Highlights from Past Walks

This is a wide view of Puffer Pond, one of the primary attractions inside of the Annex. In the past, the pond was a popular recreation point for area residents. In 1940, the War Department (now Department of Defense) took the Annex under eminent domain and restricted residents from using the pond.

During the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the pond was used by military personnel and their families for recreation when visiting the Annex. After the Annex was declared a Superfund site, the pond and fish were tested for contamination. Fish in the pond were found to contain elevated levels of mercury and the pond has been restricted to a "Catch and Release" policy.

Puffer Pond is home to a variety of wildlife including Blandings Turtles, Wood Ducks, Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, and others. The pond is connected by a network of small streams and brooks to the Assabet River, north of the pond.

During our annual walks in the Annex, FOCUS sets up a water station at the south side of the pond so visitors can take a break and enjoy one of the best views in the Annex.

Nature walks are popular in the Annex are especially popular with bird-watchers. The Annex provides a home for common avian species, as well as various raptors, owls, warblers, flycatchers, kingfishers, and a wide variety of songbirds. Eagles, American Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles, are occasional visitors to the Annex. Ground birds such as pheasants and grouse are abundant in the Annex. U.S. Fish and Wildlife are especially interested in protecting bird habitat areas.

Herons occasionally nest in the Annex and in the recent past there was a large Great Blue Heron rookery at Puffer Pond. Great Blue Herons are a common site in the Annex, flying overhead like a teradactyl, thus the choice of a heron for FOCUS's logo.

These birders were trying to spot the elusive cuckoo announced by the ornithologist attending the walk. Eventually, the birders were successful and added the cuckoo to their life lists.