Great Blue Heron

Carter Fields has a beaver meadow with a trail and viewing platform along the border with Boxford.

Park at the soccer field parking area on Carter Field Road. A footpath through the field and woods takes you to a heron rookery, where there is a viewing platform. Binoculars are helpful to see the chicks. The path continues around the properties on Carter Field Road to return to the soccer fields.

The heron rookery becomes active in May and June. The rookery was created by beaver activity that dammed a nearby stream, creating a wetland of dead-standing trees. This local establishment is an example of the beavers’ reemergence over the last two decades and a reminder of our interwoven ecology. While the road and houses are located in North Andover, the trail, wetlands, and viewing area are in Boxford and are owned by Essex County Greenbelt.