Each year in New England, as days grow shorter and colder, chlorophyll in leaves breaks down. The orange and yellow pigment, previously dwarfed by the vibrant green of the food generating chlorophyll, pops and produces a spectacle people travel thousands of miles to witness. Deep reds, created by sugars trapped in the leaves of oak and dogwood, add to the kaleidoscope. Even native New Englanders will travel hours to catch the brilliant show. If driving to Vermont or New Hampshire is not on your list this year, you can still catch the resplendent foliage in your own backyard. Here are two popular Pembroke conservation areas that are worth a visit and will bypass the traffic of a trip north.
Tubbs Meadow on Monroe Street has both wide flat open paths (formerly bog roads) and wooded trails. You can walk around the lake which has beautiful colors when at peak. There are a few benches to sit and enjoy the quiet and plenty of wildlife (waterfowl, dragonflies and turtles, as well as signs of deer and fox). There is parking for about 20 cars and the path is mostly accessible (a large log blocking the path near the parking lot makes it challenging for a wheelchair, but a sturdy stroller could easily navigate). Many people bring their dogs, on leash, and there are plenty of friendly encounters if you want to say hello.
Willow Brook Farm on Barker Street has less parking, about 10 car maximum. It also has some wide paths early on in the walk that lead to an open meadow that has a Little Free Library box and some covered picnic tables at the far end of the field. Other paths are in forest with wooden walkways crossing over more marshy sections. The tower is closed for repair at this point but you will not miss anything as brightly colored leaves are everywhere. The park connects to Misty Meadows Conservation Area, and there is a nice overlook of Herring Brook with a quiet spot to rest and admire this tributary of the North River.
All photos were taken Oct. 9 and 10, by time of publication the changes will be underway. Both areas are easy to access, whether you want a casual stroll or a longer walk. Get outside and explore the fall colors.
