nature & culture

nature and culture. . , The interplay of people and nature has shaped this place for generations., The living things that populate our landscape are part of a continual process of change. Long ago, the Pocumtuck cleared forests of underbrush and set controlled fires to foster certain inhabitants that would improve their hunting or small game animals. English settlers brought with them their own plants, animals and farming practices, plowing large areas of land for crops. Introduced non-native plants and animal species adapted to their new habitat and now exist alongside native plants and animals. Look along the path for introduced species like Queen Anne's lace, clover, and honeybees. Near the wetland behind you, you might see some indigenous plants such as cattail, Joe Pye weed and ferns or perhaps glimpse native red-winged blackbirds and gray squirrels.