The Methuen Town Forest

The town forest in Methuen was established in 1924 on land which formerly served as the town poor farm. (Town poor farms were a widely practiced means of welfare throughout New England up until the end of the 19th century. Responsibility for welfare then shifted from towns to county or state governments, providing the opportunity for communities to retain ownership of town farm woodlots and convert them to town forest). An additional 23 acres were acquired over the course of several years.

Over 43,500 trees were planted in this 24 acre forest