The Nancy L. Whittemore Conservation area offers approximately 34 acres of protected conservation and passive recreation land, with trails and a vernal pool viewing area. The land is owned by the town of Southampton and managed by the Southampton Conservation Commission.
Parking and trail access is located at the end of Meadow Lane. Be sure to park either on the edge of the cul-de-sac or on the grass just above the storm grates, facing the front entrance.
There are two trails located on the property. The Bridge Loop Trail traverses a short bridge, follows a small ridgeline, and then descends down a slightly steep grade towards a viewing platform that overlooks a large vernal pool area; the banks of the Manhan River are located just beyond in the distance. The Canal Trail is gentler terrain and follows an old canal footpath canopied by large trees before dead-ending at the edge of a private field.
Both of these trails are marked with Southampton Conservation Commission trail markers. The Nancy L. Whittemore Conservation Area was once part of a working farm owned by the Mokrzecyk family of Hadley. A subsequent owner later sold this property as well as land directly across the Manhan River in Easthampton (now owned and managed by the Pascommuck Conservation Trust) to the respective towns. The conservation area was named and dedicated in honor of Nancy L. Whittemore, a longtime and tireless member of the Southampton Conservation Commission, in 1994.
Activities allowed in this conservation area include fishing, hunting, day picnics, and hiking. The area is habitat to many species – some threatened or endangered – so motorized vehicles and camping are not allowed. Wildlife present on the property include birds, deer, bear, and species of special concern such as the wood turtle and spotted turtle.