Location
The Alana Cole conservation area includes 0.5 miles of trail and has a rating of one. This easy trail is on 18 acres which loops down by the riverside. Visitors can park at the unpaved dead-end of East Wilder Road, 0.8 mile off New Hampshire 10.
Geology
Cole Park features a variety of geomorphic features of glacial origin. The wooded ridge along the Connecticut River is an esker, formed by glacial debris, after the last glacier receded.
Flora & Fauna
The park is home to chipmunks, foxes, frogs, waterfowl and songbirds. White pine, hemlock and white oak dominate the forest, while dogwoods are found in the moist soils near the river. The woods are home to numerous wildflowers including fringed poly-gala, wild sarsaparilla and pink ladyslippers.
History
Cole Park is uniquely distinguished by the large stand of white oak, which is unusual for it's not in the BP guide area. The property was bought from the widow of a developer, Alana Cole, with money earned by the City of Lebanon from the sale of timber from some wildlife cuts in Boston Lot Reservoir.
Management Plan
View the Alana Cole Conservation Area Management Plan (PDF).
