Laurel Ridge 
Nature Reserve

Preserving Laurel Ridge Nature Reserve for Future Generations

By Susan E Erdman & Brian D Morrison

About Our Vision

Nature has given us so much—enjoyment, serenity, and a profound sense of connection. Now, it’s our turn to give back. We are honored to permanently protect this special land, Laurel Ridge Nature Reserve, ensuring its wildlife habitats, watershed, and breathtaking views remain untouched for generations to come. 

This beautiful natural land, perched atop a forested ridge on a peninsula adjacent to Whitehall State Park, is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem.  Nesting loons, eagles, owls, and woodpeckers share the landscape with countless other creatures that thrive in its forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. These forests and waters are part of a vital ecosystem, designated as Priority Habitats of Rare and Endangered Species by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. By placing this land under a permanent Conservation Restriction, we are safeguarding it from future development and keeping it wild and accessible for future generations to enjoy. 

This effort is not just ours—it is shared with friends and all who cherish the natural world. Together, we celebrate the beauty of these woodlands, the quiet ripple of the lake, and the call of the loons at dusk. Protecting this land is our way of ensuring that future generations will always have a place to experience the wonder of nature. 

We are deeply grateful for the support of those who have walked this journey with us. May Laurel Ridge Nature Reserve inspire and nurture all who visit.   

January 2025

About the Laurels

Named for the abundant native mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Laurel Ridge Nature Reserve offers a stunning display of natural beauty year-round, particularly along the central ridgeline and west-facing slopes overlooking Lake Whitehall.

Revered as one of the most exquisite native American shrubs, mountain laurel remains vibrant through all seasons. Its large, rhododendron-like leaves stay deep green throughout autumn and winter, while clusters of delicate blossoms blanket the forest from late May to mid-June, creating breathtaking scenery.

Native to the eastern United States, from southern Maine to northern Florida, mountain laurel belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae), alongside rhododendrons, azaleas, huckleberries, and the ghostly Indian pipe.

Mature plants can reach ten feet in height, their gnarled, sprawling branches forming a striking silhouette. A slow grower, mountain laurel typically gains only four feet in height over a decade.

About Us

From spectacular fall foliage to the serenity of the whispering owls, this place is very special to us.  Our commitment to conservation is long-standing and deeply personal. 

Susan, a retired MIT director and bioengineering scientist, has long embraced a philosophy of interconnectedness and reverence of nature in harmony with the earth. In her other roles as a yoga instructor, she continues to inspire others to care for themselves and the world around them. 

Brian, a retired aerospace engineer with over 120 patents in environmentally-friendly hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion and flight, has contributed for decades to nature conservation efforts, previously serving as Chairman of the Hopkinton Conservation Commission and also promoting local land preservation and planning efforts.  

Majestic residents of Laurel Ridge Nature Reserve include the striking pileated woodpecker, nature’s master carpenter, whose tapping echoes along the ridgeline.

Whispering Owl Trail honors the great horned owl and other eastern owls that thrive in these wooded landscapes.

Wildlife

We invite you to share our vision and join us in this journey of stewardship. Whether through adopting sustainable practices, engaging in local conservation efforts, or simply spending time in nature, each of us can make a meaningful difference. Let’s honor the interconnectedness of all living things, caring for our bodies and our environment with equal reverence.