Some of our trails cross through lands open to hunting. Please be cautious when using these trails and remember to wear brightly colored clothing and/or vests. For more information, visit the Mass Wildlife website.
Pheasant, Quail and Grouse – Oct.15 – Nov. 26
Turkey – Oct. 31 – Nov. 5
Deer (Bow) – Octo. 17 – Nov. 26
Deer (Shotgun) – Nov. 26 – Dec. 10
Despite the threats of rain, we had a great turnout for our Volunteer Trail Work Day on Saturday. Over 25 volunteers helped make major progress on the Sagamore Hill Trail which we hope to open in mid-November. Professor John Donovan joined us in the morning to give a brief history of the property and share his vision for the future of Sagamore Hill. Stay posted for details on our Sagamore Hill Walk on November 13th.
While we were fortunate to evade a direct hit by Hurricane Irene, strong winds and heavy rains have still affected our trail networks. As you are out riding, walking and biking the trails, please note any damage and contact your local Trail Steward or email the office directly.
Due to wet footing and preparations for the Myopia Horse Show and the Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic, all grass areas of the Myopia Schooling Field are closed to riding. Please also note that the field and sand ring will be in use from Sunday, September 4th through Sunday, September 11th for these events. Spectators are welcomed so be sure to check out the action!
Maplecroft Trail in Ipswich will be CLOSED to the public from Thursday, August 18th, through the morning of Monday, August 21st due to a private event. Please respect our landowners’ request and avoid the use of this trail.
PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!
Gracie, a mini Italian Greyhound, has been missing since June 20th from Georgetown. There has been a reported sighting of Gracie on 8/13 on Linebrook Road by Hood’s Pond. It would be a miracle to find this dog and get her back to her owners after 58 days!!
Gracie is small, grey and very thin… she almost looks like small fawn or fox with mange. Please contact Heidi Best, President of the Ipswich Humane Group, immediately if you have any information. She can be reached at 978-356-4546 or by email.
For more information, visit the FIND GRACIE Facebook page.
Essex County Greenbelt is hosting the 4th Annual “Run for the Hills” Trail Run at the Pingree Reservation on July 16th at 9am. Equestrians and other users should be aware of the use of this trail from 9am to 10am.
The Maplecroft Trail has been reopened. We still have some work to do, but the trail is nearly complete, and is passable. Please be aware Maplecroft is a working farm so respect livestock and farming operations, and please close the gates after you pass through. And please stay on the trail – the rest of the farm is not publicly accessible.
Maplecroft Rules and Regulations:
Open from 8 AM to Sunset
No Dogs
No Bicycling
Enter only at the trailheads on Argilla Rd and on 133 and please stay on the trail.
Close gates behind you.
The Maplecroft Trail in Ipswich has been closed temporarily due to poor footing and mud. We expect the trail to be closed for a short time, until the ground dries enough to walk on and for us to make some more improvements to alleviate the situation. We are aiming for a reopening of May 1 but will send out another alert when the trail is open. To receive our trail alerts, click here.
Many other trails throughout the area are also muddy. It is that time of year! Please use your discretion when using these trails and if a landowner has asked us to put up a “trail temporarily closed” sign, please hold off on using that trail. The drier ground will come!
When the trails open, please remember to respect private property and thank a landonwer when you have a chance. ECTA is working hard with many landowners in our 6 towns to permanently protect the incredible trail system across private lands, and any appreciation we can show to our landowners for their generosity goes a long way.
Brief Recap of the Maplecroft Project
Maplecroft Farm was protected in 2010 with financial support from the Mass Dept of Agriculture, Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation, Private Funds, and the Town Of Ipswich Open Space Funds and landowners willing to consider this conservation option for thier land. ECTA negotiated the donatoin of a trail easement across the land with the landowners in order for the public to be able to experience this incredible conservation project and working farm. While the entire farm remains in private hands, it can no longer be developed, and public access is across the trail only. Wildlife habitat, water resources, agriculture and scenery have all been protected forever. Enjoy it as you drive by, walk by or from the trail.
Maplecroft Rules and Regulations:
Open from 8 AM to Sunset
No Dogs
No Bicycling
Enter only at the trailheads on Argilla Rd and on 133 and please stay on the trail.
Close gates behind you.
WE WILL SEND OUT ANOTHER ALERT WHEN MAPLECROFT TRAIL RE-OPENS
The Spaniel Sunny was found under a porch in Essex, shivering but fine, and has been returned to his owners. A happy ending for the dog and his family. The owners expressed many thanks for the huge efforts of the community, including those of the 1500 people that receive ECTA’s emails.
