Walking in the Tall Trees

In celebration of Earth Day, we recently participated in the 2021 Great Mansfield Cleanup organized by Keep Mansfield Beautiful .  Our assigned area was the Marie Strese Property  managed by the Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield , located in the Canoe River watershed.  There is a parking area near the corner of Ware and Branch Streets with room for several cars, and there is no cost to park or visit. While there was unfortunately quite a bit of litter in the parking lot and surrounding areas, the trails themselves were in great shape, and we were glad for the opportunity to take a hike in a local area that we had not yet explored. We took the blue and yellow trails , which, put together, offer a lollipop style route - with an out-and-back at the start and finish, and a loop at the end.  The trail starts through some wetlands, and the girls loved the skunk cabbage.  There are several boardwalks too, which the kiddos always enjoy.  In total, our route was ...

When we reserved tickets weeks ago for the preview of the annual Spring BloomFest at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens , we imagined touring the property on a lovely spring day.  Well, Mother Nature didn't quite cooperate.  We still enjoyed a lovely but  snowy  visit today. The Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is owned and maintained by the Trustees of the Reservations - which today we were told is the oldest land preservation non-profit in Massachusetts, operating since 1891.  The property was the former summer home of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge and has been lovingly renovated over the past few years, with beautiful, newly-planted and restored gardens throughout.  Technically still closed for the season, today's visit was free.  But the property is scheduled for a grand re-opening this week with the Spring BloomFest, which unfortunately is now sold out.  Regular visits will resume thereafter. Today we took a guided ...

Today we hiked at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary  in Sharon, MA.  Moose Hill is owned and operated by Mass Audubon .  Moose Hill is Mass Audubon's oldest property and offers 25 miles of trials.  Mass Audubon members and Sharon residents can visit at no cost.  Otherwise, fees are $4 per adult, or $3 for children and seniors.  Due to the pandemic, restrooms and buildings are currently closed, but the trails and other outdoor areas remain open. We chose the Vernal Pool Trail for our hike today.  The trail is decently marked with signage at trail intersections, and the trail map seemed accurate.  From the parking area, we turned right, away from the visitor center, down the marked trail.  At the bottom of a short hill, take a left and proceed onto the Vernal Pool Trail, which is a "lollipop" design - with an out-and-back trail to start and finish and with a loop at the end.  We chose the Short Loop, which offers a shortcut through the middl...