Hampshire and Hampden Canal at Conn River Greenway site constraintsHampshire and Hampden Canal/New Haven and Northampton Canal Locks
Connecticut River Greenway
The Location:
The section of the canal that contains the lock is past Damon road
The conservation area abuts the property in the northern section.
The Surrounding Land:
Much of the vegetation
around the area
included invasive and
unwanted plants such
as:
Oriental Bittersweet
Poison Ivy
Multiflora Rose
Japanese Knotweed
(Shown here)
Although Overgrown and
messy in parts, the surrounding
landscape could be interesting
to walk through.
The Pond:
The neighboring small pond
is still. Frogs were living in
the pond.
A thin sheen film on the
surface.
Old piping in various
places around the pond.
There was also a metal
pump-house by the side of
the pond.
The Concrete and Asphalt:
An old asphalt Road
leads from the Lane
Construction Site to
the location of the
lock of the canal.
The road is
overgrown with
plants and eroding
away.
Large Concrete
Blocks in the
streambed. Some
are held in place by
asphalt, many are
broken free.
The Water Bed
The shape of the Canal is hidden by an overgrowth of
plants and dead trees. The color of the water is
obviously red, indicating Iron. There was a sheen or
gloss to the water and a bad smell emitting from it.
Other Elements
Much of the embankment of the canal is clay.
At points this is eroding away.
There is evidence of a stone wall, shown below.
Interwoven with the roots of a tree, it is a
unique element to the area.
Beaver Visit
There is evidence that a beaver was here for a period
of time. It is uncertain if the beaver is still there, most
likely he moved on during the late summer drought.
The Beaver dam that is left is a positive interesting
element. It also can be viewed a s an obstruction to
view and move about the landscape.
Management Options:
Program:
To create a space for people to enjoy the natural features in the area, to increase visibility and
legibility of the canal
Actions:
Make a pathway that leads to the
area through the abutting
J. Elwell
Connecticut River Greenway/
Conservation Area.
Control invasive and promote the
growth of native species.
Manage plants to increase visibility
of the canal and the growth of
mature trees.
Include an informational kiosk to
inform visitors of the historical
significance of the Canal.