Currier Reservation: A Hidden Gem of Westwood

Driving down Downey Street in Westwood, one might notice a green and white sign that reads: Elsa M. Currier Reservation. To the right of the sign there is a path that leads into Currier Reservation.

For interested hikers and nature lovers, the inside of this natural spot reveals a path that forks off into two different directions, and a tree with two white signs posted to a tree.

The white sign on the right takes you to a circle path, and the sign on the left brings you onto a square path, which eventually also branches off into a triangle path.

The triangle path leads to a small pond covered with vibrant lime green film.  Looking closer, it's easy to see that the pond is filled with little energetic and curious frogs poking their heads out of the water. On days when the sun hits the pond through surrounding trees in a halo of light, the scene can be beautiful and awe-inspiring.

Kevin Bean, a Westwood Eagle Scout, is a regular to the area. Bean lives nearby, and, when he was younger, helped to maintain and mark the trails.

"In the 1980s, an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 Islington built the fire lane (the square path)," Bean said. "In 2004 I refurbished the trails, widened them, mapped them and also put up the metal markers."

Bean explained that there used to be a bridge to a dam in the pond, but it has disappeared due to vandalism.

Following the square marked trees, hikers will find themselves on a wide path surrounded by towering pines and healthy green undergrowth. 

The trail loops around to the outer edge of the reservation area, then steers back into a patch of neatly-spaced pines. The path then leads to a wide open meadowland ideal for picnic lovers.

"Around 2008 there was a scout from Troop 1 Islington that built a community garden," Bean said.  

The garden, although not heavily used, can be found behind some tall grass on the left upon exiting the square trail into the meadow. The garden can also be seen from Canton Street.

Currier Reservation doesn't get much use, Bean said, because it isn't very accessible, meaning that there's no designated spot to park your car.

"There are some overgrown weeds on the side of Downey," Bean said. "It would make a great parking lot, and would also make it a lot more accessible."

The circle trail is on the opposite side of the square path, and is a straight shot from the entrance to the meadow.

But aside from it's natural beauty, Currier Reservation has a history to it as well.

"It used to be part of Currier Farm" Bean said. "One of the Roosevelts used to frequently visit and hunt here before they were in office."

Currier Reservation's vast wildlife includes deer, turkeys, foxes and coyotes. The trails are open to be enjoyed by any nature lovers from dawn to dusk.