The Friends of Pine Hawk Programs are presented with support from the Acton Memorial Library and Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.

Hockomock” in Algonquin means “land where spirits dwell” and is a revered Wampanoag sacred site, and later a “Devil’s Swamp” for English settlers. Join Dan Boudillion and Bettina Abe for a 2-mile hike at Hockomock Swamp, a Massachusetts Wildlife Management Area in Raynham, Mass. There is much lore surrounding the history of Hockomock Swamp, beginning in the 1600s. The area is the largest freshwater swamp in the state and is known for sightings of floating orbs of light, ghostly voices, and phantom drums linked to its past as an ancient burial ground and a natural fortress during King Phillip’s War. We will walk the trail, while Dan shares the many stories and lore he has collected over the years. We will meet in Acton and carpool down Route 495 for approximately one hour drive to “the Bridgewater Triangle.”

 The book Path of Souls: the Native American Death Journey gives evidence of shamanic soul travel to the Milky Way in mound cultures.  Are there traces of such structures and travel in Nashobah?  Yes. Nashobah historian, Dan Boudillion, will explore local structures that mirror the arrangements identified by Gregory Little in the book and which may have been used for similar purposes.

Nashoba Praying Indian Grand Chief Quiet Storm will talk about how we as a community can be good stewards of the land in all spaces. She will also highlight how we can better support the pollinators and biodiversity that we rely on to sustain our life on Mother Earth.

Assist with trail and site maintenance on the Nashoba Brook Conservation Land’s Trail Through Time, a multicultural heritage trail in North Acton. The focus of this annual effort this year will be on trail and site maintenance. Local Scout troops are also invited to join. There will be an optional brunch beforehand at 11:30 AM. Details will be emailed to registrants a few days in advance. Limited to 25, ages 13 and up.

Join a group discussion of the groundbreaking work Manitou: The Sacred Landscape of New England’s Native Civilization.  This book is now a classic in the archaeology of our region. Several decades ago, one of the authors, Boxborough resident Byron Dix, discovered the first of many areas in New England believed to be ancient Native American sites. Dix and coauthor James Mavor tell the fascinating story of the discovery and exploration of these many stone structures and standing stones, many of which are believed to play an important role in celestial observation and ritual.  One chapter is devoted primarily to the stone structures of Boxborough and its magnificent esker, the locale of the November 15 walk.