Norwood Pond and the adjacent city-owned land are unique and exceptional natural resources located in an otherwise populated urban setting. The combination of forest, open water and variable topography create an unparalleled landscape for pond related, passive recreational activities.Norwood Pond is on the Norwood Pond River in Essex County, Massachusetts and is used for recreation purposes.
The image above is a painting of Manchester from Powder House Hill by Joshua Sheldon that hangs in the Manchester Public Library. Best access is on the eastern side of Pine Street in Manchester.
This conservation land is located next to Sweeney Park in Manchester.
The Robinson Farm, was purchased by the Town of Marblehead in 2005. For almost 200 years this 3.5 acre site was a working dairy farm. There are no longer any buildings standing but some of the old stone foundation walls from barns are still in place. The entrance to the Robinson Farm, which is open for passive public enjoyment, is from the end of Abbot Street. Parking is available for a few cars.
This 33.5 acre area extends from the rear of Gatchell's Playground to Salem Harbor and adjacent areas. Wyman Woods Conservation Area is most easily reached by parking at the end of Everett Paine Blvd., off Lafayette Street, and walking up the path into the woods. It is an undeveloped upland and an ideal hiking area with trails that are easily followed. Another point of entry is off West Shore Drive, reached by walking along the rail road right of way towards Salem.
Consisting of approximately 8.5 acres, the Conservation area is near Rockaway Road in the Clifton section of Marblehead. Entrances are on Marion Road, Marion Road Extension, Warren Road and the railroad right of way. The pond occupies about one-half of the area and is a rich wildlife refuge for waterfowl, particularly during migration periods. In the winter the frozen pond is used by ice skaters. The pond and its surrounding areas support a wide variety of plants and animal life including water lilies, large turtles, muskrat and many swamp-dwelling bushes and trees.
The Steer Swamp Conservation Area, about 43 acres in size, consists of high land with pleasant vistas, low land with meadows, swamps, ponds and brooks and abounds with native plants and wildflowers. Small game as well as many wild bird species are continually observed and heard. Access is readily available via Stony Brook Road as well as Beacon Street (two entrance ways), Norman Street, Cheever Avenue and Blueberry Road.
