The Lower Burke Estate
Hastings’ Largest Wetland
Work sessions take place in the lower Burke Estate most Sundays, 1-3pm. You can just show up, or email us to rsvp. Scout troops welcome!
Science in the Burke
In summer of 2022, Zach Navarette conducted a soil solarization study at the Burke Estate for Melissa Shandroff's Science Research class. Zach recorded heat and moisture with embedded sensors and analyzed nutrient content in soils under various kinds of plastic film. Read more.
The Lower Burke Estate is a mix of forest, meadow, and wetland environments. Although much of it is deteriorated, there is still much to see! We hope to further restore the site to the biodiversity hotspot it once was.
Several paths traverse the park, including some which are 'offroad' - only being accessible when weather and vegetation permit.
The park has many access points, the primary ones being a path off of the playing fields on Farragut Avenue, an old gate on Broadway, and a dirt path off of Burnside Drive.
Those with mobility concerns should consider accessing the park through the gate on Broadway, where a small pull out area is available for drop offs. This gate leads to level grassy paths. The lower Burke Estate is not wheelchair accessible, as it is composed of off-road dirt and grass paths with varying inclines.
Street parking is available on Burnside, and in the playing field parking lot off of Burnside outside of school hours.
Just like other parks in the region, be mindful of ticks and poison ivy when visiting. Consider covering up with long sleeves and pants, closed toed shoes, and sticking to paths in order to reduce your risk.
