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Access
Battis Farm has a parking lot with room for a few dozen cars at 76 South Hampton Road (opposite Woodman Road.). Look for the parking lot and Battis Farm sign on the left (when headed towards South Hampton).
Overview
Traversing the trail system through Battis Farm is to experience diversity rivaled by few conservation lands. Acting as a sort of hub for conservation and outdoor-minded residents, it offers community gardens, and access to Lake Gardner and the Powow River. Walk its vast open meadow and into the forest as you make your way across the boardwalk and into wetlands. You're likely to encounter equestrian users from nearby farms. Access and parking is located off South Hampton Road on the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border.
Amesbury Community Gardens
The Amesbury Community Garden Group manages a community garden located near the entrance to Battis Farm. Each summer you'll find this area busy with residents, tilling, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting their veggies.
Those interested in having a plot should pick up an application from The Office of Community and Economic development at City Hall. Garden plots are assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Plots cost a small fee. See the application for more details or email amesburygarden@gmail.com with questions.
Lake Gardner Access
Battis Farm protects over a half mile of Lake Gardner's shoreline. Hidden coves provide tranquil swimming holes and convenient landings for kayakers and canoes stopping for a picnic or a quick dip on hot summer day.
Camp Kent
Just north of Battis Farm is Camp Kent Environmental Center. Camp Kent is city-owned, and offers world-class summer day camps, and frequent lectures and presentations. A year-round care-taker is in residence. If you're exploring Camp Kent's 16 acres of conservation land, park in the Battis Farm parking area and walk north.
FAQ
Q: What are the big piles of brown dirt at Battis Farm?
A: The city uses Battis Farm as a place to dispose of residuals from the drinking water treatment plant. The plant pumps drinking water from the Powow River. Sediment filtered from the water is dried and taken to Battis Farm, stockpiled at the end the access road, and tilled into the fields in the fall. This is beneficial to the soil, and provides a cost savings to the city. Mandated MassDEP testing ensures that the residuals are safe.
