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With summer just around the corner, there's a lot to report on and plenty of upcoming events to mark on your calendar. Read on to find out what we've been up to. See you on the trails!
-Glen
Trail Kiosks Replaced
Last year we lost two trail kiosks to vehicle collisions, and we're happy to report that the town DPW has now replaced them both. The new kiosks, at Mazurenko Farm and the Shawsheen River Trail, look fantastic. In April, FONAT volunteers constructed and installed a roof for the Shawsheen River kiosk.
New Trail Kiosk Signs Are Here
In other kiosk news, five trail kiosks around town now have new signage, designed by our volunteers and funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program. The new signs are printed on sturdy aluminum, and include detailed maps, history and trail info. To see one of the new signs, stop by Foster Farm, Osgood Hill, Half Mile Hill, Mazurenko Farm, or Carter Hill. By the end of the year, one new kiosk and five more of the new aluminum kiosks signs will be installed around town.
Photo: Greenbelt
Leonhard Farm To Be Permanently Protected
At North Andover's town meeting in May, residents authorized the town to contribute $325,000 in Community Preservation Act funds toward the permanent preservation of the 120-acre Leonhard Farm. Spearheaded by local land trust Essex County Greenbelt, a conservation restriction will be placed on the land allowing for farming to continue while protecting the farmland, forest, and critical wildlife habitat from any future development. A hiking trail loop through this beautiful wooded area will be added later this year. Greenbelt has organized a fundraising campaign to raise additional funding for the project.
Berry Pond Swimming Area To Open June 25th
After several years of advocacy, the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest are pleased to report that the Berry Pond day-use area will be open for swimming this summer. At Harold Parker's 100th Anniversary Celebration in April, DCR commissioner Leo Roy announced the return of swimming, life guards and newly refurbished changing rooms beginning this year. The popular swimming spot has remained closed since 2009 due to budget cuts. A per-day parking fee will be charged and state-wide season parking passes are also available.
Spring Work Days and Trail Monitoring a Success
FONAT volunteers have been hard at work this spring maintaining the town's trails. Dozens of fallen trees have been cleared away and several overgrown trails have been widened. We will be back out there throughout the summer keeping trails clear of new growth. Trail work days are held on the first Saturday of each month, at 9am. If you're interested in pitching in, watch our calendar for the details. Meanwhile, our trail stewardship program has sent volunteers throughout the town's trail system. The newly formed initiative encourages volunteers to "adopt a trail", visit a few times a year, and report on trail and property conditions.
Windrush Farm To Host 5K Trail Race
North Andover's Windrush Farm will host the first annual Trot-Trot Trail Race on the evening of Thursday, June 16th. This unique 5K race will be run through the wooded trail system, open pastures and even a visit to the "island" and "cabin" trails. The race will end at the equestrian center where beer, wine and dinner will be served. Visit the Windrush website for details and registration.
Photo: The Trustees
Events Galore at The Stevens-Coolidge Place
As if North Andover was not lucky enough to have three Trustees reservations in town, we now have even more to be excited about. The Stevens-Coolidge Place on Andover St will be hosting dozens of special events throughout the spring and summer, listed here. Saturday morning coffee walks on the Stevens To Stevens trail, a Rose Garden Soiree, yoga, concerts, children's story hour and list goes on and on. All events are fee-based with reduced fees for Trustees members.
Other Upcoming Events
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