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Places We Protect

Hawley Bog Preserve

A boardwalk extends into lush, green bog and forest.
Hawley Bog Explore a unique bog landscape home to a variety of plants and animals. © Mike Condon (IG: MCondon1)

This site ranks among the best remaining examples of a natural New England bog.

Viewing

Overview

Description

Why You Should Visit

This preserve is one of the few examples of an unspoiled bog that can easily be visited. A mat of consolidated peat 30 feet thick floats on the open water of a deep glacial depression and supports an unusual community of plants. Adjacent to the site is the historic Hawley Town Common which has additional walking paths and historic information.

Why TNC Selected This Site

Hawley Bog is a regionally important example of an intact New England bog.

What TNC Has Done/Is Doing

The Nature Conservancy owns 25 acres of this unique preserve and the remaining acreage is owned by Five Colleges, Inc. (a consortium made up of Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst Colleges and the University of Massachusetts). The entire preserve is managed cooperatively by The Nature Conservancy and is used as an outdoor classroom by the Five Colleges.

In 1997, volunteers and staff completed a 700-foot boardwalk. Partially made from non-toxic recycled plastic, the boardwalk forms a trail over the floating bog mat. It replaced boards which had been placed directly on the bog mat, which threatened the bog's sensitive community of plants. In 2012 the boardwalk was extended and portions were replaced.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Size

65 Acres

Explore our work in this region

What to See

At the periphery of the bog is a wooded swamp with wild iris surrounded by striking stands of hemlock and mountain laurel. Look closely at the bog mat for a variety of unique plant species including carnivorous plants such as bladderwort and sundews. The bog is also a wonderful spot to bird watch and moose have been sighted occasionally.

Preserve Policies

  • Preserve open daily from dawn to dusk.
  • Foot traffic only.
  • Groups larger than 10 people are asked to coordinate their visit with our Western Massachusetts Program at 413-229-0232.
  • Please stay on the trail and boardwalk to protect this fragile ecosystem.
  • No collecting of plants or animals.
  • No pets.
  • Carry out all litter.
  • No fires, smoking or camping.

Accessibility

All reasonable requests for special accommodations will be made with ample notice. It is very important to stay on the boardwalk (the bog is a floating mat and can be damaged easily). The short trail is flat but somewhat difficult due to its extreme wetness. However, it allows for a truly close-up view of an unusual community of vegetation.

Groups larger than 10 people are asked to coordinate their visit with our Western Massachusetts Program at 413-229-0232 ext 232. Dogs are not permitted at this preserve due to the fragile habitat conditions and narrow boardwalk. If you have any questions while planning your outing, please contact Angela Sirois.