50th Anniversary of the First Earth Day

Since our "normal" is no longer, most of us have probably lost all sense of what day it is, which is great for the purpose of this article. Technically, Earth Day was last week but there is no reason we can't still celebrate our Mother Earth and all she has given us.

Earth Day with Land's Sake Farm

As Land's Sake beautifully stated on its website, "It is in times of stress and uncertainty like this, though, that we really come to understand the idea of sustainability as strength. Now is the time to take heart in the resilience of our local communities, and to appreciate how we’re strengthened even further by our connection to the land. We can all take comfort in knowing that no matter what life throws our way, the sun still rises, spring still comes, and seeds still sprout!”

If you missed it, Land's Sake Farm put together a week-long digital event celebrating E.A.R.T.H. (Environment, Animals, Roots, Togetherness, Horticulture). This collection is a beautiful look back, introduction, and reminder of what our community was and continues to be. There are also many, many activities for everyone to explore and enjoy. - Thank you, Land's Sake for putting this together for us to enjoy!!

Earth Day with Sudbury Valley Trustees

If you are looking for more nature adventures, Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) has gathered assorted resources to help you get to know the plants and wildlife that inhabit your backyard. Even if you have only a single tree, a simple birdfeeder, or a few flowerpots, you'll be amazed at the wildlife you can encounter. Learn about Backyard Birding with Weston's Conservation Administrator, learn about Plants and Pollinators, and discover Nature at Night.

Nature Bingo and Scavenger Hunts

Once you've discovered and learned about the nature in your back yard, make a visit to one of Weston's conservation trails. There is nearly 100 miles of trails on roughly 2,000 acres of preserved land in Weston. Chances are you live within one mile of a trail. Weston Forest and Trail Association (WFTA) has links and maps highlighting some special places in town.

Before you head out, print off a copy of WFTA's Scavenger Hunt card or print off one of Mass Audubon's Nature Bingo cards. 

Nature in 90 Seconds with Michele Grzenda

You're well on your way to becoming a backyard nature expert and to help further your new love, Weston's Conservation Administrator has put together two short videos:

• Native Wetland Plants
• Woolly Adelgid

Get Outdoors....But Do So Safely

Weston’s trails have seen a dramatic increase in visitation and we are happy to see so many residents enjoying Weston's Conservation Land. As the coronavirus public health emergency continues, the Town of Weston is committed to supporting efforts to control community spread of the virus that causes the potentially fatal COVID-19 disease.

In order to keep the trails open and safe for everyone, a temporary emergency order has been issued requiring all dogs to be kept on leash on the trails and fields. This was enacted to minimize person-to-person contact. Further, the Cat Rock land with 80-acre Field, is closed to out-of-town visitors.

Explore a New Trail

As mentioned above, there is nearly 100 miles of trails on roughly 2,000 acres of preserved land in Weston and the chances of you living within one mile of a trail are pretty good. This is a great time to explore a new place near you that does not require driving and parking. Weston Forest and Trail Association (WFTA) has links and maps highlighting some special places in town. 

Know before you go that parking is limited at many trail locations. If you rather not explore a new area and want to drive to an area with a parking lot, please keep in mind that if the lot is full the trails will most like be busy. Please do not park on the street, outside the designated parking area, or in front of conservation gates.

Burt Field, Doublet Hill and Hubbard Trail offer great sights and reportedly have fewer visitors. College Pond and north Jericho Forest have parking at Burchard Park, as well. Find trail maps and more at WFTA.

Mountain Bikes and Mud Don’t Mix

If you are out exploring the trails on your trail, fat tire, or mountain bike, please help us protect our trails and turn around if you come to a wet trail. Our Conservation Rules state that bikes should not ride on muddy trails in the spring. Biking on wet trails harms our wetlands and vegetation and often results in widening of trails and erosion problems.

In an effort to protect some of our sensitive wetland trails, we have installed signage and closed a trail to biking in Jericho Town Forest, which was severely impacted this spring.  Please help us keep our trails open to biking by avoiding wet areas. Additional rules for trail use can be found on the WFTA website.