Squam Swamp & Squam Farm Forest Dedication

On June 1, 2021, the Old-Growth Forest Network dedicated Squam Swamp and Squam Farm Forest to the Network. Though two separate but connected pieces of land, both tracts are owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) and total 504 acres.

Though many people might not think of lush, mature forests when they think of Nantucket Island, Squam Swamp and Squam Farm Forest are home to awe-inspiring tracts of old-growth trees, such as red maple, black and white oak, and American beech. Much of the forest consists of strongly shaped tupelo and sassafras, their gnarled and contorted features caused by coastal squalls and salt spray from the nearby ocean.

Some trees even appear to be growing parallel to the ground, even though their trunks measure over a meter in diameter! Much of Squam Swamp is less than ¼ mile away from the coast, so it’s easy to see how impactful the coastal weather has been on the trees and the overall ecosystem of the forest. 

The oldest trees in the forest are about 100-150 years old, marking the time in the mid-1800s when settlers almost completely deforested the entire island. The island was heavily logged by European settlers at this point in history and the timber was used for building houses, ships, and other goods.

Squam Swamp is a supreme example of a secondary forest with old-growth characteristics which supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. As the name suggests, this area is known for its bogs and vernal pools, making it a haven for a wide array of insects, amphibians, and fish. Overall, the fact that the soil on Nantucket Island is poor in nutrients and lacks the depth needed to support complex root systems, combined with the ever-present salt-saturated winds makes for less-than-ideal growing environments for large trees. That a sanctuary for mature trees like the Squam Swamp and the Squam Forest Farm exists makes the preserve even more precious.