Lightning Tree Reservation
Features
Native vegetation such as as wild indigo and sweet fern is attractive to the thirty species of butterfly on site including the Frosted Elfin and sandy soil provides good habitat for six species of turtles. Tall pitch pines and sandy soil create an environment similar to the pine barrens in New Jersey. Waterfront vistas may be obtained from viewing benches and a well-marked trail network connecting with the AVIS's abutting Sanborn Reservation.
The reservations together preserve about 40 acres of riverfront land along the southern bank of the Shawsheen River.
History
The 25-acre Lightning Tree Reservation was conveyed to the Andover Conservation Commission in 2015 by the developer of a solar energy array built nearby. It was named after a large white pine tree burned and felled by lightning close in time to the transfer. Meg's Trail is named in honor of Meg Batcheller, a beloved Town of Andover employee and resident.
Public Access
While the Lightning Tree Reservation and parking area are in Andover, access by car to the Lightning Tree Reservation is through Tewksbury. Use 1320 South Street in Tewksbury for navigation. The site is also easily accessible by canoe from Shawsheen Pines.
Parking
Parking is available in a clearly marked parking area at the end of South Street on the left.
Native vegetation such as as wild indigo and sweet fern is attractive to the thirty species of butterfly on site including the Frosted Elfin and sandy soil provides good habitat for six species of turtles. Tall pitch pines and sandy soil create an environment similar to the pine barrens in New Jersey. Waterfront vistas may be obtained from viewing benches and a well-marked trail network connecting with the AVIS's abutting Sanborn Reservation.
The reservations together preserve about 40 acres of riverfront land along the southern bank of the Shawsheen River.
History
The 25-acre Lightning Tree Reservation was conveyed to the Andover Conservation Commission in 2015 by the developer of a solar energy array built nearby. It was named after a large white pine tree burned and felled by lightning close in time to the transfer. Meg's Trail is named in honor of Meg Batcheller, a beloved Town of Andover employee and resident.
Public Access
While the Lightning Tree Reservation and parking area are in Andover, access by car to the Lightning Tree Reservation is through Tewksbury. Use 1320 South Street in Tewksbury for navigation. The site is also easily accessible by canoe from Shawsheen Pines.
Parking
Parking is available in a clearly marked parking area at the end of South Street on the left.