Thompson’s Field Conservation Area
Acres: 57
Total Trail Length: 2.75 miles
Conservation History and Importance:
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In 1984, the Town purchased 57 acres now known as the Thompson’s Field Conservation Area. The mosaic of woods and fields were 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 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.