Rare species

Hawksnest is a refuge for a number of rare plants and animals.  It has been designated as Priority Habitat 330 by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Massachusetts recognizes three different levels: Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern.

Rare species so far identified at Hawksnest

• Eastern box turtle (seen by several different residents on the border of Hawksnest) SC
• Plymouth gentian (last seen on shores of Hawksnest and Black Pond, 1993 ) SC More

Rare species likely to occur at Hawksnest (known to occur in Harwich) with status and year last seen

Animals

• Least bittern, E, 1993
• Northern parula, T, 1984
• King rail, T, 1974
• Gerhard's Underwing Moth, SC, 1920
• Water-willow Stem Borer, T, 2006
• New England Bluet, SC, 2000
• Scarlet Bluet, T, 2004
• Pine Barrens Bluet, T, 2001
• Bridle Shiner, SC, 1956
• New England Medicinal Leech, SC, 1977

Plants

• Nantucket Shadbush, SC, 2007
• Mitchell's Sedge, T, 1919
• Bushy Rockrose, SC, 1988 (Unlikely at Hawksnest--prefers heathlands or grasslands)
• Mattamuskeet Panic-grass, E, 1918  (Look for in damp areas along dirt roads)
• Commons's Panic-grass, SC, 2007  (Dry areas in woods with little leaf litter.)
• Redroot, SC, 2002
• New England Blazing Star, SC, 1918
• Heartleaf Twayblade, E, 1916
• Lion's Foot, E, 1918
• Strigose Knotweed, T, 1919
• Pondshore Knotweed, SC, 2003
• Maryland Meadow Beauty, E, 1918
• Long-beaked Bald-sedge, SC, 1986  (Only when pond levels are extremely low.)
• Terete Arrowhead, SC, 2002
• Swamp Oats Sphenopholis pensylvanica, T, 1919
• Resupinate Bladderwort, T, 2002
• Subulate Bladderwort, SC, 1928

Rare species in the town of Chatham