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Written by Tyler Munsie
Introduction
The White Cedar Swamp is a 24-acre conservation area that is primarily north of the Davis Road boardwalk. The swamp has long been an important part of Bedford’s ecology and history, and it is home to numerous plant and wildlife species. In 2020, the Davis Road boardwalk opened along the swamp.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp
Bedford’s swamp is an Atlantic white cedar swamp and is home to a greatly biodiverse and complex ecosystem. The main type of tree found in the swamp is the Atlantic white cedar (chamaecyparis thyoides). The swamp is classified as such because this tree represents over a quarter of its canopy. They are coniferous, meaning they stay green throughout the winter. The soil is characterized as lacking nutrients and being acidic. The ground is mostly made out of peat, which is often covered by water. In addition to the Atlantic white cedar, the unique conditions of the swamp support many other types of plants. The trees are accompanied by other evergreens, shrubs, herbs, and mosses.
There are four distinct types of Atlantic white cedar swamps -- coastal, northern, alluvial, and inland. Coastal swamps are only found at low elevations, while swamps at higher elevations are classified as northern. Alluvial swamps are part of rivers, and inland swamps have changing water levels but can occur in many distinct environments. Based on these classifications, it is likely that Bedford’s swamp is an inland Atlantic white cedar swamp.
Atlantic white cedar swamps have limited occurrences over a wide range. Along with the many in Massachusetts, a substantial number also line the eastern shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the southern part of America’s Atlantic shore.
In many such swamps, the Atlantic white cedar coexists with the red maple (acer rubrum), although various factors threaten the balance. Atlantic white cedar is often used in building materials such as shingles and fence posts, and these uses have led to the species being exploited for its wood. The red maple, alongside various other undergrowth species, is often able to naturally outcompete the Atlantic white cedars. This effect is mitigated in the wild, as the cedars are able to recover much quicker from natural disasters such as fires. In an uninterrupted swamp, the populations exist in a cycle where ecologically traumatic events rebalance the distribution of the trees.
Other species in the swamp’s ecosystem that have been documented in Bedford include:
The Sweet Pepperbush (clethra alnifolia) is a type of shrub native to the coastal regions of New England. They are identified through their oval leaves and dangling white flowers. The swamp provides this shrub with the moist and acidic soil it needs to thrive. Unfortunately, the conditions that this species needs are being threatened. Due to increasing global temperatures, they are drying out, making it easier for animals such as mites to affect the population.
The Winterberry Holly (ilex verticillata) is a tree shrub species native to the swamps of Massachusetts. Their notable characteristics are their iconic red berries and sharp green leaves. Their berries may be a yellow-ish orange if they are unripe, and they are often used as decorations during Christmas and other holidays. However, these berries are toxic and should not be consumed. Winterberry Holly typically grows in damp, acidic places, making the swamp an ideal environment for them. This plant faces the problem of Japanese beetles, an invasive species that often eats native plants. These plants are also damaged by road salt used in the wintertime.
Swamp Sweetbells (eubotrys racemosa) are a shrub species native to Massachusetts, and they are identified by their white bell-shaped hanging flowers. They survive best in shaded, damp areas, making the banks of swamps an excellent environment. These plants are also toxic if eaten. Swamp Sweetbells are a specialist species that can only grow in a partially shady environment. Therefore, the main challenge this plant faces is habitat loss.
The Virginia Chain Fern (woodwardia virginica) is a fern that is native to Massachusetts. They can be identified by their dark green stems and the pattern of sub-leaves on each branch. These ferns need a wet, acidic environment to survive, making the swamp a good habitat for this species. They need a balance of sun and shade, making habitat loss a major issue for this species. This often occurs through human intervention or flooding. In addition, these ferns are often eaten by deer.
History of Land
The swamp used to be a part of a colonial estate called the Pine Grove Farm. This land dates back to the colonial period, prior to the founding of Bedford in 1729. The swamp was referred to as the Sancta Domingo Swamp (which translates to Sacred Dominion) in a deed from Andrew Wadkins to James Wheeler in 1728. The land was passed down through a family until the modern day. In 1978, the Town of Bedford purchased the swamp from the Blandino family with partial state funding, creating the White Cedar Swamp Conservation Area. In 2002, the remainder of the estate was donated to Bedford by the Lewellen family, creating the Pine Grove Farm Conservation Area.
Dangers to Swamp
Development of the surrounding area serves as the principal danger to the swamp. For instance, the construction of Davis Road required building up the earth under the road, as it couldn’t be placed on the swampy ground. The solid ground placed for the road split the swamp. This effect has only been amplified by the construction of the boardwalk, which blocks the crossing of many large animals. Various other housing projects have also taken land from the swamp. While these projects have had negative impacts, they were also constructed while taking into consideration the minimization of their ecological impact. For example, the boardwalk is built on stilts in order to allow smaller animals to cross under it. Before the land’s designation as a conservation area, the cedars were unsustainably harvested, leading to an overpopulation of red maple as they outcompeted the diminished cedar population. Without human intervention, red maples would eventually take over the population of Atlantic white cedar in its entirety. Thus, in 1993, an initiative to repopulate the swamp with Atlantic white cedars was started. New saplings were planted, but the repopulation attempt was unsuccessful due to deer eating the young trees.
Other Interesting Facts About the Area
During the Cold War, this area of Bedford was used as a Nike missile site. Nike missiles were used to intercept aircraft, and there were sites across the United States. This system was important to ensure the protection of the Boston area, and these missiles were used as deterrence against potential attacks. The missile launch site was off of Carlisle Road, and the barracks and administrative center were near where Flintlock Drive is today.
Selected References
"Over the Centuries, Indigenous Swamplands Evolve with the Town," Mike Rosenberg (https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2024/03/over-the-centuries-indigenous-swamplands-evolve-with-the-town)
"Inland Atlantic White Cedar Swamp," MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (https://www.mass.gov/doc/inland-atlantic-white-cedar-swamp)
"Natural Community Fact Sheet: Atlantic White Cedar Swamps," MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (https://www.mass.gov/doc/inland-atlantic-white-cedar-swamp)
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