MA DCR first day hikes - Jan 1, 2025

MA DCR first day hikes - Jan 1, 2025

 

"Join us for our brand new First Day Hike in the metro Boston area at Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester this New Years Day!  

Or check the link for details on one of more than a dozen First Day Hikes happening near you this January 1st!"

The listing of First Day Hikes ->  https://bit.ly/DCRFDH

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/first-day-hikes-2025-statewide-flyer/download

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassDCR/status/1871171504227979395

FHS clubs schedule hike at DelCarte to raise money for the fight against cancer - April 8

The FHS Cure 4 Cancer club joined with the Hiking Club to announce: 

Come join us and @fhs_hikingclub for our Hike for a Cure! 

All donations will go to @danafarber - The hike will take place this Saturday at 1:00pm at Del Carte Reservation. 

We hope to see you there!

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CqlvQ44Ou05/

FHS clubs schedule hike at DelCarte to raise money for the fight against cancer - April 8

FHS Hiking club schedules a fun night of trivia - March 29 from 6 to 8 PM

Join Hiking club on Wednesday March 29 for a night full of trivia, baked goods, and fun. This event will be located in the Franklin High School Cafeteria and take place from 6 to 8 PM. 

Students are welcome to bring their friends and family members of all ages . 

The trivia theme this year is pop culture! Teams will be made up of 6 people. Additionally, there will be prizes and a bake sale. 

The cost is $5 a person and free for anyone under the age of 12. Venmo and cash will be excepted at the door. 

Stop by to support the FHS Hiking club and enjoy a fun night of trivia.

Shared from Pantherbook -> https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2023/03/24/hiking-club-is-hosting-a-pop-culture-trivia-night/

FHS Hiking club schedules a fun night of trivia - March 29 from 6 to 8 PM

Join the Fall Foliage Hike scheduled for the SNETT on Saturday, Oct 15

 Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am, Grove St. Trailhead 

Hello fellow SNETT lovers!   We're gearing up for a great fall hike this year--right in the middle of peak foliage!  Come join us on Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am (Grove St. Trailhead) as we set off for a leisurely hike down towards Bellingham and back.  Strollers and pets are most welcome!  You may want to have a jacket, and you'll definitely want to have a camera to catch all the fall colors.  🍂  And 67 Degrees Brewery will be open by the time we're back--not a bad start to the season!  😉 From your friendly, neighborhood Rail Trail Committee MEMBERSHIP! VOLUNTEER! Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

ICYMI: Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen in May 2022: "The journey rather than the destination is a hiking theme through much of this episode (audio)

In case you missed this episode, we'll turn the clock back to May and replay this session of my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around the following topics with a common thread of peaks and valleys, journey more important than the destination:

Welcome back

Friday 13th

 

So much good happening

• Fire dept ISO Class 1

• Clean audit report

• AAA bond rating

• DPW water conservation award

 

Where do you go from here?  The challenge is greater to maintain this

 

Budget through Finance Committee

Next up Town Council (May 25, May 26)

 

MAPC forum and recommendations

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie as we “Talk Franklin”.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-798-talk-franklin-05-13-22

--------------

Town of Franklin meeting calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Franklin For All -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

--------------

The journey rather than the destination is a hiking theme through much of this Talk Franklin episode (audio)

Disney Trivia Night - Thursday, March 17, 2022 a fund raising event by @FHSHikingClub

"Putting some final touches on the 1st place prize for the Disney Trivia Night hosted by @FhsHikingClub next month 🏆 what could it be?!

All community members welcome. 

Teams of 6 max.
$3/person 8yo+" 

Register at  https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=30758

 

Disney Trivia Night - Thursday, March 17, 2022 a fund raising event by @FHSHikingClub

  https://t.co/w5vmuRC5ZM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsFrizz143/status/1496925981789114369

FHS hiking club to host Disney trivia night - Mar 17

@FhsHikingClub is hosting a Trivia Night at FHS in March! Prizes for top 3 teams & great fun will be had by all 🌲 

Use this link to register and be sure to add your team name when you register! Comment with any questions & share!
https://t.co/3ZygAxvMzc  or  https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx  (Choose Franklin High School, then Hiking Club)

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/d3wDB4Odey

FHS hiking club to host Disney trivia night - Mar 17

Town of Franklin, MA: A resource of available trails and paths for our community

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Mon, Mar 22, 2021:

"Hello Franklin! It's gorgeous out there today!  Perhaps you can find a bit of time to go for a walk!  Our Trails & Walking Paths Storymap is a great resource to find places to go in Town.

Enjoy the day!" https://t.co/vofhNYMjEO

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1374019648707002369

A resource of available trails and paths for our community

Some MA state parks will be open more during the coronavirus outbreak

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"All coastal beach reservation parking areas managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation will be closed to reduce groups of people from gathering during the coronavirus outbreak.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued the emergency order that goes into effect Friday at noon.

DCR will open select state parks early and expand access to other parks to provide additional open space opportunities for residents, the governor said. DCR will also be limiting the amount of parking spaces available at certain high-visitation state parks.

 .....

DCR’s ice rinks, visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, fitness areas, athletic fields, athletic courts, golf courses and bathroom facilities will remain closed until May 4"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200402/ashland-natick-and-hopkinton-state-parks-will-be-open-more-during-coronavirus-outbreak

Hiking in MA State Parks  https://www.mass.gov/hiking-in-massachusetts-state-parks

Hiking in MA State Parks

"We just want people to know that everything's open for business"

"Though the busy season at the Franklin State Forest has passed, state officials are reminding area residents that the property remains open during the winter. 

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation put out a notice this month to promote the winter recreational use of the 843-acre forest. Park Supervisor William "Tom" Ashton said that there are many ways that locals make use of the land, even after snow has fallen. 

"During the wintertime, there are activities like snowshoeing and hiking," he said, adding that cross-country skiing and fat tire snow biking are other options. "We want to let people know that, 'Hey, we're still here - we have a beautiful park with a lot of wonderful scenery.'" 

The notice highlights the forest's pine trees as being especially scenic when they are blanketed in new snow."

Continue reading the article online
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170116/franklin-state-forest-remains-open

• The park hiking map

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/parks/trails/franklin.pdf

My wife and I took a walk on a recent Sunday. We started from the SNETT and then took a side trail into the State Forest to pick up the old logging trail in the forest that ended up at the water tower. It was a good walk.

winter forest land

look up once in a while, quite a view

old logging road

remnants of trees come in odd shapes

and yes, in New England forests you will find stone walls

Happy Holidays! from the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor

I grew up in Pawtucket, RI and walked over the Blackstone River many times as I went downtown to the Boys Club or Library. I went to college in Worcester, MA and found that to be the headwater for the Blackstone. 20 years ago, we moved to Franklin and I find the water trough normally found on the bridge over the train tracks was crafted by Joseph Jenks of Pawtucket, RI.

I guess I don't get too far from Pawtucket!

If you haven't taken a hike (or bike ride) along the Blackstone, the scenery is a treat any time of year.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

New "Healthy Heart Trail" at Franklin State Forest

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Department of Conservation and Recreation has announced a new Healthy Heart Trail at Franklin State Forest. 

This trail is one of more than 70 Healthy Heart Trails that DCR has designated across the commonwealth to promote good health and a connection with nature. Park supervisor Tom Ashton and his staff have marked the 1.2-mile trail that covers several rolling hills. Ashton encourages visitors to access the trail at the entrance adjacent to the Hockomock YMCA, as well as the gate along Grove Street. 

Covering 843 acres in the Forge Hill area, Franklin State Forest is a minimally developed property managed for passive recreation. For maps or information: mass.gov/dcr."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160730/department-of-conservation-announces-new-franklin-state-forest-trail

on a trail in the Franklin Town Forest off Summer St

• You can go directly to the Franklin State Forest page

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/f-gilbert-hills-state-forest.html#Franklin SF

• Or check out the Southern New England Trunk Trail (SNETT) off Grove St

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html

Get Psyched for a Hike over Spring Vacation!

My name is Jenn Conyers and I am a Girl Scout and Senior at Franklin High School. I am completing my Gold Award Project which involves mapping the nature trails at Dacey Fields and creating interactive nature trail signs.

Calling all young children who love or want to learn about the great outdoors. Do you like being outdoors or just walking in the woods? Then come join me Wednesday, April 22nd or Friday April 24th for a 45 minute guided tour of the new nature trails at Dacey Fields.

The guided tour is designed for children all ages and abilities. All families or big groups of kids are welcome. There is no cost. 

General tours are at 11am and 2pm however times are flexible. To reserve a spot and for more information please email me at jenny.conyers@gmail.com.

Dacey Community Field - Lincoln St, Franklin

Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group - September hike descriptions

The hikes for September have been scheduled and posted to the group Facebook page:

Sept 5th Creatures of the night hike Delcarte Playground Franklin 6pm Join in this hike for a night of face painting and creature finding. We will discuss all the different nocturnal animals as well as a take home craft for each child! 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 9th Open hike 4pm Join us for a free open hike through the cranberry bog and woods trail at Bass Pro Franklin Ma (Foxboro??)

Sep 11th Art in Nature Bird Park Walpole 4pm Join us for this beautiful hike and fun activity. The children will be using materials from nature to create their very own masterpieces. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sept 13th Owling Dacey Field 6pm Join us for a trip through the woods while we look for our friends of the night OWLS!! The kids will learn how to do owl calls and pick up some not so appetizing info on the owls digestive system!!! Take home craft provided for each child. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 14th Apples Apples Apples The Big Apple Wrentham Ma 10am This delicious hike is perfect for a weekend morning outing. The children will be making their own apple prints as well as exploring the farm land!! After the hike during our activity, the kids can enjoy apple cider donuts along with water and of course APPLES!!! 15 child limit $7 per child

Sep 17th Open Hike Hopedale Parklands 4pm. Join us on another free hike to explore a wonderful area with wild and plant life all around!!

Sep 19th Hike and Learn Plants. Choate Park Medway 4:30 pm Each child who joins this hike will be given their very own field guide and taken on a hike to identify and learn about different native plants that grow in the area. After the hike there will be a plant related Craft. !5 child limit $6 per child

Sep 22 Changing of the seasons SNETT Trail Franklin Ma 4pm This fun filled adventure will consist of take home field guides and lots of detective work to find the different signs of a changing season. After the hike the kids will be given a take home seasonal craft. 15 child limit $6 per child

Sep 25th Open Hike Bellingham Town Common. 4:30pm This is a fun afternoon hike as it is not to strenuous or even in the woods! A great place to walk and finish with some time on the playground

Sep 28th Yoga for kids and Moms Borderland State Park. Easton Ma !0am This is one of the most beautiful places to sit by the water and find some Sunday morning inner peace. A great way to get ready for a new week for both your child and you. All ages of children welcome. 15 child limit $2 entrance fee $4 per child hike fee

The schedule in a calendar view

September 2014 hiking calendar

The Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

In the News: Franklin hiking group

The Milford Daily News has a nice write up on the Franklin Area Kids Hiking group:

The idea came to her while she read comments left on the "Friends of Franklin" Facebook group. Many came from moms who discussed trying to fit in outdoor activities for their children in between work and chores, Mercurio said. She suggested hiking. 

Not knowing what to expect, she created the Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group on a whim: In four days, more than 100 parents had joined. And the number has doubled since then. 

Mercurio usually plans two to three hikes each week, two of which tailor to specific themes.

Continue reading the article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140823/NEWS/140828300/1994/NEWS

screen capture of Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group Facebook page

For additional info on the Kids Hiking Group you can review the article in the Franklin Town News
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/franklin-kids-hiking-group.html


and of course visit their Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

Franklin Kids Hiking Group

Franklin parents and grandparents who want to be out and about enjoying the wonders of a nature hike have a group to join and participate in. Leah Christina has organized such a group for Franklin. It started this summer and has gathered a following already.

You may have seen the article by Marjorie Turner Hallman in the August issue of the Franklin Town News.

Franklin, MA Kids Group

A PDF version of the article can be found here (look on page 12)
http://www.localtownpages.com/sites/default/files/newspaperpdf/2014_08_franklin.pdf

from their Facebook page:

This group is a work in progress and I will continue to update on the group as well as any planned events and activities coming forward. 

The rules are very simple:

• Please act like adults. Be kind, courteous, and respectful.

• Please be careful of info you are posting that you may not want to share with others.

• Feel free to share your adventures and experience while on a hike.

• You may share negative comments and let the group know of disappointment in a hike but please do so in a well respectful manner.

• Enjoy the site, the trails, and the new friends you will meet along the way.

Please feel free to invite those you feel would benefit from the group and please remember the group is open to any and all feedback to help us continue to grow!!

August hikes

The calendar for August shows hikes at Foxboro State Forest on the 12th and Franklin's SNETT Trail on the 13th. Some activities are age specific. Some also have size limits, others are open to all.

August calendar for hiking group

The August calendar can be found on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/835869489771703/

Contact Info

For more information visit their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

If not on Facebook, you can contact them via email at FranklinKidsHike@yahoo.com

In the News: Marjorie Turner Hollman

Marjorie Turner Hollman sat at a small wooden picnic table at the entrance of Louisa Lake Park in Milford. 

Hollman, a freelance writer and personal historian from Bellingham, watched as water trickled down the nearby dam. To the north, a paved pathway trailed into the distance. 

This trail, known as the Upper Charles River Bikeway, is one of 30 trails described in Hollman’s book, "Easy Walks in Massachusetts." The book describes hiking trails in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Milford, Millis, Uxbridge, Wrentham and Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

"It’s not arduous walks," Hollman said. "It’s when you’ve got an afternoon or morning … and you just want go someplace right around the corner but you don’t know quite where to go."

You can continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140712/NEWS/140718764/1994/NEWS

along the SNETT off Grove St in Franklin

You may recall that we featured a few of the Franklin walks from Marjorie's book last month. You can find the write up on each walk here:

SNETT
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-snett.html

Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html

Dacey Fields
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html

Great Weather for Autumn Hike on Saturday

The Autumn Trail Hike of the SNETT will take place this Saturday, from 10:00 to Noon starting at the trailhead on Grove Street in Franklin.

This free event is cosponsored by the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the Metacoment Land Trust.  In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will be proving a professional guide.  Kid-friendly activities will be provided along a one-mile round trip hike.

This event is free and you can register at www.FanklinBellinghamRailTrail.org

• Like Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail on Facebook

• More About the Metacomet Land Trust 

SNETT sign on Grove St

Outdoors in Franklin

Looking to get out of the house and do something this week? Take a hike in Franklin.

Noted author Michael Tougias also wrote a "Trailguide: Outdoors in Franklin." The trailguide can be found on the Franklin website.

Author Michael Tougias has written many area guidebooks including River Days: Exploring the Connecticut River from Source to Sea, Exploring the Hidden Charles: A Guide to Outdoor Activities on Boston's Celebrated River, and New England Wild Places: Journey's Through the Back Country, as well as Until I Have No Country: A Novel of King Philip's War in New England and the non-Fiction King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict. 

This guidebook was developed as an initiative of the Franklin Open Space Committee with support from the Department of Community Planning including former director Todd Ford, current Director Daniel Ben Yisrael, Town Ecologist Rich Vacca, and GIS Specialist Nick Alfieri as well as input and support from the Conservation Commission. Special thanks go to the graphic arts class of Mr. Eskay Sriram at Tri-County Regional Vocational School, which provided several excellent candidates for cover illustrations. The illustration selected was created by Corey Gray.

There are descriptions of walks covering the following:

• Franklin Town Forest
• Franklin State Forest
• Charles River
• Indian Rock
• DelCarte Conservation Area
• Beaver Pond
• Charles River
• Dacey Farm
• Uncas Pond and Trout Fishing
• SNETT Trail

As this was written in 2002, the some of the subject areas may have changed. The Dacey Farm has since become more formal open space for Franklin with the development of ball fields and most recently the dog park.

The trailguide can be found here (PDF):