Dexter Drumlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dexter Drumlin
Summit view from Dexter Drumlin
Established	2000
Operator	The Trustees of Reservations
Website	Dexter Drumlin

Dexter Drumlin, once called Kilbourn Hill, is a cool hill in Lancaster, Massachusetts. It's about 311 feet (95 meters) tall. This special place is a 38-acre (15 hectare) open space reservation.

It's managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a group that protects natural areas. The reservation has open fields and a small stream. This stream flows into the Nashua River. Dexter Drumlin offers amazing views of the countryside around Lancaster.

Discover Dexter Drumlin

How Dexter Drumlin Was Formed

Dexter Drumlin is a type of hill called a "drumlin." Drumlins were made a long, long time ago. About 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, huge sheets of ice called glaciers covered New England.

As these giant glaciers slowly moved, they picked up rocks and dirt. When the glaciers melted, they left behind these piles of material. This formed the unique, smooth, oval-shaped hills we call drumlins. Dexter Drumlin is a perfect example of one!

A Gift for Everyone

The land around Dexter Drumlin was given to The Trustees of Reservations. This happened in 2002. It was a gift from a very important person in Lancaster, Nathaniel Dexter.

He wanted to make sure this beautiful area would be protected. The name of the hill was changed from "Kilbourn Hill" to "Dexter Drumlin" in 2000. This change honored Nathaniel Dexter and marked the land becoming a public reservation.

Nature and Wildlife

Habitats at Dexter Drumlin

Dexter Drumlin is home to different types of natural areas. You can find open fields, which are like big grassy areas. There are also meadows that are slowly changing.

Along the stream, you'll see wetlands. These wet areas are important for many plants and animals. The stream itself creates wet meadows in the lower parts of the land.

Birds and Bugs

Many different birds live and raise their babies here. They especially like the grassy fields and the areas near the stream. These birds find safe places to build their nests.

Scientists have even studied fireflies at Dexter Drumlin. Researchers from Fitchburg State College watched how male fireflies try to attract mates. They used special lights to copy the fireflies' glow. They learned that the flashes of male Photinus ignitus fireflies attract other fireflies and also predators!

Fun Things to Do

Outdoor Activities

Dexter Drumlin is a great place to visit for outdoor fun. You can go hiking on the trails. It's also a nice spot for a picnic with friends or family.

When there's snow, you can go cross-country skiing or sledding. If you like bikes, you can also go mountain biking. It's a popular place for kite flying too, thanks to the open fields.

Walking the Trail

There's a one-mile (1.6 km) long path at Dexter Drumlin. This path is kept mowed, so it's easy to walk on. It goes over the top of the drumlin, giving you great views.

The path also follows along the small stream that flows into the Nashua River. It's a perfect loop for a nice walk or run.

Special Rocks

Some people enjoy looking for special rocks here. You might find "sacred crosses" made of a mineral called chiastolite. These unique rocks were considered very spiritual by the Algonquian peoples. They were the native people who lived in this area long ago.

How to Get There

The main entrance to Dexter Drumlin is on George Hill Road. It's right across from Browning Elementary School in Lancaster. It's easy to find and start your adventure!