Join the Southborough Trails Committee (STC) and the Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF) for a guided hike at the Elaine & Phillip Beals Preserve in Southborough on Saturday, June 5, 2021 (National Trails Day). Two hikes in one day, each roughly 1 to 1.5-hours long. One hike in the morning at 9:00 AM and one hike at 5:00 PM; limited to12 participants per hike.

STC and SOLF are partnering to offer these guided hikes as part of Southborough Youth and Family Services' initiative to show support for Mental Health Awareness Month (May). Physical activity is known to reduce stress, anxiety and enhance mental well-being. Make exercise a fun part of your daily routine!

We invite you to explore Beals Preserve through the eyes of a local artist, storyteller and “curious naturalist,” Deborah Costine, who will lead a stroll through the forest. She will encourage us to slow our pace to the rhythm of the trees and notice the many delightful natural sights along the trail. Lichen, fungi, ferns, types of trees and woodland flowers as well as holes in trees are just a few of the many nature sightings that are possible.

Weather permitting, we will meander over hardpacked, dirt trails throughout the forest of this 60-acre property. This will be an easy hike suitable for all ages.

Hikes are free of charge; registration is required.

When: Saturday, June 5, 2021

• Hike #1: 9:00 AM (1-1.5 hours)
• Hike #2: 5:00 PM (1-1.5 hours)

Where:

• Hike will begin at the Beals Preserve trailhead off Rt.30
• Parking is available at 3 locations, described below.

Important Details:

• Dress in comfortable clothing, wear appropriate footwear for a walk in the woods, and bring water, and bug repellant. (restrooms are not available)
• Please arrive 15 minutes early so we can begin promptly at the scheduled time
• Groups will hike together, stay together, and return together
• Appropriate COVID-19 precautions will be taken
• You will be asked to acknowledge a general liability and COVID-19 waiver during registration
• Adults will be acknowledging the waivers for their children
• In case of rain, the hikes will be cancelled and you will receive an email notification. We will confirm weather conditions with you the day before the hike.
• Click here for a map of the trails

We look forward to seeing you!

For questions, please contact Kathryn at kmckee@southboroughma.com

Parking:

1. Park at the Trailhead Kiosk at Rt.30/Old Northboro Road. Cross Rt.30, walk across field to reach Beals kiosk. [ GPS: 42.307525, -71.555007]
2. Park along Rt.30 (across from Old Northboro Rd) and walk across field to reach the Beals kiosk [GPS: 42.307239, -71.554610]
3. Park in the trails parking area at Chestnut Hill Farm. Walk south along Chestnut Hill Farm Rd to Rt. 30. The entrance to Beals is directly across the street (walk through the driveway [next to a house]}, open & close the gate, and proceed across the bridge. No parking at gate or in areas reserved for the Chestnut Hill Farm Stand. [GPS: 42.39884, -71.55496]

About Debbie:

Debbie’s education is in Fine Arts and she has a life-long interest in botany. Her “day job” is 45 years as a professional puppeteer in which she has presented over 5000 performances, primarily in schools and libraries and she is honored to have earned a National award; the U.N.I.M.A. USA Citation of Excellence. To learn more, please visit:

https://www.deborahcostinenaturepuppets.com/