35 & 44 Almanack Pond Road
As the Land Bank celebrates our 40th anniversary, we have a special property to spotlight… Stump Pond Preserve! Acquired on July 2, 1984, Stump Pond Preserve is one of the very first Land Bank properties. The Stump Pond trail network traverses abutting properties owned by the Land Bank and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, and offers views of Stump Pond itself, which is a man-made waterbody that was once used to flood the adjacent Windswept Cranberry Bogs when they were operational. The pond was created when a forested red maple swamp was clear cut to channel the flow of water. When the pond water was redirected to the cranberry bogs and the water level was low, visitors could see the stumps of the old maple trees peeking out from the pond, giving it the name “Stump Pond.” Now that the bogs are no longer operational, the water level is more or less stabilized, concealing the stumps from view.
What’s our favorite thing about Stump Pond? It’s difficult to choose between the spindly tupelo trees, the striking cinnamon fern, the egrets that pay a visit to the pond, and the alluring boardwalks that take you right through the densely forested wetland. The trail network on this property even connects to the Coast-to-Coast trail, so you could plan a larger adventure right from this spot. This property is great for winter hiking, given the vibrant pops of green provided by the striking Holly trees and the velvety moss blanketing the edges of the trail. We encourage Nantucketers to go see it for themselves!
