Misstropolis

Friday, February 01, 2008

Embrace the Great Outdoors with the Trustees

by Susan Graage

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This week Misstropolis is all about braving the elements and getting outside, despite and maybe even because of, all the reasons you are about to throw at us. It’s freezing, it’s windy, it’s wet, it’s snowy, it’s not summer… we know. But aren’t all those hearty souls training for the marathon making you feel a wee bit guilty, or at least inspired? (If not, Terri Rutter’s new blog is sure to do the trick).

Fear not fair-weather readers, we have it from the top that there are a whole host of amazing places to explore outside with family, friends or just your thoughts. Kristi Perry of the Trustees of the Reservation gave us the scoop on all of the great local plein-air options from some of their 99 properties around the state.

Cross-country skiing may be the world’s best aerobic fitness activity – involving the simultaneous use of arms and legs and virtually no impact, it is the original “skiing” (more on this next week, stay tuned!). Even higher up the winter transportation evolution chain is snowshoeing. “Shoeing” is gentle on the body as well as trails – with minimal impact, shoeing is a great way to heat yourself up while enjoying the winter wonderland outdoors. And sledding? Talk about a great way to fill a February Saturday.

Perry invites Misstropolis readers to check out these special events the Trustees are offering over the coming weeks:

Saturday, February 9 from 10 -11:30 am at Noanet Woodlands in Dover a ranger will lead a hike/snowshoe through some of the Woodlands lesser-known trails. Noanet Woodlands offers 17 miles of shady trails and wooded roads perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and year-round hiking.

Saturday, February 9 from 10:00 am -12 noon and 1-3 pm Francis Bird Park in Walpole is hosting a free snowshoe clinic with snowshoes provided by Eastern Mountain Sports. Francis Bird Park is a beautiful 89-acre landscaped park located in the heart of Walpole right off Rt. 27. Bird Park offers a playground, open fields and three miles of winding paths perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Saturdays, February 2 and 9, from 12 noon - 4 PM Ward Reservation is offering guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and cider. Ward Reservation in Andover is comprised of more than forty separate parcels of former farm and pasture land, and offers 13 miles of trails for winter sporting activities. They even rent equipment.

Three other superb properties for cross country and snowshoeing are:
Moose Hill Farm in Sharon
Rocky Woods in Medfield
East Over Reservation in Rochester

Wax up the toboggan or blow up some snow tubes and visit some of the Trustees’ legendary sledding hills. World’s End in Hingham is a South Shore favorite and boasts four hills that are great for sledding. The best bet is Planter’s Hill, the large drumlin rising just before you cross “The Bar” to the far side of the reservation. Francis William Bird Park in Walpole offers some nice “bunny hills” ­ which makes it ideal for parents seeking to introduce their toddlers to the winter outdoors on an easy, sled-pull tour.

On the North Shore, the Crane Estate offers the legendary half-mile long “Grand Allée,” providing the perfect, family-friendly sledding terrain with breathtaking views of the ocean. And White’s Hill in Essex has a half-mile loop trail with some terrific views of the Essex Marsh and Castle Hill and a great return ride for sledders.

Finally if you are hale and hearty enough to brave the elements at night, Ravenswood in Gloucester will offer a guided moonlight tour on February 20th.  You may join the Trustees for a magical view of this beautiful property under the light of a full winter moon. 

Trustees properties total more than 25,000 acres, Perry tells us, (wow!) much of which is located in and around metro Boston, accessible by car or the T. Visit The Trustees for more information on properties, programs, membership and/or how to become more involved in land conservation and community preservation efforts in your neighborhood.

So there you have it - no more saying there’s nothing to do outside on cold winter days!