Thompson's Field--South of Cape Cod Rail Trail

Thompson's Field--South of Cape Cod Rail Trail

Harwich, Massachusetts 02645

Thompson’s Field Conservation Area Official Website
Thompson’s Field Conservation Area map

About this Location

This eBird hotspot is in the south section of Thompson's Field Conservation Area. Parking is on Chatham Road.

About Thompson’s Field Conservation Area

See all hotspots at Thompson’s Field Conservation Area

In 1984, the Town purchased 57 acres now known as the Thompson’s Field Conservation Area. The mosaic of woods and fields was preserved primarily to protect groundwater flowing toward the adjacent public wellfield.

Historically, like most of Cape Cod, Thompson’s Field had been cleared for grazing or subsistence agriculture. Currently, some of the land south of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which roughly bisects the property, has remained an open field habitat but is gradually being succeeded by pitch pine, eastern red cedar, and non-native invasive plants. Every April, AmeriCorps, the Town, and HCT partner with volunteers to maintain the open fields and enhance wildlife habitat. Pitch pine dominates the land north of the bike path. This site is also popular with dog walkers.

South Trailhead Parking:
From MA-39, take Chatham Road southeast 0.75 miles to a parking area on the left.

North Trailhead Parking:
From the intersection of MA-24 and MA-39, drive 0.9 miles east to a parking area on the south or right side of Orleans-Harwich Road (MA-39).

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

Content from Thompson’s Field Conservation Area Official Website

Last updated March 22, 2024