Autumn in the North Cemetery.

Sixty miles west of Boston, Massachusetts there is the small New England town of Sturbridge. Located at the junction of I-90 (The Mass Pike), and I-84 it has become known as the "Crossroads of New England". The town was first settled over 300 years ago, and like other small New England towns it has grown just enough over the years to be in a difficult place today. How do we embrace the future without forgetting how we got to our present? How do we attract the right kind of growth, and maintain who we are? And, what about our culture out here in Central Massachusetts?



These pages will cause one to think about how to protect what we have, our future direction, and how to move on in the very best way.


Those thoughts, and other ramblings, will hopefully inspire more thought, conversation, action, and occasionally a smile...

...seems to be working so far

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

October 5th: Footsteps through History….The Trails of Sturbridge

Community Preservation Committee member, Joe Ouellette, is hosting a tour of town owned open space, known as the Heins Farm. This Walktober event is sponsored by Quinebaug-Shetucket Corridor, Inc and is one of many interesting walks planned for this fall. You can catch up on other opportunities by visiting http://www.thelastgreenvalley.org/ww/WW08web2.pdf .


Footsteps through History….The Trails of Sturbridge
Historic Heins Farm
Sunday October 5th - 10AM

The Community Preservation Act is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts funding tool to help communities preserve open space, historic sites and create affordable housing and recreational facilities. This Open Space project is highlighted to encourage the people of Sturbridge to use these lands for recreational purposes and walk in the footprints of other generations.

Historic Heins Farm
”The Hills are Alive” - From one of the highest points in Sturbridge you will enjoy 84 acres of spectacular views few have ever seen since the stagecoaches carried businessmen, politicians, as well as other area families on this very trail. Enjoy a look back in history to see the last intact remains of the Old Worcester – Stafford Turnpike (1810-1835) making its way across this revered site. Experience new and easy-to-handle hiking trails throughout this property. See the rock outcroppings left from the ice age and experience one, two or three hiking trails to make it a memorable day of experiences you and your family will not soon forget. Your guide will explain just how these early turnpikes were formed, where they stopped along the way and finally what were the influences of their rise and decline.

The three trails are as follows:
Worcester - Stafford Turnpike Trail - 1 Mile – Farm Fields and Town Views;
Pond View Trail – 2/3 Mile – Glacial effects, Wetlands, Streams and Farm Views. This trail is designated as Universally Accessible, which makes it an easy and interesting walk.
Old Cabin Trail – 1/2 Mile – Wetland views, expansive views of the Old Heins Farm including the old Heins family play cabin.

Parking for these trails is located at 197A Leadmine Road. Follow the signs. From Route 20, turn on to the entrance to OSV and proceed past the OSV entrance. This is Stallion Hill Rd. Proceed to the top of the hill. Turn left on to Leadmine road. The parking lot is _ mile on the east side of Leadmine Road.
Scribbled by on

2 comments:

  1. AnonymousWednesday, September 24, 2008

    Thanks for sharing - sounds like a great day outdoors!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wally HerseeWednesday, September 24, 2008

    It does sound like a great day! We've hiked the land a couple of times, but it would be great to have an interpreter along.

    ReplyDelete



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