“Thoreau’s Bog” is another name for Gowings Swamp. Henry David Thoreau showed great scientific and philosophical interest in this site. He mentioned Gowings Swamp in 37 journal entries. Thoreau also mentioned it in “Walden” and his essay “Walking”.
Gowings Swamp formed as the subarctic climate warmed. Plants on the pond’s edges moved deeper into the water. Their thick roots and sphagnum moss built up over years. This created a layer strong enough to hold small mammals.
Gowings Swamp lies in a kettle hole. It depends only on rainwater. The swamp lacks nutrients for common wetland plants. Its acidity and low mineral availability create a cool microclimate. This allows northern and bog-loving plants to thrive. You can find pitcher plants and bog rosemary here. Pale laurel and cranberries also grow here. Black spruce is another plant found in the swamp.
The glacial carving of Gowings Swamp’s landscape created many vernal pools. Gowings Swamp and three other pools offer critical habitat. They are home to amphibians and aquatic invertebrates like fairy shrimp.
The Gowing’s Swamp natural area has long been threatened. Non-native invasives like glossy buckthorn are a problem. In 2016, the landowners started fighting the invasives. The Playscape at Ripley and the Concord Land Conservation Trust are involved. SVT also helps enhance trail access.
SVT was given 7 acres on the bog’s east side in 1971. In 1979, 17 acres were protected. This was part of the Edmonds Road condominium development. In 2012, the Concord Land Conservation Trust bought seven more acres. These acres are on the west side. SVT also partnered with the Playscape at Ripley. They created an engaging gateway to this natural area.
In 2015, a plan was developed. The Playscape, CLCT and SVT worked together. They improved the Playscape’s interpretive and viewing elements. They also combatted invasive plants. The invasive control plan began in 2016. Plants were cleared from invaded areas. Targeted herbicide treatment was applied.
SVT and volunteers experimented with buckthorn baggies. This cut and covered glossy buckthorn. It was a way to kill the shrubs. However, it was less than 50% effective.
The Concord Natural Resources Commission supports this project. Environmentally safe techniques are used. These techniques have been used in other biodiversity protection projects.
Funding came from several sources. The Concord Community Preservation Committee provided funding. The Town of Concord and CLCT also helped. The Suasco CISMA and individual SVT members contributed. Concord residents also provided funding.
The trail head is at the Playscape at Ripley. It is a nature park for all ages and abilities. The loop walk around the bog crosses protected land. This land has different owners. The northeast bridge requires stepping up and down. The southwest segment of the loop is wet and rooty. Please stay on marked trails. Leave the land as you found it. Do not remove plants or wildlife. Do not remove stones or historical artifacts. Carry out litter and dog waste. Dogs must be under control. Please observe posted restrictions for horses and bicycles. No camping or fires are allowed. Hunting is only allowed by special permission. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. No motorized vehicles are allowed. ADA access is an exception.