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About the Riverbend Conservation area...

   Acquired in 1997, Riverbend is a total of 68 acres.  The property consists of approximately 50 acres of gently sloping forest, wooded wetlands and a former agricultural field, plus 18 acres of freshwater tidal marsh extending inland from the Merrimack River and includes a portion of the Indian River.  The freshwater tidal marsh is one of the few such places remaining in Massachusetts.

   The West Newbury Conservation Commission oversees the management, maintenance and operation of Riverbend and delegates responsibilities as it sees fit.  The Open Space Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Mill Pond Committee, Dept. of Public Works and Board of Selectmen also participate in the development of plans and management of the property and connections to other trails.

   Riverbend provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including bald eagles that over-winter on the property, diverse populations of large and small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, shorebirds, ducks, geese, gulls, songbirds, birds of prey, short-nosed sturgeon, river herring, as well as rare plants both on the property and in the abutting marshes.  Click this link for more details: »Riverbend Land Use Management Plan (2009)

We hope you enjoyed your hike exploring the Riverbend Forest on June 5th, 2010 for National Trails Day!

 »Download this 11"x15" map below.  Copies are also available at the G.A.R. Library in West Newbury.

»Click here to Support and Join ECTA

   The West Newbury Open Space Committee worked with Jeremy Baker, a West Newbury resident, who got his Eagle badge for a project improving the use, enjoyment and public access for the Riverbend Conservation Area.  If you are a Boy Scout or know someone who is, additional projects are available and always welcome.

   The trails have been marked with colored wooden diamonds similar to the scheme used for the Millpond Area. The longest route, marked in blue, is the mile-long Riverbend trail that runs from Main Street, near the entrance to Millpond, and down to the Merrimack River.

   When Jeremy approached us looking for a community service project we were very pleased.  One of our committee’s goals is to improve the trail network.  Jeremy did a great job pulling this all together and we'd love to have other youngsters volunteer for similar projects.

What's to see in Riverbend?

Click here to see trail map available: »Riverbend Trail Guide

   Riverbend Trail:  From Mill Pond's upper parking lot, cross Route 113 to enter the trail.  The old cow pasture was part of a dairy farm used by Mingo family, who purchased the land in the 1930s.  The property was previously owned by E. Moody Boynton, who was the inventor of the crosscut saw and monorail.  The trail crosses several stonewalls built by settlers in the 17th and 18th century.  The remains of a former ski tow used from 1960 to 1972, can be found which extends to the summit just below the Page School.  The trail travels east and links to a large hay field, ideal for cross-country skiing and horseback riding.  The old cellar hole is the former Griffin Home Site built in 1729.  Rumors have it rumrunners used the foundation hole during prohibition.

   River Road Trail:  An ancient trail once used by Native Americans to reach summering grounds on Plum Island.  Rare wild rice paddies can be seen growing along the Merrimack River.  The bridge spanning over the Indian River was built in 1999 and allows foot, bicycle and equestrian crossings.  The bridge and Tupelo Trail provide a beautiful, quick visit to one of the most scenic places in West Newbury any time of year.

Indian River Trail:  This footpath begins at the Merrimack River and meanders thru the Riverbend forest over to the Indian River.  The trail follows rare freshwater tidal estuaries, first protected in 1686 to "be free as far as the tide flows for the passing and re-passing of boats and canoes."  The trail passes thru virgin stands of oak and beech trees and reaches a scenic point where Native Americans once used this location as a canoe stop and campsite.  The trail ends at the  remains of a former sawmill and dam, built by Sgt. Joseph Pike in 1706.  To help protect sensitive vegetation, no horses are permitted.

   Page Trail:  From Pipestave Hill's parking lot, cross Route 113 and enter the trail next to the water tower.  The trail is fairly steep as it goes down the hill, where it eventually joins the Riverbend and Indian River Trails.