Gowing’s Swamp
Year Acquired: 2012
Size: 7.2 acres
Miles of Trails: 0.31 miles on Land Trust Land
Features: Large bog system with unusual plants, interesting glaciated terrain.
Overview
Gowing’s Swamp is a rare and beautiful bog that was one of Thoreau’s favorite Concord landscapes. To the uninitiated it is a happy surprise, tucked away below a glacial ridge. In 2012, the Land Trust purchased 7.2 acres at Gowing’s Swamp thanks to the generous support of the landowner and the community. The loop walk around the bog traverses protected land owned by condominium association of Meriam Close, over which the Town of Concord holds a conservation restriction, and land owned by the Sudbury Valley Trustees.
Trails: Generally easy walk on level to rolling terrain, trail from Independence Road is steep, some wet rooty areas.
Entrances/Parking: Parking is available at Ripley School on Meriam Road. Trails are found past the playground on the south side of the school. There is also a marked trailhead on Independence Road.
Map Legend
Icons on the map can be clicked to get directions on Google Maps (works best for Parking Icons). Many Land Trust properties have trails that cross onto other land. Please stay on trails and abide by posted signs.
Explore the Land
The Land Trust’s Gowing’s Swamp parcel includes 0.3 miles of a loop trail around the entire bog, traversing other conserved land. Visitors generally enter the trail at the northeast corner from Ripley School. In a clockwise direction, the trail parallels the shore of the swamp, with views through the surrounding woods. Please stay on the trail, as this is a fragile and significant wildlife habitat. The swamp contains a few vernal pools that provide critical, unique habitat for aquatic and other invertebrates.
The bog is historically known as Thoreau’s Bog because of Henry David Thoreau’s interest in the area. He referred to it in his writings several times. The bog was most likely formed when plants on the edge crept deeper into the water. Moss and roots accumulated over the years, creating a firm foundation. Other plants found in the bog include pitcher-plant, bog rosemary, pale laurel, small and large cranberries, tawny cotton-grass, and black spruce. All of these plants tolerate the low acidity and poor nutrient levels of the bog environment. A floating mat of sphagnum moss covers the wetland but is not safe to walk on. Please do not walk into the bog.
History of Preservation
In 2012, the Land Trust undertook a campaign to preserve a portion of Gowing’s Swamp. The greater part of the swamp was already protected by the Sudbury Valley Trustees and the condominium association for Merriam Close; the remaining unprotected area was privately owned by Paul and Susan Ware. Through their generosity and that of surrounding neighbors and Land Trust members, the 7.2 acres were purchased and preserved.
