Segment A: From the corner of Robinwood Rd. and Hosmer St. to the corner of School St. and Lawsbrook Rd. This portion of Coles Brook is relatively pristine, suffering little apparent impact from the residential area it flows through. Because its banks are heavily overgrown with trees and shrubs (it flows exclusively through wooded area), it is essentially inaccessible to all but the most determined. The flow is clear and steady. Width varies from a few feet to approximately ten feet (above the junction with Segment B). At that juncture, it quickly narrows at a granite "bridge" structure, where the banks are cut away around the boulders. It remains narrow until it becomes a marsh which has been channeled to form a farm pond. (A resident reported she swam in this pond as a girl, many years ago). The water throughout is clean. Litter is minimal. There is no apparent damage or pollution.
Segment B: From field behind Craig Rd. industrial buildings to junction with main stream segment. This branch of Coles Brook has suffered the indignities associated with running through an industrial park—it has been culverted for ~300 feet, accepts the outflow of numerous parking lot storm drains, and is the terminus for various wind-swept debris. Some boards and brush have also been dumped into this narrow waterway.
This branch originates in a field. Very close to the receiving area of one business building, there is one place that has been bulldozed into the stream/wetland (to improve drainage into the parking lot?). Oil from vehicles may be able to enter the stream at this point.
After the long culvert, the stream changes character drastically--this is where the tree and shrub overhang begins. It is largely inaccessible here, and bordered to the north by soggy soil, wetlands and a dangerous amount of multiflora rose. A lovely trail above the stream on the south side (behind houses on School Street) leads, under tall trees, to the juncture with Segment A, at the granite "bridge".
The water looks clean and clear. Except for litter it is apparently in good shape.
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