Aug 07
13
The Carlisle Cranberry Bog
One of the treasures of Carlisle is its extensive Conservation Lands. The Cranberry Bog Reservation totals 310 acres, 151 of which are in Carlisle. 40 of those acres in the Carlisle parcel hold the last continuously working cranberry bog in Middlesex County, MA. It was started by two brothers in the late 1800′s and bought by the Towns of Carlisle and Chelmsford in 1986. The land and trails that surround it are rich in views and wildlife. Any given day one may see cranes, bull frogs and geese throughout the bog itself. People often walk their dogs or ride their horses around the outer perimeter of the bog. And although I have taken this walk many times since moving here, having just gotten a Labrador puppy yesterday, today will be our first outing as part of this special club of folks.
I thought an 8 week old puppy could not be as much work as a newborn baby. Having been there and done that I felt pretty confident this would not be half the challenge. I was wrong. Twelve or so outings later into our backyard since yesterday evening, I am reminded of that half-waking state which I lived through with my children. As precious as they were and are, I was not entirely disappointed to see those days go. I am grateful that puppies are on an accelerated time line and that their adorable floppy ears and over sized paws will take center stage to sleep deprivation in mere weeks instead of months!
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to an ever enthusiastic companion to share my long hikes in the Conservations lands that surround Carlisle and Concord. I encourage anyone looking for a glimpse of a thriving ecosystem and extensive natural beauty to drive up Route 225 toward Westford onto Curve Street and experience the Bog. I’ll revisit the Cranberry Bog on this website come mid-October when cranberry harvesting is in progress!