 is the first letter of the color of this barn. Look for many animals that go “oink”. Clue #4 is the first letter of this animal.

Continue on the paved walkway to the left, past many red cedar trees. Stay straight and continue past another paved path on your right.

Once you see a wooden boardwalk on your left, follow the grassy trail to your right. This will bring you to an intersection (labeled “34” on a tree) with a post and trail map. Clues #1 and #17 are the 2nd letter of the family names of these woods. Take a right down the trail, passing a couple of large boulders. (These were left by the last ice age.) Instead of following the trail marked with the orange square, continue straight towards another boulder. On your right look for a red oak tree next to the trail, with a fairy door at its base. Clue #13 is the letter on the inside of the fairy door.

Continue down the trail, and take

a left at the intersection.

Proceed until you find a stone bench on your right engraved in memory of Ethel Randolph Thayer “who planned this path and cherished a place so pure and sweet.” Clue #3 is the 1st letter of the last word of this quote. Take a rest on the bench, and look for the lone tree covered with a vine. As hikers say, “Raggedy rope, just say nope!” Clue #5 is the first letter of the second word of this poisonous vine.

Return to the trail, passing a couple of boulders, to find a man-made pool ringed with stones. Is the pool dry or full? Do you see any cattails? Continue to the right and walk through a jungle of vines, then past a stone wall on your right. Can you find an old well with fancy metalwork on top?

Further along, you will discover a pet cemetery. Can you find the animal sleeping on a stone? Clues #6 and #16 are the 1st letter of this animal. Find the SNUFF gravestone and read the inscription. Clue #8 is the last letter of this type of animal.

Continue hiking up the trail to a large manicured lawn. Head towards the building and a large red cedar tree next to a hedge

row. Look for another fairy house at the base of the cedar. Follow the hedge towards the building, and take the stone steps between two large green planters to enter the garden at the Pat Roche Hospice House. Clue #15 is the first letter of the second name of this building.

The home was originally built as a summer retreat by Ezra Ripley Thayer, a prominent Boston Lawyer and Dean of the Harvard Law school. The Thayer family summered here until 1929, when it burned down. His widow Ethel rebuilt in the same location, sparing no expenses. Clue #12 is the first letter of her name. Following Ethel’s death, her daughter Polly Thayer Starr inherited the Turkey Hill home. Polly was an accomplished landscape and portrait artist, who studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Polly’s art was inspired by her childhood in the Turkey Hill home. Clue #2 is the second letter of the artist’s first name.

In 1953, Polly donated her family’s home to the Society of Friends. They used the property as a retirement home for unmarried female teachers. Renovations followed. In 2001, the New England Friends Home closed.

The Norwell Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice partnered with Campus for Caring to purchase the property and open a Hospice for the South Shore area. The Hospice House opened in 2013. They are nice enough to share this secret garden with you!

Take the steps down into the garden and find the round white well that is now a planter. Read the sign at the top. The last clue is Clue #11, which is the last letter of the last word of this sign. Now you are ready to find the treasure! Look behind the clue.

After putting the treasure box back, look for two small fruit trees to the right of the garden. Leave the garden on the pathway between them. Take a left to explore the enormous beech tree and its seed pods scattered on the ground.

If you would like an extended walk through part of the Whitney and Thayer Woods lasting around 15 minutes, find the trail post with the orange square at the street. Cross the street and follow the trail back to the parking lot. (In the woods at trail marker #35, bear left passing the orange square marker.) You can also walk up the road back to the parking lot. Watch for cars and check for ticks!

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Thompson Pond

© OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA

0 0.25 0.50.125Miles

Thompson Pond and Twin PondsRecreational Trails

±

UP trails are open to the public for passive recreational use. Please respect the property, wildlife, and others you encounter.Pack It In, Pack It Out - NEVER litter! Any issues please call (617) 249-1105 - unionpointma.com

Legend

!F Trailhead

!i Parking

Bench

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Boardwalk

à Foot Bridge![ Wildlife Viewing

Thompson Pond Trail Loop (1.9 miles)Twin Pond Trails (1.9 miles)Future TrailRockland Town Forest Trails

Twin PondsTrail Loop

Thompson PondTrail Loop

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QuestThompson Pond

Located in the Back River Watershed

Created by: Julianne Mehegan


This quest

quest boxes will remain in place from april 15th to november 15th - south shore quests · 2020. 3....

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