Norwell Conservation Commission Seeks Improved Fogg Forest Access

The Norwell Conservation Commission presented plans to improve access to Fogg Forest during the December 18 Select Board meeting, highlighting the need to address safety concerns while preserving the natural character of the property.

Conservation Commission Chair Marynel Wahl noted that Fogg Forest has been accessible to town residents since the early 1970s, but recent sidewalk construction has created challenges for visitors trying to enter the property from Main Street.

"We've had this access for 50 years without significant incidents," Wahl explained to the board. "The current situation with the curb cut is making it unsafe for people to enter and exit the property."

Conservation Agent Will Saunders detailed the commission's oversight of more than 2,000 acres of conservation land, including 20-plus miles of trails and 15 active farm fields throughout Norwell. The commission emphasized that any improvements to Fogg Forest would need to balance accessibility with the property's deed restrictions, which require maintaining its natural state.

Town Administrator Darlene Sullivan expressed support for improving access but raised safety concerns about the current single-lane entry point on the busy Main Street. "My concerns were someone trying to pull in, and someone's on their way out. It's such a narrow one-lane drive right now," Sullivan said.

The commission and Select Board discussed potential solutions, including the use of permeable surfaces that would allow grass to grow through while providing stable parking areas. Select Board member Brian Greenberg emphasized the need for professional engineering oversight of any improvements.

"I'm in favor of making the access better, wider, two-lane and everything," Greenberg said. "I just want it to be engineered and specked out and not just an ad hoc solution."

Select Board Vice Chair Andrew Reardon voiced concerns about preserving the property's natural character while improving access. "I would like to see it done in as tasteful and practical a manner as possible," Reardon said.

The discussion concluded with agreement to explore engineering solutions that would maintain the property's natural aesthetic while improving safety and accessibility. The commission may seek Community Preservation Committee funding for the project in the future.

In the meantime, the property remains accessible to the public, though visitors are encouraged to use caution when entering and exiting the site from Main Street.

Fogg Forest is a 40 acre property located between Main Street and Central Street. The property was donated by Isabella and Helen Fogg in 1972 in memory of their husbands, Horace and Faulkner Fogg. The land was donated as a refuge and sanctuary for wildlife. The main trail forms a loop with several one-way spurs, it is relatively flat, passing through a mixed pine and hardwood forest interspersed with fields of fern. Rhododendron bushes line the trail and are spectacular when blooming in the spring. Another spur from the right leads to the access on Central Street. This trail crosses Black Pond Brook via a bridge. This trail is somewhat rugged and difficult. Stone walls border and intersect many of the trail sections. Benches are located along the trails, and a picnic area with 2 donated tables is located in the Main St field. One of these is ADA accessible and open to the public on a first come first serve basis. (Source: Town of Norwell)