Dear ECTA Supporters,
Wow, what a busy, fun-filled, jam-packed past month we’ve had! We completed several major trail projects, held another amazing ECTAthlon race, and celebrated the start of summer with a festive evening at Groton House Farm! These projects and events have all been made the possible by the outstanding ECTA team of sponsors, grant providers, and, most importantly – you, our members and friends! Your participation, volunteer efforts and financial contributions allow us to continue this important and rewarding work!
Perfect Day for ECTAthlon 2014!
We had a beautiful day for our 4th annual ECTAthlon team relay, with 20 teams running, rolling, riding and paddling from Bradley Palmer to downtown Ipswich. This special event celebrating National Trails Day brings trail users from diverse backgrounds together to compete as a team. The “Wild Woodsmen” returned victoriously to capture the overall team title. Thank you to all of our competitors, volunteers and sponsors for making this event such a success!
We are excited to report that the Bridge Street – Yellow House Field trail project is complete! This beautiful new trail connects the Gathering Farm neighborhood with Yellow House Field and leads to a much safer crossing point to access the trails across Bridge Street. This project was funded in part by the American Quarter Horse Association/Tractor Supply STEP Grant. Thank you to all of the individuals who contributed the additional funding needed for this project, as well as the Eaton, Clark and Bos families for allowing us to reroute the trail across their properties.
Trail work at the Ipswich River Watershed Association was also finished in June. ECTA was able to repair several muddy and eroded sections of trail, improving drainage and creating a safer and more level trail surface. Be sure to check out these fantastic trails! We will continue to collaborate with the Watershed Association on longer range improvements to the trail network at the Riverbend campus and beyond. Keep posted for updates on this work! We would like to thank the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreational for awarding us the Recreational Trails Grant for this extensive project.
Project Photos Coming Soon!
Summer Celebration at the Solstice Fest
On a beautiful June evening, nearly 300 ECTA guests welcomed the start of summer and celebrated in style under the tents at Groton House Farm in Hamilton. Henry’s catering provided an exquisite array of seasonal salads and snacks, while guests sipped on Ipswich Ale and a special “rumade” crafted by Turkey Shore Distilleries. The Runaround Sound once again had everyone dancing to their ska-infused beats long after the sun had set on the longest day of the year! Earlier in the afternoon, Land Rover owners gathered at the estate for a special driving tour of the grounds sponsored by Land Rover of Peabody. Thank you to our sponsors and many volunteers!
The retailers below offer ECTA members great discounts on goods and services.
Farm Bar and Grille
Ipswich Inn
Wenham Sports Stop
Zumi’s Coffee Shop
First Light Anglers
Pinnacle Bikes
New England Running Co
Green Elephant Toys
Grassy Roots
True North Gallery
North Shore Dressage
