Temple Mountain State Reservation
These photographs show signs of spring at Temple Mountain –– predictable late-season snow with ice that bends birches low, and pussy willows that have sprung up in the old ski trails where runoff soils are moist.
Temple Mountain was conserved as a state reservation in 2007 after six years of effort that involved many partners. Although only 31 of the new reservation's 352 acres are in Peterborough, the mountain is a gateway to the town as well as the region.
When the ski area closed in 2001, Friends of Temple Mountain was formed by Temple, Peterborough and Sharon townspeople and regional land trusts to explore conservation options. When it became clear that potential buyers would not restore the ski area, a local couple purchased the land to give the conservation partnership a chance.
Leadership from the Monadnock Conservancy and state representative Anne-Marie Irwin was key. There also was heartfelt popular support for keeping one of the country’s first ski areas—provider of formative memories for so many—undeveloped and open to the public. Funds passed by the state legislature were more than matched by the towns, federal grants, and individuals.
Photo by Annie Card
The 21-mile Wapack Trail was cut by farmers Marion Buck and Frank Robbins in 1922-23. Marion coined "Wapack" from Mt. Watetic at the south trailhead and North Pack at the north. Hikers and skiers took an early train from Boston to Greenfield to run the trail and return by a late train from Ashburnham. Many stayed overnight at Marion’s Wapack Lodge. Farming no longer provided a living wage; tourism did.
Peterborough, Temple and Sharon selectmen and open space committee and conservation commission members were among many who trekked to Concord to speak in favor of conserving Temple Mountain.
Photo by Joanna Eldredge Morrissey
Photo by Annie Card
Photo by Francie Von Mertens
Photo by Francie Von Mertens
Photo by Francie Von Mertens
Photo by Francie Von Mertens
Photo by Francie Von Mertens