Welcome to the FALL 2022 Edition of Conservation Connections!

Conservation Connection is an electronic newsletter published by the Weston Conservation Commission. It features news and items of interest about Weston trails, open space and natural resources.

Eagle Scout improves our trails

On a hot July day, Scouts from Troop 157, parents, and members of the WFTA built a 32-foot boardwalk across a muddy stretch of trail in the Hubbard Pond area in an effort to make it easier for hikers and bikers to traverse Weston's beautiful trails year-round. The project was organized by soon-to-be Eagle Scout Neil Agarwal as part of his Eagle Scout project. Though the project was expected to take two days to complete, with everyone's collaboration and hard work, the boardwalk was built after just one afternoon. In addition to the boardwalk, the area was cleared of invasive plant species. Thank you for your efforts!

Wild Wild West(on) – Share your Talent

Are you a shutterbug who enjoys capturing Weston’s wildlife? We welcome your submittals – whether flora or fauna – and will share your observations in upcoming Conservation Connections. Please submit your photographs to [email protected]. We look forward to seeing what YOU have seen.

Thank you to The Rivers School

Recently a group of about a dozen Rivers students and two teachers helped clean up trash from the Kendall Green train station walking up Church Street to the Hitching Post trail, then to the Rail Trail up to the Church Street underpass, and back through Sears Land and Lee’s Bridge. A good time was had by all. Rivers students and staff hope to continue their volunteerism with other projects in Weston.

Shout Out to the Teen Trail Team

In July, during one of the heat waves, WFTA was fortunate to have volunteer trail help from three high school boys, affectionately termed the Teen Trail Team. During one week, they cleared a new trail next to the Merriam Barn at College Pond connecting the livestock paddocks to the old stone ramp, and then cut down large swaths of invasive Japanese knotweed at the Conservation Land adjacent to the Woodland School. Thanks for the help, boys!

Junior Ranger Program

The WFTA Junior Ranger program is an activity-based program designed to bring a new generation into the unparalleled beauty of Weston Conservation Land which includes over 2,000 acres of land and 100 miles of trails. As part of becoming a Junior Ranger, kids are encouraged to explore some of these very special places. Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 4 to 11, although people of all ages can participate. If you’re 8+, give yourself an extra challenge with Ranger Plus.
Interested children complete a series of activities around the trails and open spaces, share their answers with the program director, and receive an official Junior Ranger pin and Junior Ranger certificate. WFTA appreciates all feedback about the program. You can find more info here: https://www.westonforesttrail.org/get-outside.

Stewardship Saturdays

Join the Weston Conservation Department and Weston Forest and Trail Association (WFTA) on the third Saturday of every month for stewardship and camaraderie as we work collaboratively to manage over 2,000 acres of Conservation Land and 100 miles of off-road trails. Both organizations rely on volunteers to assist with the management of these incredible resources. Participants will get an overview of the trail system, and enjoy some quality time in one of Weston’s natural gems. Stewardship Saturday projects include invasive plant management, trail construction and maintenance, boardwalk and bridge construction, trash pickup, stone wall beautification, etc.

We invite you to our next Stewardship Saturday event on October 15, and you may sign up by emailing [email protected]. Children at least 13 years of age must have parental supervision, ages 16+ do not need parents in attendance. No previous experience is necessary. We will provide all the know-how. To find out more go to: https://www.weston.org/1718/Stewardship-Saturdays. 

Speaking of volunteering and teamwork… Founder’s Day at Regis College

Shout out to the students and staff at Regis College for celebrating their Founder’s Day with us once again at Highland Forest. Together we re-routed an often wet and soggy trail to improve the ecology and still allow for human enjoyment. Students also worked hard to maintain the water bars that were installed last year. When walking in the woods, have you ever walked over a trench cut diagonally across the trail? These trenches are called ‘water bars.’ They prevent a trail from becoming a stream bed by diverting water off the path and into the woods. This was a great opportunity to increase awareness and curiosity of Weston’s Conservation Land. We look forward to next year when we continue this annual tradition.

Guided Trail Walks

WFTA leads guided trail walks each month from October to May to help Weston residents and their friends enjoy and appreciate the wonderful nature that surrounds us. Walks start at 2 pm (rain, snow, or sunshine!) and run 1–2 hours in different parts of town. Upcoming walks are listed below.

Nov 6 - Doublet Hill. Take a challenging hike up one of the three tallest hills in Weston to view Boston’s skyline through the fall foliage. Park at the end of Doublet Hill Road.
Dec 4 - Sears Land and Melone Homestead. Enjoy a special holiday treat and explore remnants of the old Sears Estate. Walk over the river and through the woods leaving right from Town Green. Meet at the old watering trough on the Green and join us for a wonderful journey down memory lane. Easy.
Jan 1 - Cat Rock and 80 Acres. Start the New Year with a tour of Hobbs Pond and 80 Acres, one of the nicest open fields in Weston. At the end of the walk, those who are interested can take a strenuous walk to the top of Cat Rock. Easy (except for the Cat Rock climb).
WFTA leads guided trail walks each month from October to May to help Weston residents and their friends enjoy and appreciate the wonderful nature that surrounds us. Walks start at 2 pm (rain, snow, or sunshine!) and run 1–2 hours in different parts of town. Upcoming walks are listed below.
Members, visitors, children and dogs are welcome, though dogs should be leashed and must be under control by their owners. Up-to-date information on upcoming walks can be found at: https://www.westonforesttrail.org/get-outside.

Members, visitors, children and dogs are welcome, though dogs should be leashed and must be under control by their owners. Up-to-date information on upcoming walks can be found at: https://www.westonforesttrail.org/get-outside.

Leave No Trace

Weston has over 2,000 acres of Conservation Land and 100 miles of trails for all to enjoy. A friendly reminder to Leave No Trace as you experience the beauty of nature. This means preserving the land as is. Please leave rocks and plants as you find them. Thank you for taking care of Weston’s trails, woods and fields. For the complete Conservation Land Use Rules and Regulations, see: https://www.weston.org/1382/Conservation-Land-Use-Rules-Regulations

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