THE LOCATION The Canoe club stands at gateway to the 1000+ acre pristine wilderness known as the Herring Brook Valley.  This fresh water tidal estuary is considered one of the most valuable natural areas in southeastern Massachusetts. It contains the only tidal forest in New England.  At the headwaters of the North River, the valley is created by the confluence of the Indian Head River, the Cedar Swamp Brook, the Pudding Brook, and the Herring Brook. The Herring Brook Valley is  a nutritionally rich habitat and breeding ground for birds, fish and mammals.  Small changes in ground elevation and tidal fluctuations  help to create a variety of plant and animal ecosystems. The river winds through woods to a sunny grassy meadow containing numerous small channels accessible by canoe and kayak.  The opportunity for nature photography, bird watching, exercise or serene relaxation is unlimited.  The Herring Brook Valley is well deserving of its recent designation by the US Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark.  A trip down river past marshes, woods and homes, eventually brings you to the ocean, seven miles away.  Experienced paddlers time the tidal flow to travel with the current when possible, and to avoid the strongest head currents.  Power boats are allowed but there is a 5 mph speed limit.  Larger boats must time the tide to cross under the bridge an Old Washington Street.

TRAILS and CANOE CLUB PRESERVE      We are building a private boardwalk extending along the North River Natural Bank, that will lead to the public 20 acre Canoe Club Preserve that we have donated in April 2005 to The Wildlands Trust - a well known organization that manages numerous properties in southeastern Massachusetts.  A trail system within the preserve is being built by the Audubon Society.   We hope these trails will someday connect with other trails and conservation parcels in the Herring Brook Valley.  The Canoe Club Preserve is open to the public within the restrictions set by the Wildlands Trust, however, in appreciation of this donation, they have deeded special privileges to the Canoe Club homeowners.  Specifically, access is always available to us, not restricted by daily hours of operation or closures for maintenance, etc.   INDIAN CAMP  ISLAND      Indian Camp Island is about 1/4 acre and is located about 200' upriver from the dock.  It will be reached by a trail and boardwalk, a short walk from the boathouse. It could be used as a place of solitude or for picnics or gatherings...or for camping!

THE ROADWAY       Canoe Club Lane is 50' wide, but with only a 24' wide roadway and large grass areas on either side.  There is a sidewalk on the north side.  65 Autumn Blaze Maples will line the sides of the street at approximately 50 foot intervals.  The entrance will feature stone walls, a small flower garden, evergreens, and flowering trees.  The road features a Cape Cod berm along the edge, 12 street lanterns, and granite curbs around the cul-de-sac circle and other selected spots.  All utilities will be underground. Catchbasins will collect stormwater.  Protective covenants have been written for the benefit of all homeowners.

THE BOATHOUSE & RECREATION PARCEL      Our lovely architect-designed boat house has been deeded to the Homeowners Association making everyone joint owners.  The deed to each home includes a portional ownership interest! There will be inside space for storage of 1 or 2  canoes or kayaks for each home.  A wood stove will warm the cathederal center space on cold days.  The building is finished inside and insulated.  The lusterous floor is a hardwood known as Purple Heart.  An oak treaded stairway leads to two lofts.  One is for storage, the other will eventually be a library with doors leading to a small deck facing the river. Until the lots are sold it is a sales office for the developer.  Quality materials have been used to minimize future expense of maintenance.    Our Homeowners Association is in charge of maintenance of common areas, and grants approvals under the covenants, or changes them through a vote of the members. Click boathouse for more details.

THE DOCK      We have a 150' pier leading to a private dock.  All homeowners can use our dock for launching small boats.  There are no plans at this time for a ramp to launch larger boats.