Address: Lorna St, Mattapan
2008 Status: Protected
2008 Condition: Intact
Site Size: 9.7 Acres
Click here for the Urban Wilds Glossary.
Description: This beautiful natural area hosts twining ridges of oaks that encircle a densely vegetated swamp. As one of the largest, undeveloped areas in Mattapan, Gladeside I Urban Wild is a significant asset to the local community. Both the upland and lowland portions of this site are ecologically rich. The upland ridges host a variety of oaks, birch, hickory, and pine while the lowland area bursts with sweet pepperbush, buttonbush, and arrowwood viburnum. Invasives such as buckthorn and multiflora rose have intruded in areas; however, they have not yet compromised the wild’s ecological integrity.
Geologically, Gladeside I is of particular interest due to glacial formation called an esker that winds through the central portion of the site. Eskers mark the former courses of melt-water streams that flowed through cracks or tunnels in the glacial ice. A hiking trail circuit leads visitors from the upland forest entrance at Lorna Road in the northern portion of the wild to the lowland swamp near Gladeside Avenue in the south.
Current Use: As a large, natural area, Gladeside urban wild has significant potential for education and outreach. Currently, few neighbors use the trail through the wild for dog-walking and passive recreation.
Ward: 15
Site ID: 15-01
Site Owner: Boston Conservation Commission
Access Points: Lorna St, Lena Ter, Stow Rd, Glenhill Rd, Gladeside Ter
Visitation Hours: No hours indicated.
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A network of footpaths allows pedestrian access to most of Gladeside I Urban Wild.
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Rock outcroppings and cleaved boulders appear throughout the wetland at the southern portion of this wild.
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