Callahan State Park

Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Eagle Pond
Map showing the location of Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Map showing the location of Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Location in Massachusetts
Map showing the location of Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Map showing the location of Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Callahan State Park (the United States)
LocationFramingham, Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates42°20′35″N 71°26′55″W / 42.34306°N 71.44861°W / 42.34306; -71.44861[1][dead link‍]
Area958 acres (388 ha)[2]
Elevation410 ft (120 m)[1]
Established1970
Named forA local journalist
Governing bodyMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteCallahan State Park

Callahan State Park is a public recreation area covering 958 acres (388 ha) mostly in Framingham and Marlborough, Massachusetts, with a small section in the adjoining town of Southborough.[3] The state park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[4]

History

The park opened with 435 acres in 1970.[5] It was officially named in honor of local newspaperman Raymond J. Callahan by an act of the Massachusetts legislature in 1971.[6]

Flora and fauna

Callahan State Park, Framingham, Massachusetts

The park is home to a wide variety of trees both coniferous and deciduous. Wildlife include snapping turtles, spotted turtles, red bellied turtles, white tail deer, water snakes, tree frogs, most New England frog and toad varieties, minks, fisher cat, red fox, coyote, largemouth bass at Eagle Pond, various common trout, sunfish and blue gills, herons, egrets, bobolinks, goldfinches, orioles, red tail hawks, mocking birds, sparrows, swifts, swallows, grackles, cow birds, cat birds, barred owl, other various birds of prey, robins, cardinals, and blue jays. Deer flies, ticks, and mosquitoes are common. Garter snakes can be seen basking on dirt paths in spring and summer.

Activities and amenities

Callahan State Park, Framingham, Massachusetts

The park has 7 miles (11 km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.[4] Dog walking is a common activity.[7] The Bay Circuit Trail crosses through the park. Parking areas are situated on Millwood Street, Edmands Road, and Broadmeadow Road.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Richard Callahan State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.[dead link‍]
  2. ^ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 7, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  3. ^ "Trail Map". Callahan State Park. Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Callahan State Park". Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  5. ^ Harris, Randy. "A Timeline of Framingham History". Framingham.com. Retrieved February 27, 2017.
  6. ^ "Chapter 489" (PDF). Acts, 1971. Massachusetts Legislature. July 1, 1971. p. 343. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  7. ^ "Callahan State Park". Callahan Dog Owners Group. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  8. ^ "Callahan State Park". New England Mountain Bike Association. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Callahan State Park.