Bay Circuit Trail Bedford MA: Fawn Lake Conservation Area.
Channel: Chris Rich
Date: 2012-09-26

Fawn Lake is said to be the most popular Bedford conservation parcel. It is another relic of 19th century resort and tourism amenities and was something of a spa.

"Fawn Lake.The most visible and valuable conservation area in Bedford owes its popularity to the park-like setting with trails around a 12-acre pond, 2-acre lawn and 25-acre forest, purchased in 1979 with State Self-Help funding. The gift of the 3.5-acre Sheldon Conservation Area in 1992 established a valuable 2.3-acre buffer between Fawn Lake and nearby residential areas. A shrub swamp on the property provides habitat quite different from the Fawn Lake area, and preservation of woodland and swamp on the side of the railroad bed opposite Fawn Lake is extremely important to preservation of the pond's visual attraction.


Fawn Lake's interesting past as a mineral springs health resort and early pharmaceutical center reminds the visitor that the lake has been a scenic and restorative attraction for over a century. Traces of the old mineral springs remain, but present use is more likely to be fishing, boating or strolling around the shore. Native vegetation predominates, and the shore is one of the best places in Bedford to see mountain laurel. Also scattered throughout the site are grand examples of former landscaping, such as Japanese maple, magnolia, wisteria and rhododendron. Parking is available on Sweetwater Avenue or the railroad bed.
The Commission's greatest conservation management challenge is the control of invasive aquatic vegetation, which is causing the gradual eutrophication of the pond. This has been the subject of extensive study, resulting in a lengthy program of hydroraking and herbicide treatment. Long-term management goals include additional hydroraking and control of damage to paths and vegetation from beaver activity."

Bedford Conservation Commission

http://www.bedfordma.gov/index.php/conservation-areas