National Trails Day: Free Guided Walk at Riverbend, West Newbury
A trail walk through Riverbend in West Newbury will be held to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday June 5th. The walk will be led by members of the West Newbury’s Open Space Committee who hope that trails that have been recently cleared and remarked will make the conservation area more accessible for townspeople to enjoy.
The route of about 1.5 miles will follow the Indian River Trail from the bottom of the hill below Page School past the old dam and along the banks of this tidal tributary of the Merrimack. “Views along this trail are quite picturesque and especially attractive for naturalistsâ€, said Barry LaCroix, Chair of the Open Space Committee. “We’ll be providing maps of the Riverbend trail system and organizing a naturalist’s scavenger hunt. Everyone who registers at the start and completes the walk is invited to join us afterwards for hotdogs and beverages at the Millpond building.â€
Walkers should meet at 11:00 AM at the first parking lot inside the entrance to the Millpond Area on the south side of Main Street. Children are very welcome although the terrain is not suitable for strollers. Closed shoes, long pants and bug spray to protect against ticks and possible poison ivy are recommended.
This event is co-sponsored by the Essex County Trail Association (ECTA) which helps to maintain trails in West Newbury. On the same day, June 5th, ECTA is also holding a “Family Fun Day†at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield where there will be a variety of activities including an early morning bird walk, a kids’ bike slalom course, and hay wagon rides. For more information the Topsfield event see www.ectaonline.org
Town-wide trail maps for West Newbury, published by ECTA, are now available for purchase for $5 at the GAR Library and at the Food Mart. More information about trails in West Newbury and activities of the Open Space Committee can be found at www.westnewburyopenspace.net. For questions about the walk call Felicity Beech 978-363-2021.