Betty Maitland Memorial Forest

In 1992, Alastair Maitland donated his 40 acre woodlot in Heath to the Franklin Land Trust, to be stewarded for public benefit in memory of his wife Betty. In 1998, FLT conveyed a conservation restriction to the Conservation Commission of the Town of Heath to further insure conservation in perpetuity.  Under the Franklin Land Trust’s ownership, the Betty Maitland Memorial Forest is managed for wildlife habitat and passive recreation. Visitors to the memorial forest can strike out on its three-quarter mile trail system to experience habitats ranging from early successional clearings to mature white pine stands, and explore a spectacular vernal pool which supports wildlife including wood frogs and wood ducks. A small forest gap overlooking the early successional clearing also sports a picnic table, and interpretive signs along the course of the trail provide insight into the forest’s unique features, such as a bear-clawed beech tree.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate

Access: Trailhead and parking on west side of Rte 8A, one-quarter mile north of Long Hill Rd, in Heath, MA.

Narrative Address: West side Route 8A, directly opposite colonial house and barn at 262 Route 8A Heath, MA and ¼ mile north of Long Hill Road

Betty Maitland Memorial Forest Brochure