The Geologic History and Quarries of Southern Middlesex Fells

Difficulty: Moderate

Appropriate for: Ages 5 and up

Leader: Doug Heath and Alison Simcox

About Doug and Alison: Alison Simcox was born in Chelmsford near London, England, and grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. In 1998, she was the second woman to earn a doctorate in engineering from Tufts University. She worked as a hydrogeologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and as an air-quality scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and learning about history, geology, and native plants.

Douglas Heath was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and grew up in Taos, New Mexico, and New York City. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked as a hydrogeologist at the USGS and EPA, where he specialized in protecting drinking-water supplies in New England. As well as his work as a scientist, he is a genealogist, local historian, and photographer.

Alison and Doug have written six local history books: "Lake Quannapowitt," "Breakheart Reservation," "Middlesex Fells," "The Lost Mill Village of Middlesex Fells," "M**der at Breakheart Hill Farm," and "Walls, Rock, and Rum." They also have written two trail guides: "A Trail Guide for Virginia Wood and Haywardville in Middlesex Fells" and "A Trail Guide for Bellevue Pond, Pine Hill, and the Quarries of Middlesex Fells." Alison and Doug received the 2018 Preservation Award from the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society in America for The Lost Mill Village. In 2022, they won the Gertrude Spaulding Award from the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt for outstanding contributions to the protection and enhancement of the waters of the lake and its surrounding lands.

About the Walk: We will start at Bellevue Pond and walk along Quarry Road using Jack Ridge's geologic map as a guide. The road is an easy walk, but those joining us should wear sturdy hiking shoes as we will be climbing Pine Hill to Wright's Tower and descending via the Skyline Trail back to Quarry Road.

We encourage you to arrive early, as the Bellevue Pond Parking Lot can be full at times. Please note, there are no restrooms are available at this location.

Steady rain cancels. Light rain is ok.

Contact: Please contact Doug Heath (781-417-9766 ) at [email protected] or Alison Simcox (781-521-0432) at [email protected] with any questions about this event. Friends of the Fells inquiries can be directed towards [email protected].

Dogs: While we love experiencing the outdoors with our dogs, this program is not suitable for dogs. We ask that you please leave your furry friends home while attending this program.

Check out our calendar for dog-friendly events!

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