NEW! Quabbin-Yesterday and Today Photography Exhibit


NEW! Voices of the Swift River Valley – Oral Histories of life in the Valley

Friends of Quabbin

Celebrating the beauty and heritage of the Quabbin Region

Quabbin Videos

Learn more about the Quabbin from these series of videos put together by DCR and the staff of the Quabbin Les and Terry Campbell Visitors Center.

From before the sun rises to well after it sets, DCR Watershed Rangers dutifully safeguard the over 80,000 acres of land and water within the Quabbin Watershed. In this presentation, Ranger Hoy will share an in-depth look into how the ranger division keeps the public and the natural/cultural landscape safe while providing insights into what a day-on-the-job looks like as a ranger.
 
 
 
 
 

Have you ever wondered about the geologic origin of the landscape we now observe around Quabbin Reservoir? Join us as we explore the genesis of some of the landforms exhibited in the Quabbin and Ware River Watersheds, discuss diagnostic tools used both in the field and at home, and use sediments and geomorphology to try and recreate the ancient landscape from the time when Quabbin was frozen.

This fall marked the successful completion of the stabilization phase of the historic Keystone Bridge at Gate 30 in New Salem. This essential work marks a major step forward in preserving one of the rarest and most significant dry-stone structures in the Quabbin watershed. This presentation will be led by Michael Weitzner, consultant and dry stone waller. Mr. Weitzner holds a Master Craftsman certificate issued by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain.
 
 
 
 
 
Along the old road to Dana Common are foundations, fields, walls and trees that tell the story of the towns now long gone.  Take a virtual hike as we talk about the remnants of  Valley towns and also about the landscape of the reservoir today.
Step back in time and delve into the intriguing story behind a remarkable artifact that has woven together generations-a quilt embroidered with fifty signatures from 1895, hailing from Prescott, Massachusetts. Who created this piece of history, and why? How did it make its way to the Hitchcock Chair Museum in Riverton, Connecticut, and who played a crucial role in returning it to the Swift River Valley Historical Society? Join historical interpreter Karen Traub as she embarks on a fascinating journey to unravel the quilt’s past.

Creel surveys are a common technique used by fisheries professionals to better understand waterbody specific catch and harvest trends. Creel data from Quabbin Reservoir were collected at each of the three boat launch areas during the 2024 fishing season. Join us for a presentation will provide updates regarding participation, catch, harvest and species specific trends. These data will be compared to other statewide and waterbody specific creel data collected by Masswildlife and DCR.

Born to an enslaved family in Barre, Massachusetts in June 1774 Prince Walker spent much of his life on a homestead that is now part of the Ware River Watershed. Although known mainly as the much younger brother of Quock Walker (whose suit to attain personal freedom was instrumental in freeing all enslaved people in Massachusetts) Prince Walker led a remarkable life. Join Lucy Allen from the Barre Historical Society as she presents on his trek to freedom and financial independence. Presented at the Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center-January, 19 2025

Fresh air, three home-cooked meals a day, comfortable sleeping quarters and a private hospital – sounds like a delightful retreat for a prison??  Indeed, it was!  This presentation will tell the story of this surprisingly successful social experiment nestled within the Ware River Watershed.
 
 
 
 
 
The history, construction and management of the Quabbin Reservoir and the Ware River watershed hold an endless fascination for both visitors and residents of the area. Join us as we explore the mysteries and clear up some persistent myth.
DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection reservoir system has led the way for loons in Massachusetts. The Natural Resources staff monitors loon pairs and assists them by constructing loon rafts in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. The presence of loons in a lake, pond, or reservoir is a sign of clean and clear water.

Have you ever wondered why trees are harvested on protected watershed land and why recently harvested areas look the way they do?  Curious how active management of a forest can increase diversity and maintain forest health?  Join a DCR-DWSP forester to learn about the benefits of a managed forest and the objectives and conditions that dictate when, where, and how trees are harvested. (presented at the DCR Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center on February 25, 2024)

Learn about the engineering of the Windsor Dam.