In the mid 17th century, early settlers cleared the slopes of Weir Hill for grazingsheep and cattle. In the 18th and 19th centuries, milldams were built along Cochichewick Brook to lumber- and gristmills.[3]
Modern use and conservation
Rising gently above Lake Cochichewick, Weir Hill offers hiking trails that pass over the crest of the 305-foot (93 m) double drumlin and track the shore of the lake.[4] A rail trail runs along part of the hill, overlooking Lake Cochichewick. Many North Andover residents also use the trail system for cross-country, mountain biking, and its shores to go swimming.
Generations of agricultural use, wildfire, cutting and mowing have created a patchwork landscape on Weir Hill that supports ten different types of plant communities including a 60-acre (240,000 m2) oak and hickory, hillside seeps, intermittent streams, and wet meadows. Several threatened species can be found on Weir Hill, including the white bog orchid, violet bush clover and butternut trees.
Beginning with the park's establishment in 1968, Weir Hill has been expanded numerous times since to include more woodlands and conservation area.[5]
References
^"Weir Hill". The Trustees of Reservations. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
^"Weir Hill". Essex National Heritage Area. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
^Burk, John S. (2021). Massachusetts trail guide : AMC's comprehensive guide to hiking trails in Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod (11th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts. p. 294. ISBN978-1-62842-130-9.((cite book)): CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
^"Weir Hill". Friends of North Andover Trails. Retrieved 8 June 2021.