The Bradford Bog Headwaters is an ecologically valuable 71.66-acre parcel in Bradford that is within the “Quabbin to Mount Cardigan” conservation focus area of national importance. This section of land is “one of the largest ecologically significant forest blocks in New England, with connectivity encompassing approximately two million acres along a 100-mile swath.” 

The Bradford Bog Headwaters project is comprised of a vigorously regenerating woodland area, which is valuable to threatened wildlife; its pristine waters flow into the nearby Abenaki ancient healing springs site, the Atlantic white cedar bog and wildflower sanctuary, and the Merrimack River watershed. The parcel is ranked highest for wildlife habitat in the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan; both mammals and amphibians traverse over the property as a land bridge between abutting forested tracts. 

Protecting this valuable property, with its rejuvenating forest and important waterbody will expand the ideal habitat for avian species in greatest need of conservation in New Hampshire. Among these are the Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, and Purple Finch (the State bird). Songbirds, such as the Redstart, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore Oriole are among those that migrate epic distances to seek breeding grounds like the BBH. According to P.D. Hunt’s The State of the Birds, of the 190 bird species breeding in New Hampshire, 81 are decreasing at an alarming rate.

In addition to the property being ideal for birds, it is also a wonderful oasis for butterflies and other pollinators. Beavers have taken advantage of water flowing from Haystack Mountain to build a series of dams; the ponds they’ve created host Wood Ducks, migrating waterfowl, and the American Toad. Moose moving through may browse on sapling twigs and plunge into the refreshing pond. A rocky cliff offers a possible habitat for bobcats; dense thickets below allow a hiding spot for their favorite prey, the Snowshoe Hare.