Did you know there are over 450 miles of trails in the 6 towns ECTA works in? Keeping them clear, safe and open takes funding and we have put together an incredible raffle so you and others can continue to enjoy the trails. How does Costa Rica, Montana, the Coast of Maine or Club Box Red Sox tickets sound? Please help us reach our goal of selling a ticket for every mile of trail in the network. To the Chance-a-mile Raffle. Tell a friend!
It is mid-way through 2010 and a report about our trail work this year is due. Every day, we are working to keep the trail network open, whether it is working with private landowners to help them maintain their trails, or clearing trees, fixing culverts or building boardwalks in our 6 town area. Volunteers, members, contractors, partners, board members and staff are all part of the team that keeps up over 400 miles of trails, and your time and contributions are what make it happen. To see what we have done this year, read on…
Join ECTA Board Member Joe Sandulli on Saturday June 19 for a nightime horse back ride to the top of Moon Hill in Bradley Palmer State Park. Arrive in the Asbury Street Parking lot by 8:00 PM. Saddle Up (apply bug lotion) and ride up to Moon Hill as the sun sets and the moon comes out. Enjoy the scenery, salute the Solstice with other hardy ECTA members and ride back in the dark. ECTA Members only. Join Here. Directions.
On Saturday, June 5, at Bradley Palmer State Park, the Essex County Trail Association is hosting its Family Fun National Trails Day event. The event will start with an early morning bird walk led by Jim Berry, a guided horse ride through Bradley Palmer, and a volunteer trail repair effort on some trails damaged by the winter storms. The day will include hayrides, music by Daisy Nell and Captain Stan, the“Snakes of New England and the World” and food by The Farm. Click to see Schedule.
To sign up for the volunteer trail work and to recieve a free T-shirt from REI, click here.
Tentative Schedule: (visit again for final schedule closer to the event)
7 to 9 Bird Walk with Jim Berry
9 to 1130 Volunteer Trail Repair (Bring shovels, stone rakes, loppers, hand saws and gloves)
930 to 1130 Trail Ride led by ECTA Board Member Peter Campot
10 to 11 Kids Bike Slalom Course
11 to 12 Snakes of New England and the World. Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team 12 to 2 Music by Daisy Nell and Captain Stan
1130 to 2 Down home food from The Farm Bar and Grille
12 to 2 Hayrides
130 Raffle drawing for a mountain bike donated by REI
145 Family (1 hr) and intermediate (2hr) mtn bike rides led by NEMBA
Click here for a google map of the location.
Many thanks to ECTA’s Sponsors for National Trails Day!
Partners:
Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bradley Palmer
New England Biolabs Foundation
Essex County Greenbelt Association
North Shore New England Mountain Bike Association
On Thursday, May 13th, ECTA Executive Director Alex Van Alen and Richard Emmott will hike on public trails from Hood Pond at the Western end of Ipswich, 20+ miles to Crane Beach. Alex and Richard’s hike aims to raise awareness of the incredible trail system that Ipswich has and also to raise funds for their maintenance and protection. To pledge 50 cents, $1, $5 or more per mile (you can pledge any amount), just send an email to us via our contact form stating how much you pledge, and when Alex has completed the Challenge, ECTA will let you know. Pledge total to date: $6,155
Many thanks to these Business Sponsors
The Ipswich Center – Physical Therapy
Mud Season is upon us with a vengeance. Record rainfalls have created a soupy mess of our trail system and it is crucial that we all maintain discretion when tempted, even with the warm weather, to go out on the trails. Even mild use of a muddy trail can have long term impacts on the trail, and more importantly, can displease the landowners who are so generous with their trails (always be sure to thank them at every opportunity). Things will dry out and when they do, I look forward to seeing you out there.
On Thursday, February 25, the winds flew through Essex County with a vengeance, knocking trees across trails, wires across roads and water everywhere. Under ECTA’s trail maintenance system, our Trail Stewards and members are reporting on trails that have been closed off, and we will be out there clearing them. Click on Trail Stewards to see a list and get their contact info so we can get our trails cleared as soon as possible.
The Myopia Sled Dog Races were held on Saturday January 16th and were an enormous success. ECTA was a supporting partner and gathered a work force of over 60 people to help with everything from handling the dogs, to maintaining the trails to create a great event. The talk is all about when to do it next year. A huge thanks to all who volunteered and attended! For a great youtube video of the races, click here. For an article in the Boston Globe, click here.
On January 9, ECTA led a group of intrepid skiers across the fields and forests of Ipswich and Hamilton to the warmth of the hearth at the Black Cow in Hamilton. The weather was beautiful and fun was had by all.
ECTA has been very involved in the organization of the Myopia Sled Dog Races to be held January 16 and 17 in Hamilton. This should be a great spectacle for the whole family.
