In the spring of 2011, the historic 170 plus acre Hobbs Farm on Foxes Ridge in Acton, ME was generously deeded to the Three Rivers Land Trust. While greatly cherished, this property was languishing with a dying pond that once provided water for the livestock, once productive, fertile fields being overtaken with brush and invasive species such as European Bittersweet and Rosa Rogusa; remnants of rusting farm machinery, a sugar house and other artifacts including windmill parts.
The property also has a cemetery that is believed to be the resting place of one and possibly two Revolutionary War veterans. Beyond the ridgetop farmland and down the gently sloping forested ridge is a large area of wetland known variously as “the Mire” and the “South Acton Swamps”, a very significant habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
As with any labor of love, progress can be tedious and expensive; but thanks to grants and to the sweat equity of the Maple Stone School students, progress IS being made in reinvigorating this land. Finally, in 2014, it is beginning to show. There is a dirt road with a small parking area; the pond has been opened up; the fields are slowly being reclaimed; and trails on the property are being resurrected. Now with spring 2016 approaching, we are eagerly awaiting the first crop of hay from the field adjacent to the cemetery. This reclamation took two seasons to accomplish!
The Three Rivers Land Trust welcomes geocachers to this property, but asks that you do not go across this newly reseeded hayfield. Instead of hiking "as the crowflies, follow the tree/bush line in the upper field to the far end. You will find a 'crossover' there. If at any time, cachers find issues with this property, please contact the Trust though its website, www.3rlt.org.
The parking coordinates mark the entrance to the Hobbs property. The short dirt road to the parking may or may not be plowed in the winter. This property is foot traffic only with geo-dogs welcome. Daylight caching only please.
A cammoed pill bottle with a SECOND to find prize awaits in a classic place. As you search, I hope you will take a moment to look at the stones and reflect upon these lives of yesteryear. Due to the lack of a defined path, and a bit of scrambling through brush being required, I've put the terrain at a three. It will depend somewhat on the time of year.