The Norwell Town Forest

The town forest in Norwell was established in 1925 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 56 acres were acquired over the course of several years, through gifts and non-payment of taxes.

Over 10,100 trees were planted in this 68 acre forest.

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