Hurlbert Swamp: Northern White Cedar Swamp
Description: Hurlbert Swamp Preserve contains an exemplary northern white cedar - balsam fir swamp community and several rare plant species. The trail to the boardwalk is nearly flat and easy to follow. The boardwalk weaves into the center of the swamp, providing a great way to get a feel for the lushness and darkness of its interior.
Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a boreal tree species that approaches the southeastern limit of its range in
At least six natural community types, not all of them wetlands, contain a significant amount of northern white cedar. At
In mature examples like this one, the typical natural community structure consists of overstory canopy heights of 40-60 ft. (12-18 m) with occasional to frequent leaning trees and blowdowns. Also look for a moderately well developed tree subcanopy, a sparse shrub understory, well developed hummock-hollow topography, a dense carpet of diverse mosses and liverworts, and sparse to moderate herb cover. Water level fluctuations often change the appearance of the swamp from season to season.
Potential rare plant species of cedar swamps (often found in fen-like openings within the swamps) include several varieties of lady’s slippers, sweet coltsfoot, chestnut sedge, fairy slipper, and Loesel’s twayblade. These rare species are not present in most cedar swamps.
Directions: From Colebrook, take Route 145 north for 9 miles. Just beyond the Clarksville town line, turn left onto West Road (paved). Travel 1.5 miles to a dirt road on the left at a small artificial pond. Follow this dirt road 1.1 miles south to the preserve (note and follow wooden signs with "TNC" and oak leaf). Park at the gate and walk east down the grassy road, which becomes a path in a quarter mile or so at a trailhead kiosk.
Landowner: The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire
Site Guide and Map
Images (hold mouse over image for caption)
Link: nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newhampshire/preserves/art316.html