Field Sketching at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
GNSI-NE members will be welcoming the arrival of spring with a hike and sketch outing at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. One of our members, Jonathan Cook, has offered to be our trail guide for the day so let’s go have some artistic fun in the great outdoors! Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for Seniors (65+), and $3 for Children (2-12), free admission for Audubon members, and Sharon residents.
Moose Hill, established in 1916, is Mass Audubon’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, encompassing protected forests, fields, and wetlands. Seasonal programs, summer day camp, diverse hiking trails, and a red maple swamp boardwalk provide countless opportunities for exploration.
– taken from Mass Audubon website
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Highlights
- 20 miles of trails through 1,971 acres.
- Billings Loop Trail – Mixed forest, old farm field, red maple swamp boardwalk, barn, and sugar shack. Look for Eastern bluebirds and tree swallows checking out the nest boxes.
- Bluff Overlook Trail – Extends from the Billing loop to the Bluff Trail and back. Stonewalls and dense forests give way to a scenic overlook. You can find a large cistern and the last remnants of a former orchard along this trail.
- Vernal Pool Trail – We will be here at prime time for the vernal pools to be active so hopefully we will find masses of frog and salamander eggs and or tadpoles.
- Kettle / Pine / Ovenbird Trails – Challenging loop of trails through hilly terrain. This is the oldest section of the sanctuary and you may find seasonal streams, an old rhododendron garden, and a kettle hole along the way.
- Summit Trail – Short but strenuous walk takes you to the highest point in the sanctuary (534 feet). From the top of the hill, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Fire Tower.
Be prepared to be outside!
- The Nature Center at the refuge is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Trails are open from sunrise to sunset, so if you want to arrive before 10 AM or stay after 2 PM that’s perfectly fine.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Have appropriate insect repellent and apply it if you expect to get into any vegetation that may harbor ticks.
- Bring portable seating for extended sessions of sketching or painting in one place.
- Bring a bag lunch and water with you.
- Download a PDF trail map to have with you while you hike.
