REWILDING VEASEY PARK
WELCOME TO
THE PEOPLES' FOREST
THANK YOU!
The Rewilding project was on the front page of the Eagle Tribune!! Click the link to check it out! photo credit: Mike LaBelle of the Eagle Tribune
The MA Master Gardener group is shown here preparing a gathering place.
Town Meeting news clipping about the decision to purchase the Veasey Memorial Park property Feb 28, 1995
The Rewilding project was on the front page of the Eagle Tribune!! Click the link to check it out! photo credit: Mike LaBelle of the Eagle Tribune
Veasey Memorial Park is 47-acres of conservation land managed by the Town of Groveland's Conservation Commission. The historic buildings, with original features recalling days past, as well as the extensive grounds are available for events.
Enjoy the nature preserve's recreation area, forest, fields, and trail system. All of which are home to many wonderful animals, plants, insects, and birds. Boat access to Johnson's Pond is available for year-round fun and relaxation. Veasey Park has multiple picnic areas, car top boat access, and popular winter sledding hill. Veasey is also a good spot for star gazing and birding in the fields, woods, and along the freshwater shoreline.
Visitor Information
The historic buildings at Veasey are closed to the public except during special tours, public events, and private events. Please see rental information to learn more about renting the venue.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Daily parking fees: Free
Driving Directions
I-95 to exit 54 onto Rte-133/Georgetown. Follow straight through Georgetown center (turns into Rte-97) and enter into Groveland. Turn left onto Salem Street at the intersection. Turn left onto Washington Street. Veasey Park is over the large hill on the right.
From I-495: take the Haverhill exit for Rte-125 Ward Hill. Bear left off connector ramp to follow Rte-125 through Bradford. At the Bradford Common, bear right onto Church Street. Take a right onto Salem Street. Turn right onto Washington Street. Veasey Park is over the large hill on the right.
Turn at the large stone pillars by the canoe racks. There is a small lot by the canoe racks. For the Main Parking Area, continue up the driveway. After parking, ascend the stone stairway to the main buildings. The Upper Parking area is reserved for the elderly, disabled, or drop off only.
Since Veasey Park includes several major habitats, including: field, woodland, varied edges, pond and wetlands, the opportunities for birding are quite good. In addition, adjacent marshes and vernal pools, as well as the nearby Meadow Pond Conservation Area, help to increase the diversity of bird species.
Site Notes & Advisories:
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Family Friendly
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Parking
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Restrooms
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Canoe and Kayak racks
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Swing set
Park Activities
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Hiking
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Canoeing
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Fishing
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Snowshoeing
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Educational programs
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Wildlife viewing
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Birding
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Gardens
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Picnic areas
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Scenic views
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Dog walking
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Dogs must remain on-leash
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Pick up and dispose of your dog’s waste
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Facilities
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Private events
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Weddings
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Education programs and public events
Restrictions in Park with permit exceptions
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No fires
- No alcohol
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No motorized vehicles on trails
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No gas boats
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No swimming
WELCOME TO
THE PEOPLES' FOREST
Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers for helping us succeed in completely planting the rewilding areas of the People’s Forest at Veasey Park! We had perfect weather, lots of smiling faces (even while digging rock!), great food, and 160 seasoned & brand new gardeners from under 10 to over 80. A real community effort.
"Great job everybody! Come by again and watch your plants grow." ~ Dianne, Diane, Diane, Willow, and Chip
To see ALL of the rewilding photos, go to our Rewilding Blog posts.
WELCOME TO THE PEOPLES FOREST
The Veasey Forest is a beautiful natural area that is home to a diverse range of animals, birds, and pollinators. The nature trails are enjoyed by thousands of nature enthusiasts each year. This area of the forest, unfortunately, has been taken over by invasive non-native vines that have encroached on the hillside, threatening the delicate balance of the ecosystem. However, the MA Master Gardeners are working to restore and reforest these 9,000 square feet back to its natural self-sustaining ecosystem for the benefit of all creatures.
REFORESTING
The restoration project at Veasey Forest is a vital effort to preserve the natural beauty and balance of the ecosystem. By removing invasive non-native vines and planting dense native trees, shrubs, and groundcover, we are creating a sustainable habitat for the many creatures who call Veasey Park their home. The dense native planting will follow guidelines established by the Miyawaki Method. Check out “Mini-Forest Revolution” by Hannah Lewis or watch this hopeful video for more information.
HABITAT RESTORATION
Reforesting Veasey is crucial to preserving and restoring the native habitat. By planting indigenous trees, shrubs, and groundcover, we are creating a sustainable home for the creatures who live in the Veasey Forest. Dense plantings will provide food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, while also creating a beautiful and natural environment for visitors to enjoy.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Rewilding, returning the Veasey Forest to nature, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the importance of preserving natural habitats and the role they play in supporting local wildlife. Trails leading to a central gathering area will provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the plants and animals here at Veasey Park. The project also offers hands-on learning opportunities for volunteers to work side-by-side with Master Gardeners in this ambitious and exciting project.
JOIN US!
Want to be part of this exciting effort to restore this beautiful forest habitat? Connect us with a sponsor, volunteer, or donate! Every bit helps. We understand your time and energy are important, which is why we have many ways for folks to get involved. We love to see our community learn, grow, and connect with the natural world and each other. Subscribe to the Rewilding blog for updates! For information on how to get involved, contact us at RewildingVeaseyPark@gmail.com,
Vanessa@VeaseyPark.org, or text 518-209-4759.
Mail checks, memo "Rewilding," to the Friends of Veasey, PO BOX 177, Groveland, MA 01834