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Much was accomplished in 2016, and this year is shaping up to be just as exciting. Look for several new trails and new boardwalks headlining our spring and summer newsletters. Until then read on for our winter news and announcements. See you on the trails!
-Glen
New FONAT Website and Interactive Map
In November, we launched a brand new North Andover Trails website. The new site makes it easy to find information and trail maps for 18 conservation areas around town. Other features include a event listings, online membership sign-up, trail monitor reporting, and our new town-wide interactive trail map. The detailed online map shows all town open space, trails and even intersection numbers in state forests. When using the map on a phone, your current GPS location on the trail can be shown. We hope the new map will find a place on your phone's home screen!
Volunteers Pick Up Litter at Boxford State Forest
Our 2nd annual Boxford State Forest clean-up day was a great success. Several bags of trash and three car tires were gathered in the parking lot, trails and quarry area. Thanks to all who came out to help keep the forest sparkling clean and to the North Andover DPW for hauling away the trash!
Edgewood Expansion To Bring Changes, New Trail Access
Earlier this year, the Edgewood Retirement Community purchased Pond Pasture, 20 acres of woodland on Lake Cochichewick. Hikers familiar with Half Mile Hill may know this property for its trail down to the lake from the trailhead at the Half Mile Hill parking area.
Edgewood will be constructing a new building on a 5-acre site, conserving the remaining 15 acres of woodland for recreation and watershed protection. A conservation restriction will permanently protect the new open space, providing for public trail access.
The building site has now been fenced off, and the trail has been rerouted. To access the rerouted trail, head up the hill and follow signs to a new trail entrance.
A beech grove on Edgewood's conservation land.
Rea's Pond Parking Area Re-Opens
After a lengthy construction project at the Rea's Pond sewer pumping station, the trail parking area is now back open for public access. A newly constructed gravel parking lot on Great Pond Road has room for five cars and is a great spot to begin a hike to Mazurenko Farm and Carter Hill. An informational kiosk is planned, showcasing information about North Andover's first conservation area.
Beaver activity along the edge of Rea's Pond.
Upcoming Events
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February 12th, 1pm
Our Monthly Guided Hike: Town Farm & Farnsworth Reservation
Join Friends of North Andover Trails for an afternoon hike through Town Farm Forest and Greenbelt's Farnsworth Reservation.
We will begin at the Gallagher Field parking lot on Dale St (map), and start off through the Town Farm Forest, connecting to Greenbelt's Farnsworth Reservation. If there's sufficient snow cover, this will be a snowshoe event.
Our hikes are free, open to all and family friendly. Dogs should be leashed. This hike will last about two hours. Heavy rain or snow cancels, but we will go in light snow.
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February 10th, 6pm
Full Moon Hike at Windrush Farm
BTA/BOLT and Windrush Farm are hosting a Friday night full moon hike! Starting at the Windrush barn on Lacy St in North Andover, the walk will last about 40 minutes on wooded trails, returning to the farm for hot cider and cookies. The event is family friendly. Click here for details or RSVP on Facebook
June 11th
The Berry Pond Scramble
Save the date for the Friends of Harold Parker's first annual Berry Pond Scramble 5K trail race! Who's in?
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Be a Part of the Excitement
As usual, we'll close with a call to get involved! The Friends of North Andover Trails is an all-volunteer trail committee, dedicated to maintaining, mapping and getting the word out about the town's trails and open spaces. You can help by becoming a member, coming to a trail work day, volunteering to lead a hike, a work day or a clean-up, working on our guidebook, website and so much more. If you've already joined, thank you! Our next monthly meeting is Wednesday, February 15 at 6PM (details), and we welcome all new and prospective members to come and check it out.
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