In the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city lies an unexpected natural wonder. What was once slated to become a bustling university campus has instead transformed into a sanctuary for rare ecosystems. This remarkable journey from concrete plans to thriving preserve is the story of the Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve.
Key Takeaways
– Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve is a natural wonder located in New Hampshire’s largest city.
– Originally planned as a university campus, the site became a preserve after the University of New Hampshire moved its campus location.
– The preserve includes rare ecosystems, such as Atlantic white cedar swamps and ancient black gum trees over 450 years old.
– An accessible trail, the Cedar Swamp All Persons Trail, allows everyone to enjoy the preserve, with features for people with mobility aids and multilingual audio tours.
– The preserve serves as an outdoor classroom and research lab, engaging the community in citizen science projects.
– Located near downtown Manchester, the preserve offers city residents a nearby escape into nature.
– The story of the preserve highlights the importance of protecting natural spaces within urban areas, benefiting both the environment and the community.
From Campus to Conservation
The tale of Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve begins with big dreams for urban growth. In the late 20th century, the University of New Hampshire envisioned a new campus in the Hackett Hill area, close to Interstate 93.
Work on the new campus started in earnest. Roads were built, granite curbs put in place, and parking lots paved. The site was ready to become a hub of learning. But fate had other plans for this piece of land.
Nature’s Comeback
In a surprise move, the University of New Hampshire decided to move its Manchester campus to the old mills by the Merrimack River. This change left the partly built site in Hackett Hill empty, with new roads and lots sitting unused in the natural landscape.
As time passed, nature began to take back the land. People started to notice how special the area’s plants and animals were. This value had been missed when the campus was first planned. Local groups and city leaders saw a chance to save an important natural space within Manchester’s urban setting. Much like how Spacious Skies French Pond in nearby Henniker offers a natural retreat for campers, the abandoned site presented an opportunity for urban dwellers to connect with nature.
Hidden Treasures Revealed
The abandoned site turned out to be full of natural wonders. In 1999, the Nature Conservancy teamed up with the city to create a 602-acre preserve. This area includes rare Atlantic white cedar swamps, which are special because there aren’t many left in the world.
One of the coolest things about the preserve is its old black gum trees. Some of these trees are over 450 years old. They were alive before Europeans came to America. These ancient trees are like living history books, silently watching centuries go by.
A Trail for Everyone
The preserve wants everyone to enjoy nature, no matter their abilities. They built the Cedar Swamp All Persons Trail to make this happen. This trail has a smooth gravel surface that works well for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
They’ve also made sure people who speak different languages can learn about the swamp. There are audio tours in English and Spanish. Signs along the trail use different formats so everyone can understand them. These efforts make the Cedar Swamp Preserve a place where all visitors feel welcome.
A Place to Learn
Manchester Cedar Swamp is more than just a nice place to visit. It’s also an outdoor classroom and research lab. Scientists and students come here to study the plants, animals, and natural processes. Their work helps us understand these rare habitats better.
The preserve also gets the community involved in science. Visitors can join citizen science projects, like sharing what they see on the preserve’s nature app. This not only helps with research but also makes people feel more connected to nature.
Nature in the City
One of the coolest things about Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve is where it’s located. It’s just a short drive from downtown Manchester. This means city folks can easily escape to nature without going far from home.
The preserve is like a small piece of wild nature surrounded by city life. It gives people a place to hike, watch birds, or just enjoy the quiet of the forest. It reminds us of what the land used to look like before cities were built, now preserved as a special natural area in the middle of urban growth.
Looking to the Future
The story of Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve shows how unexpected turns can lead to great things in nature protection. It proves that even when development plans fall through, we can discover and save important natural treasures.
This preserve is a great example of how cities can include natural spaces. It helps the environment and gives people a place to connect with nature. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious local, or just visiting the area, the Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve is worth a trip. When you visit, you become part of its ongoing story, helping to protect this urban oasis for years to come. And for those seeking a more immersive natural experience, consider extending your stay at Spacious Skies French Pond, where you can enjoy camping and outdoor activities in a beautiful forest setting just a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve?
A: It is a natural sanctuary in Manchester, New Hampshire, known for its rare ecosystems, including Atlantic white cedar swamps and ancient black gum trees.
Q: How did the preserve come to be?
A: Originally planned as a university campus, the site was abandoned, allowing nature to reclaim it. The Nature Conservancy and the city later transformed it into a 602-acre preserve.
Q: What makes the preserve special?
A: It has rare ecosystems, ancient trees over 450 years old, and offers accessible trails and multilingual tours for all visitors.
Q: How can people enjoy the preserve?
A: Visitors can hike, watch birds, join citizen science projects, and learn about nature through audio tours and informative signs.
Q: Where is the preserve located?
A: It is located just a short drive from downtown Manchester, making it easy for city residents to visit and enjoy nature.
Q: Why is the preserve important?
A: It protects rare natural habitats, serves as an outdoor classroom and research site, and provides a green space for people to connect with nature.