Willow Brook Farm Preserve

Located in Pembroke, Willow Brook Farm Preserve is a 127 acre property with natural wetland habitats. The 3 mile trail is ideal for hiking and birding. The property consists of 127 acres of unique landscape and just under 3 miles of trails. One of the best features of the property is the Tower located on the edge of a freshwater tidal marsh. Also explore Camp Wing Conservation Area and Misty Meadows Conservation Area, other trails in Pembroke. Try Camp Wing Conservation Area for a similar trail experience featuring wetland.

History

In August 1996, a Marshfield couple offered to fund Wildlands' acquisition of a high-quality conservation property. Staff and board members explored 28 potential sites in 19 towns before deciding that two neighboring properties in Herring Brook Valley on the upper reaches of the North River in Pembroke were lands of exceptional ecological, recreational, and scenic value. Thanks to the generosity of the visionary couple, who donated over one million dollars to the project, and to the willingness of the owners of the properties — Connie and Marcia Crosby at Willow Brook Farm and Leah Conathan and Jane Cohn at Fleetwood Farm — to sell at substantial discounts from the appraised values, both historic farms were acquired by Wildlands Trust.

Willow Brook Farm—original purchase funded by anonymous donor – 73 acres, 1997

Fleetwood Farm—purchase funded by anonymous donor – 20 acres, 1997

Gillette-Sherman—donation by Burton Sherman & Bob Gillette – 7 acres, 1998

Missing Link—purchase funded by donors and grants – 24 acres, 2002

Slavin Donation—donation by Sharon Slavin – 3.2 acres, 2005

Source: Wildlands Trust page

Trail Notes

• Connecting to the Misty Meadows Trail as reflected on the map
• The trail is generally very level and even terrain. The trail beds do seem to have more exposed roots once you pass the Fields - but should be accessible for all with some challenges for strollers.
• Absolutely worth making it to the Tower for a birds eye view of the tidal marsh area of the property - very unique!