This 157-acre parcel of land located in Gardner was donated to NCLT in December 2020. The donation was made after several years of failed development attempts, pleasing the neighborhood which wished to continue the land’s history of recreational use. The property served as the former Simplex recreation site, holding many memories of picnicking, horseback riding, and fun and games for many who live and work in Gardner.
Building off of the developed roads and cart paths, a trail system has been established to traverse the unique landscape of the property. Open sandy areas, disturbed from the beginnings of development, offer interesting sand-loving flora as revegetation begins and populations of white pines are beginning to establish throughout the property as well. On the property you will find access to Parker Pond for fishing and a potential future kayak launch, a certified vernal pool, and the cellar hole of the homestead of Ebenezer Keyes, one of the founding fathers of Gardner. The trails are open for multi-use passive recreation.
Download the Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area PDF map or see the online map below. 
Acreage: 157
Location
Directions to Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area:Off of Route 68 turn onto Keyes Road
There are two access points from Keyes Road:
Keyes Road parking: continue down Keyes Road as it veers to the right until you reach the parking pull-off on the right prior to the jersey barriers
Princeton Street parking: From Keyes Road take a left on Rugby Street and an immediate right on Princeton Street. Follow Princeton Street to the end, parking is available in the lot before the boulders. Please do not block the gate.
Owned by: North County Land Trust
Trail Map
Click map to zoom in or out
Difficulty
EasyActivities
- Walking
- Hiking
- Birding
- Geocaching
- Biking
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Dog Walking