Kensan Devan Sanctuary

Welcome to the

Kensan Devan

Sanctuary

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About the Kensan Devan Sanctuary

Meetinghouse Pond is a 45 acre jewel shimmering in the shadow of Mt. Monadnock: a jewel that is all the more precious because it is still "in the rough." One-third of the forested shoreline has been protected for over 200 years as town land. Another third is held in a family trust. Because of this protection for human benefit, the pond has also been a haven for wildlife. Canoeing around the floating bog mat may offer you a glimpse of a pied-billed grebe diving for dinner, a carnivorous pitcher plant entrapping a fly, or a fat muskrat paddling through the reeds, while the Grand Monadnock rises in the distance, presiding over all.

In 1986, Cia Hart, a former Marlborough resident, approached ASNH with an offer of 168 acres that she hoped would be the cornerstone of an extensive wildlife sanctuary embracing Meetinghouse Pond. By December of that year, Mr. & Mrs. John Miley of Hollis had added 19 additional acres, and Audubon Trustee John Lecraw began the Meetinghouse Pond Fund. As a result of the many generous donations, the conservation group "Friends of Meetinghouse Pond" was formed.

The completion of today's Meetinghouse Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in May of 1987 meant protection for 187 acres of forest land, wooded swamp and beaver ponds, as well as the preservation of the remaining 1/3 of Meetinghouse Pond's shoreline. A natural resource inventory in the spring of 1988 discovered over 40 species of wildflowers, including Spotted Wintergreen, a species of special concern in New Hampshire. Over 75 species of birds have been recorded here, and at least 20 species of mammals, including bobcat, fisher, and river otter.

This irreplaceable property is preserved forever, for humans and non-humans alike, thanks to the generosity of the many donors and the support of the Fund for the Preservation of Wildlife & Natural Areas.

Visitor Information

Directions
  1. Please do not collect or in any way disturb plants or animals.
  2. Please keep to marked trails.
  3. Please respect private property.
  4. Only foot travel is permitted--no horses, bicycles, or motor vehicles.
  5. Motor boats are prohibited.
  6. Pets must be on a short leash and controlled at all times.
  7. Hunting, firearms, camping, fires, and swimming are prohibited.
  8. Please carry out all trash and litter.
  9. Be prepared for country walking.
  1. From Keene, take Route 101 east to the junction with Route 124 in Marlborough.
  2. Turn south on Route 124 and travel 2.3 miles.
  3. Turn left on Meetinghouse Pond Rd. (not Meetinghouse Rd.),
  4. Drive 0.5 miles to the pond.
  5. Park and begin your walk at the boat landing. Summer road maintenance only!
You can also read a brief history of the sanctuary, as well as an Interpretive Trail Guide. There is also a checklist of birds that can be found in the Meetinghouse Pond Area. You can go canoeing on Meetinghouse Pond, and look for mushrooms throughout the sanctuary. If you are lucky, you might even find a Clubmoss. Soon, you can see a trail map of the sanctuary. However, this is a large graphic image and may take a long time to download.
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