A Red-spotted Purple sunning on the schist at Money Brook Falls

Between extreme changes in climate, topography and ecology, the mountain provides some unique habitats that support a wide variety of animals. One may find here almost 100 species of birds including thrushes, sparrows, warblers, game birds, hawks, owls and ravens. Mammals commonly include: moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, coyote, red and gray fox, fisher, porcupine, beaver, raccoon, snowshoe hare, woodchuck, red and gray squirrel. Habitat restoration programs by MassWildlife in two locations, Jones Nose and Haley Farm, seek to improve biodiversity of animal species and control exotic invasive plants.

The backbone of the mountain was formed from an ancient sea bed. Between 600 to 450 million years ago, more...