The Stone Mansions of Spot Pond

Difficulty: Moderate/Easy

Appropriate for: All ages (Please note that the route is not wheelchair accessible.)

Leader: Doug Heath and Alison Simcox

About Doug and Alison: Douglas Heath is a Hydrogeologist and History Researcher. A US Navy veteran, he worked at EPA for 30 years protecting water supplies in New England. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide and leads history walks for Friends of the Fells. He is also Vice President of the Saugus River Watershed Council. Alison Simcox is an Environmental Scientist and Writer. She works at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 1998, she was the second woman to receive a doctorate in Engineering from Tufts University. She is on the Board of Directors of the Saugus River Watershed Council and is a member of Friends of the Fells.

Doug and Alison have co-authored five books and two trail guides: Middlesex Fells, The award-winning Lost Village of Middlesex Fells, M**der at Breakheart Hill Farm, Breakheart Reservation, Lake Quannapowitt, A Trail Guide for Virginia Wood and Haywardville in Middlesex Fells and A Trail Guide for Bellevue Pond, Pine Hill, and the Quarries of Middlesex Fells. Signed copies of books may be purchased at a discount price of $20 and trail guides for $10.

About the Walk: Come explore the fascinating histories of the pre-Civil War stone mansions of Wyoming Estates, including the Botume House Visitor Center, Fannie Foster Tudor's estate, James Eaton's mansion, and William Bailey Lang's house. We will also go inside the 1848 Tudor Barn and learn about the legendary 1856 prize fight on Great Island, and how Spot Pond was twice drained of all its water.

The tour will start at the Botume House, 4 Woodland Road, and will last two hours. The route will follow the Spot Pond shoreline clockwise to the Gatehouse at the south end of Spot Pond and back.

Contact: ZnJpZW5kcyB8IGZlbGxzICEgb3Jn with questions/inquiries about this event

Dogs: While we love experiencing the outdoors with our dogs, this program is not suitable for dogs. We ask that you please leave your furry friends home while attending this program.

Check out our calendar for dog-friendly events!

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