The Mass. Audubon website gives the following description of the area: “With everything from large red oaks to extensive wetlands, Eagle Lake supports a wealth of wildlife. The canopy of mature forest provides nesting sites for Scarlet Tanagers, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. The pond attracts numerous waterfowl during spring and fall migration. Explore … trails with many pleasant overlooks at Eagle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk along Asnebumskit Brook to admire the bright red cardinal flower in late summer and large oaks year-round. Look for barred owls sunning on tree branches during the winter.”
Even without the summer wildlife, the area is beautiful.
The hike to the western side of Eagle Lake and back involves some moderate hills and is about 2.5 miles round trip.
Participants will meet at The U. U. Church parking lot at 90 Holden Street at 11:00 on Saturday morning, January 21, and drive to the Eagle Lake trailhead on Reservoir Street in Holden. A short walk will take us to a scenic lookout by the lake shore, where we will pause for lunch. We will return to the church in mid-afternoon.
Participants are asked to bring their lunch, water bottle, and rain gear in case of a shower.
For more information or to join this outing, contact David Miller, 508-853-8964 or sentierdeau at gmail dot com