Poor Farm Town Forest

Poor Farm Town Forest

The Poor Farm Forest is situated on Poor Farm Road and Balch Road in the town of Weare. The Town Poor Farm was established here in 1838 and was successfully run until its abandonment in 1917. Since farming ended here, the land has become reforested and is now managed as part of the Weare Town Forest. In some areas that remained open longer, pine plantations were established during the Great Depression.

BACKGROUND
The Weare Poor Farm was originally acquired in 1838 in response to social conscience and social fashion. The Poor Farm ceased operating as a home for the needy, and a warking farm after the main house burned in 1917. We will never know the stigmas that went with living at the Poor Farm, but it operated effficently enough in 1840 for the town to consider taxing its profit!

Since its abandonment in 1917 and the widespread decline of farming, the land has gradually returned to forest. There are several pine plantations planted during the Great Depression shown on the map. Also note the Wearre High School's pine plantation planted during the 1960's.

The land has been activaly managed by the Weare Conservation Commission since 1979. Both timber stand improvement and wildlife habitat management have been the focus. The numerous seedling apple trees from the original Poor Farm orchard are flourishing, providing food for birds and mammals.

The map shows the boundaries of the Poor Farm, the interior walls, forest types, contours, elevations, and the 2 miles of trails. The trails are marked by yellow rectangular markers. The Weare Boy Scouts have helped clear the trails. The outside perimeter of the property is marked by yellow blazes. Please stay on the trails. The trails ar e hiking trails only, and they wander through the Poor Farm to give the hiker a representative look at the beauty of the property. The diverse habitats provide wonderful wildlife.

Please pick up any litter. There is no formal staff to maintain and develop trails. If you are interested in helping, please read about our Trails Subcommittee.

The Poor Farm is located on Poor Farm Road. From Route 149, follow Old Francestown Road to Poor Farm Road. One half mile up the road on th eleft is the sign marking the Poor Farm's location. There are "feet" signs, like the ones on the map, marking the trail heads along Poor Farm Road. Enjoy your hike.

Click on the map above for a printable copy of the map.

Map info compiled by R. Reeve and P. Hague.  Illustration by L. Reeve.