Early Morning in the Ponemah Bog - Click Photo to Enlarge

The Ponemah Bog Sanctuary is the only major conservation property in Amherst that is not owned by the town and managed by the Conservation Commission. It is owned and maintained by The New Hampshire Audubon Society. The 75-acre sanctuary came under the protection of the N.H. Audubon in 1979. Their web page www.nhaudubon.org has a good description of this pond, surrounded by a floating sphagnum mat. Pitcher plants capture insects who are attracted to the top of the rainwater filled pitchers.

The access trail starts at the end of Rhodora Drive, which is located on Stearns Road. The trail leads to the bog where boardwalks provide access over the sphagnum mat. It’s a great place for a sunny walk anytime.

Driving Directions to Sanctuary

• From the Everett Turnpike:
  1. Take Nashua exit 7 or 8 and travel west on Route 101A for about 5 miles.
  2. Turn right onto Boston Post Road in Amherst.
  3. After traveling 2 miles, turn left onto Stearns Road.
  4. Drive about 0.3 miles until you see Rhodora Drive on the left.
  5. Turn left onto Rhodora Drive and drive straight ahead to park for the Sanctuary.
• From the junction of Routes 101 and 101A in Amherst:
  1. Drive east on Route 101A for about 0.5 mile, then turn left on Route 122.
  2. Take a quick right onto Stearns Road, and drive 1.1 miles to Rhodora Drive on the right.
  3. Turn right onto Rhodora Drive and drive straight ahead to park for the Sanctuary.