Ponemah Bog Preserve

Why Visit?
The Ponemah Bog Preserve features a three-acre pond surrounded by a floating sphagnum mat, which is in turn circled by upland oakpine woods and a few isolated wetlands. The name "Ponemah," full of Indian romance, was borrowed long ago from Longfellow's "Hiawatha," in which Ponemah refers to the "land of the hereafter." Ponemah Bog today is a living museum, a relic habitat for ancient plant species. The bog also serves as an outdoor laboratory for wetland botany and ecology.

This Sanctuary is beautiful year-round. In the still whiteness of winter, the bog is circled by silent spruces. In May, the rhodora bursts into magenta bloom. In summer, clouds of bog cotton fl oat above the mat, punctuated by the fl eeting blossoms of pink orchids. Fall brings the crimson hues of moss and maple.

The 75-acre sanctuary came under the protection of the N.H. Audubon in 1979, through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Homer F. McMurray and local friends of the sanctuary. A grant from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth L. Bean Foundation provided funds for the boardwalk and the trail guide. Many tireless friends helped in the board walk's installation.

Species of interest:

Plants:
Pitcher plant (carnivorous plant)
Sundew (carnivorous plant)
Grass pink (orchid)

Birds:
Common yellowthroat
Whip-poor-will

Mammals:

Reptiles and amphibians:

Insects:
Dragonflies from Pam

NHA manages and maintains over 40 properties located in all 10 counties of New Hampshire. These lands, covering over 8,000 acres of important wildlife habitat, provide opportunities for educational and aesthetic experiences. Through habitat management, wildlife surveys and continued land protection we are working to ensure that New Hampshire's wildlife and natural resource heritage is protected for us all.

NHA sanctuaries are open to the public free of charge. We hope you enjoy visiting them and are interested in helping support wildlife conservation by joining us or making your donation today. For information on how you can protect your land, click the "Join / Donate" button above.

Visitor Guidelines

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.

Driving Directions to Sanctuary

• From the Everett Turnpike:
  1. Take Nashua exit 7 or 8 and travel west on Route 101A for about 5 miles.
  2. Turn right onto Boston Post Road in Amherst.
  3. After traveling 2 miles, turn left onto Stearns Road.
  4. Drive about 0.3 miles until you see Rhodora Drive on the left.
  5. Turn left onto Rhodora Drive and drive straight ahead to park for the Sanctuary.
• From the junction of Routes 101 and 101A in Amherst:
  1. Drive east on Route 101A for about 0.5 mile, then turn left on Route 122.
  2. Take a quick right onto Stearns Road, and drive 1.1 miles to Rhodora Drive on the right.
  3. Turn right onto Rhodora Drive and drive straight ahead to park for the Sanctuary.

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