A New View of Mill Pond

Last week, a bridge crossing Indian Brook at Broadmoor's Mill Pond was deconstructed as part of the sanctuary’s sustainable trail work. This bridge was built in the mid-1970’s to replace two large logs that laid across the brook. The bridge’s surface was irregular as it sat atop the bedrock, making it an exciting feature for visitors to walk across. While it had some life left, its removal eliminates its need to be rebuilt and monitored over time, in line with our goal of maintaining sustainable trails around the sanctuary. 

The deconstruction leaves two spurs, or outlooks, which are prime viewing locations to pause, gather, appreciate the brook, and enjoy a full, unobstructed view of the Indian Brook, a major tributary to the Charles River and Mill Pond. Animals like beavers, Great Blue Herons, ducks, turtles, and more call this area home and can be viewed from trails that extend to the water’s edge. 

A short walk along the pond edge and around Mill Pond provides views across the water and leads to all your favorite places.  

Trails Work at Broadmoor

As part of a $420,000 capital campaign, Preserving the Path: Sustainable Trails for the Future, Broadmoor is evaluating and improving the nearly 8-mile trail system at the sanctuary for habitat and wildlife protection, and to enhance the experience of nature for visitors.  

Sustainable trail improvements that have been underway for the past five years consider several important things: the protection of wildlife habitats, minimal disturbance to plants and animals, and enjoyment for visitors. Our trails welcome visitors to special places for scenic walks where they can experience the beauty, wonder, and fascination of our local ecosystems. 

Over the past year, the Metro West Trails Team has worked on the Glacial Hill, Charles River, Quacking Frog, and Boundary Trails at Broadmoor. This proactive approach to trail work and maintenance helps reduce the number of repairs and reroutes of trails needed over time while protecting vital habitats for wildlife. Future work will include the addition of more viewing points to enhance the visitor experience and highlight the many beautiful and educational spots around the sanctuary.  

Read more about our sustainable trails work.