The Sky's The Limit

Looking for a road trip to a nature preserve highlighting the growth of native plant and tree species with perhaps a stop at a historic town or a waterfall deep in the woods along the way? Then the Skyfields Arboretum is the place for you. Located in Athol, Mass., approximately 30 miles south of Keene, this conservation property has a network of easy-walking trails that wends through 40 acres of field and forest and allows visitors to discover the interesting wildflowers, shrubs, plants and trees growing here. The genesis of Skyfields dates back to 1999 when Margaret Power-Biggs bequeathed land and her summer home to the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust with the idea that the property be maintained as a forest and plant nursery for the public to enjoy nature. Shortly afterward, the land trust moved its headquarters into the circa-1800 farmhouse. The hike outlined here is a sampling of the native species arboretum — a half mile in length taking half an hour to complete. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. From the kiosk in the parking lot, the Arboretum Trail immediately turns left and moves slightly uphill on a grassy path crowded by shrubs, wild grape vines, goldenrod, aspen, scrub maple and oak. The path widens on a pine needle surface as wild lily of the valley, starflower, blackberries and haircap moss grow on the sides of the trail. Turn right and walk a short distance to a field with thickets of shrubs and young trees. This field is an example of plant succession — the process of vegetation change over time, when one species replaces another during a competition for limited resources. The procedure begins when early colonizers — grasses, weeds and wildflowers, followed by blackberries and staghorn sumac — protect the soil from erosion so that trees and shrubs can join in. In time, a young forest is created, paving the way for a future forest of longer-lived species often called a "climax forest." From the field, the trail turns left, narrows and enters the forest. Moments later you come to signs that reads, "Stay right. Warning: Going straight leads to unmarked DCR Lawton State Forest trails." After turning right, the trail twists its way through a hemlock forest. Soon you will see a beautiful bed of ferns to the left. Fifty yards beyond the ferns you will encounter the stilt roots of a yellow birch tree stretched across the trail. This is a good opportunity for youngsters to let their imaginations go wild. What do you see? The tentacles of a giant squid? A deformed hand with gnarly fingers reaching across the path about to grab you? Once you're finished with the imaginary world, continue walking on the trail which turns right and shortly emerges at the transitioning field. A right turn here brings you back to the beginning of the loop. But continue (straight) on the grassy path. The trail turns left and comes to a bench where a sign warns of a poison ivy area. Stay left and continue downhill under the branches of enormous pine trees that tower above you. The trail turns right and runs parallel to Old Keene Rd. which is on your left. In August, blackberries grow alongside the path here, and there are patches of bright yellow goldenrod. A sign (right) identifies an American Hornbeam tree also known as Ironwood. The Skyfields Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust headquarters (yellow farmhouse) is straight ahead but keep right to stay on the trail. After walking past the farmhouse and an office building on the left, you will reach the kiosk and parking area. To get to Skyfields Arboretum from the junction of Routes 12 and 101 in Keene, drive south on Route 12 for 0.9 mile to Route 32 (Old Homestead Highway). Continue driving 11.7 miles on Route 32 south to its intersection with Route 119 in Richmond. Cross Route 119 and continue driving on Route 32 for 2.9 miles. Look left for Royalston Falls, a Trustees of Reservations property that consists of a somewhat rugged hiking trail that leads to a gorge and waterfall. From Royalston Falls, continue driving on Route 32 for 1.7 miles and turn left onto Warwick Road (Route 68 south). After 3.1 miles, you will come to the Jacobs Hill, a Trustees of Reservations property that has a trail that leads to a vista and continues to Spirit Falls which rolls down the mountainside (seasonal). From Jacobs Hill, continue driving 0.5 mile to the town of Royalston, a quiet, dignified community featuring a common lined with old maples and well-preserved, white Federal and Greek Revival homes, several of which were originally owned by mill owners. The sudden surprise of emerging from the woods and coming upon such a distinguished town in the middle of nowhere may take you back a bit. Royalston has a somewhat lonesome and bygone air to it. Take a moment to sit on a bench on the common and enjoy the impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings. Continue driving on Route 68 south through town for 0.2 mile and bear right onto Athol Rd. (Route 68 south turns left.) After driving 1.9 miles you will come to Doanes' Falls, another Trustees of Reservations property that offers a spectacular series of waterfalls. See ELF 's June 29, 2018 issue. From Doane's Falls, drive 3.5 miles farther on Athol Rd. and turn right onto Old Keene Rd. The Skyfields Arboretum is 1.4 miles farther down the road on the right. After your hike you may want to explore the Willis Woods Trail (0.5 mile loop) that wanders through the hillside forest of mixed hardwoods on the opposite side of Old Keene Rd.