The Norton Town Forest

The town forest in Norton was established in 1923 on 12 acres of 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 167 acres were acquired over the course of several years, through gift, purchase, and for the purpose of protecting the town water supply.

Over 78,000 trees were planted in this 179 acre forest.