Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton Visiting Franklin’s SNETT Trail - Oct 26

On Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton, will be participating in a trail ride of Franklin's SNETT trail. The goal is to expand awareness of trail conditions and potential future economic development opportunities relative to trail expansion between the Town of Bellingham and The Town of Franklin's recently rejuvenated, historical downtown.

Secretary Beaton will be joined by State Legislator's, Local officials, community leaders and interested resident's — all are welcome to participate.

"I look forward to riding with Representative Roy and other members of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) community to witness, first hand, the beauty of this 22-mile Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) trail," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "Our ride will raise awareness regarding this regional asset and provide an opportunity to learn from trail stakeholders."

"The Southern New England Trunkline Trail or SNETT runs from Franklin all the way to Douglas virtually unobstructed, except for a large wall right here in Franklin," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) "The Town of Franklin, the Friends of the SNETT, and the Franklin Legislative Delegation have been working together for a number of years to ensure access to Franklin's portion of the trail. This ride will be a great opportunity to illuminate both the trail's shortcomings and unrealized potential to the Commonwealth."

"Well maintained, accessible recreational trails and open space have a significant impact on quality of life in Franklin and across the state," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Improving and expanding access to the SNETT will allow more people to enjoy the beautiful natural resources our region has to offer, be active and connect with the community and local businesses."

"The SNETT Trail of Franklin is an important part of the town's character," said Senator Ross (R-Wrentham). "To continue to develop this stretch of land means we are creating new opportunities and access for residents looking to enjoy the natural beauty of their home town."

There has been a dedicated movement by local groups, such as the Friends of the SNETT, as well as by the Franklin and Bellingham Legislative Delegation to fund path improvements, path expansion and fix a large obstruction at the intersection of the trail and Prospect street.

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) runs approximately 22 miles from the Franklin State Forest on the east, to the Douglas State Forest on the west. It passes through the towns of Douglas, Uxbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Bellingham, and Franklin, and is one of the longest trails in southern Massachusetts.

SNETT trail header at parking lot on Grove St

Additional photos of the SNETT taken in Sep 2013 can be found here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636043702445/with/10016999443/

Pick a date/time to hear about Easy Walks in MA

Leaf peepers in south Central Massachusetts can learn about the best places to admire the fall colors, from local cemeteries to off-the- beaten-path hideaways, when Bellingham author Marjorie Turner Hollman visits eight libraries in September.

Hollman's slide show features photos of vivid fall color, and she will point out simple things to look for while exploring, and the best places to take the kids and the dog. Peak color in eastern Massachusetts is generally the first two weeks in October.

"Seek out local cemeteries," she said. "You will often find spectacular sugar maples that look like they're ablaze. No power lines to obscure the view, the neighbors are peaceful, and the walkways are often paved."

Here's the schedule:

• Douglas Sr. Center/Douglas Library, 331 Main St. Douglas, MA slide show, brownbag lunch, then take an Easy Walk on the SNETT in Douglas, Sept. 12, 11AM
• Upton MA Library, Upton Town Hall, slide show of Easy Walks Sept. 14, 6:30PM
• Medway MA Library, 26 High St., slide show of Easy Walks Sept.15, 7PM
• Blackstone, MA Library, 86 Main St., slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 20, 1PM
• Franklin, MA Library 25 Kenwood Circle, slide show of Easy Walks, Sept.20, 6:30PM
• Milford, MA Library, 80 Spruce St., Foliage detectives slide show of Blackstone Valley and Upper Charles river watershed, Sept. 21, 7PM
• Weston, MA Library, 87 School Street, “Fall Foliage is right around the corner” slide show of Easy Walks in the Upper Charles, Neponset and Sudbury River Watersheds, Sept. 22, 2:30PM
• Millville, MA Library, 169 Main St. Slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 28, 6:30PM

Easy Walks in MA

Her favorite spot for leaf peeping?

"An overlook in the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park," she said. "It's an easy quarter-mile walk from parking to the overlook, then a little scramble onto the rock to enjoy the view. I’m a sucker for a view, even if it's a little challenging."

Hollman is a personal historian who loves the outdoors, and has completed two guides to easy walking trails in Massachusetts: the just released, Easy Walks in MA 2nd edition https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340 ($21.95) and More Easy Walks ($20), both available on Amazon. The two books together include location maps, information on where dogs are welcome and much more about 80+ local trails in 31 surrounding communities. Hollman will sign copies of her books at each library.

http://marjorieturner.com/2015/07/30/find-fantastic-fall-foliage/

In the News: Pokewalk on the SNETT, children's center director named

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

"Just more than 10 people lined up at the Grove Street entrance to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Monday morning to catch Pokemon and hatch eggs. 

The walk - dubbed a "PokeWalk" by the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - was meant to encourage local residents to explore the trail, using the enormously popular "Pokemon Go" phone app as a lure. 

Renata Gilarova, a member of the committee, led the walk. She said it was a good opportunity to encourage trail awareness. 

"(In the app), you need to walk to hatch eggs - the straighter the line you walk, the better," she said. "We're also trying to map out where there could be Poke Stops (areas where players can collect supplies) along the trail, for when they start taking applications for Poke Stops."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160815/poking-along-rail-trail-committee-hosts-pokemon-go-walk

parking at the SNETT trail head on Grove St

"Dean College announced that Joanne Hogan has been named director of the Children’s Center. 

Hogan is new to the Dean College team but has been in the field of early childhood education since 1989. She has worked at three other campus-based preschool programs, all of which were NAEYC accredited, in the roles of preschool teacher, lead teacher and director. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and a Master of Education in early childhood from Bridgewater State College. She is certified as a teacher in Massachusetts for preschool through grade 2 and has served as a cooperating practitioner for numerous college students who hope to be future early childhood educators."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160815/dean-college-names-director-of-childrens-center

1st PokeWalk on the SNETT - Monday, August 15 - 9:00 AM

Join us for the 1st PokeWalk on the SNETT.

Walk your phone, hatch some eggs, catch a Pokemon and explore the trail!

Meet at the trailhead on Grove Street and walk as little or as much as you can (see the picture for map and distances).

Bring good shoes, bug spray, maybe some change (Spring Street Farm stand is along the way) and don't forget to charge your phone. 

Weather permitting. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

PokeWalk on the SNETT

Where is the trailhead for the SNETT?

Along Grove St, closer to the Washington St end (not the Beaver St/140 end)



From the SNETT Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1133915243349554/

2nd edition of Easy Walks in MA now available

Marjorie Turner Hollman has let us know that the 2nd edition of Easy Walks is now available. 

"By popular demand, here is the second edition, expanded from the original Easy Walks publication. Now included are maps, trail conditions, as well as photos, directions, and lots more information for over 50 local walking trails in 16 towns in the Upper Charles River and Blackstone River Valley watersheds in Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island. 

You'll find trail locations in Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Grafton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Northbridge, Upton, Uxbridge, Wrentham, all towns in south central Massachusetts, and Woonsocket, RI. 

Many locations are dog-friendly--learn which places welcome you and your dog before you go! All trails are grandparent, parent, and kid friendly. Learn about distances of trails, highlights along the way, directions to each trail head and more"

Easy Walks in Massachusetts 2nd edition

In 2014, we shared three 'easy walks' in Franklin that were included in the first edition:

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

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

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


The Amazon link can be found here
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470180569&sr=1-1&keywords=easy+walks+in+massachusetts+2nd+edition

Reminder: 6th Annual Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race

5 K Run, 5 Mile Run, 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10 AM

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM ( + or - )
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 or 3.1 mile mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of the race, $15 Students

The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin to the CT line

Register online at: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

 6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin-Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race

5 K Run, 5 Mile Run, 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10 AM

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM ( + or - )
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 or 3.1 mile mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of the race, $15 Students

The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin to the CT line

Register online at: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

 6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin-Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race

5 K Run, 5 Mile Run, 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10 AM

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM ( + or - )
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 or 3.1 mile mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of the race, $15 Students

The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin to the CT line

Register online at: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

 6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

6th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race

5 K Run, 5 Mile Run, 3.1 or 1.5 Mile Walk

Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10 AM

Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10:00 AM ( + or - )
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run 5 K or 5 Mile courses through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 or 3.1 mile mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of the race, $15 Students

The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin to the CT line

Register online at: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

 6th Annual Franklin & Bellingham Franklin Fives Road Race - May 14

Open Space and Recreation Plan - public meeting Nov 14

The summary of the Open Space and Recreation Plan meeting on Saturday at the Franklin Library. Be sure to scroll down within the Storify summary to view all the details. There are links to the 2008 plan included.

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bocci court at the Senior Center

"These are big steps forward"

At least three projects are slated this year to improve sections of a rail trail that travel through Bellingham, Franklin and Uxbridge. 

Town officials and volunteers continue advocating for slight improvements to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) so that it will eventually be possible to bike or walk all 22 miles seamlessly. 

The state Department of Public Health has received approval from the Franklin Conservation Commission to grade less than a mile of trail from Prospect Street in Franklin to Lake Street in Bellingham.

- See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150309/NEWS/150306865/1994/NEWS#sthash.Yrwl5M6b.dpuf

the walls of Wadsworth Station along the SNETT

SNETT 5K Race and Walk results

CJ Berg was the overall winner and Amy Strong took first among the female runners at the SNETT 5K Road Race on Saturday. More than 100 runners participated. An additional 30 or so chose to walk in the good weather.

Before the race, Rep Roy posed while chatting race strategy with Bob Amrich and Slyde (from the New England Revolution).

Rep Jeff Roy, Bob Amrich and Slyde

CJ Berg approaching the finish

Amy Strong, first female cruises into the finish

Complete results of the race can be found here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/ma/May3_SNETTT_set1.shtml

There'll will be additional photos and the video of the race start posted on Monday/Tuesday

For more information about the SNETT and the efforts of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, visit their website  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

4th Annual Franklin & Bellingham SNETT Road Race 5k Run, 1 or 3 Mile Walk

Help the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and get in some exercise at the same time.

When:  Saturday, May 3  10:00 AM 

Where: 431 Washington St 

Register:  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race/register

4th Annual Franklin & Bellingham SNETT Road Race

Google map for the race location (former Putnam property)

"a regional approach to rail trail developments'

For fans of rail trails, mark the date for an important meeting on the Upper Charles Trail

With spring just a few weeks away, the Friends of the Milford Upper Charles Trail will update residents on the trail’s current status, future plans and the benefits of a regional approach to rail trail developments during a forum next month. 

The forum, which will be held March 8 at 9 a.m. at the Ashland Community Center, will include presentations from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council focused on a regional view of rail trails, legislative advocates and a business owners who will provide insight on the commerce aspect of a multi-purpose trail. 

Representatives from the Upper Charles Trail towns of Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Milford and Sherborn will also provide updates on their towns and answer questions from the public.

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140217/NEWS/140216570#sthash.njsLxy7p.dpuf


For more information on the Upper Charles Trail visit their webpage here
http://www.uppercharlestrail.org/

For additional info on the Friends of the Upper Charles Trail visit their webpage here
http://www.milfordtrail.org/

Franklin's rail trail sign on Grove St

Franklin's own section of the SNETT rail trail runs off Grove St to Bellingham and ultimately to Palmer.
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

"enhancing these public spaces for everyone to enjoy"

The Southern New England Trunk Line Trail (SNETT) is the beneficiary of two recent grants.

Last year, the Friends reached out to the six communities through which the trail passes, getting them to agree to help fulfill the groups’ goal of fixing up the entire trail. 

The groups say the grant funds will go toward two specific projects, including cutting back overgrowth and re-grading the surface of a roughly 2-mile section of the trail between South Street and Monroe Street in Douglas. 

And with help from the National Parks Service — made possible thanks to another grant — the groups aim to create a long-term development plan for the trail. The plan will include a protocol to inventory and assess trail conditions and structures.

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915448755/Trunkline-Trail-groups-pick-up-state-grant#ixzz2m2Q9xVK3

part of the SNETT in Franklin, the old utilities pole remains

For additional information on the development efforts of the SNETT trail visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee web page here  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Bellingham-Rail-Trail-Committee/185258844899495

"transform the trail into a multi-use outdoor recreational facility"

The National Park Service announced it would continue supporting the SNETT trail.

Charles Tracy, director of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program in Massachusetts, will continue helping the Friends of the SNETT plan strategies for developing and improving the 22-mile trail through a consolation grant extended to 2014. 

"We made good progress last year," said Tracy. "The SNETT expanded and strengthened its circle of friends by building partnerships with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), local communities and key organizations. … This year, I look forward to making more friends for the SNETT and realizing on-the-ground trail improvements." 

The Friends have coordinated projects along the trail, from installing signs and gates to grading or widening certain sections. DCR recognized that work late this summer by adding the trail to its online database of state parks and trails.

SNETT parking at Grove St trail head

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825429638/Trunkline-Trail-to-continue-receiving-assistance#ixzz2kFAMfebB

The MA DCR entry for the SNETT
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

DCR "added the Southern New England Trunkline Trail to its online database of state parks and trails"

Milford Daily News reports on a significant milestone for the SNETT trail, it is now included in the MA Dept of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) webpage.

"One of our major goals has been for DCR to create a website for the SNETT," said Jean Keyes, of Bellingham, a member of the group. "It’s their property, but it has never been mentioned on any of their sites listing options for recreation. We were really fighting hard to get that on there." 

In the last two years, volunteers have coordinated projects along the trail, from installing signs and gates to grading or widening certain sections. Starting at the Franklin State Forest, the SNETT stretches east to west, winding through Bellingham, Uxbridge, Blackstone, Millville and, finally, Douglas. 

Depending on available funding, there are plans to link the trial to the Blackstone River Bikeway, a proposed 48-mile trail that would travel from Worcester to Providence, R.I.

SNETT sign at Grove St entrance

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369949648/DCR-recognizes-SNETT-trail-with-listing-on-website#ixzz2cPEQrhFd

You can find the listing for SNETT here
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html

Or find the top link to all the state parks here
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/

Chalk walk on the SNETT (photo essay)

Helen and Harriet Chalk took a walk on the SNETT trail this past weekend and sent in this photo essay. My thanks to the Chalk's for sharing their fun time on the SNETT.


the perfect day for a walk on the Franklin stretch of the SNETT

SNETT in Franklin

We decided to explore some of the smaller trails leading from the SNETT

exploring a side trail

The perfect trail for adventurous preschoolers!

up and down the trail

Just the bridge for a game of 'Pooh sticks'. Every family member finds a small stick, drops it in the water and watches the sticks race down the stream. First stick to reach the finish line of your choice wins.

Pooh sticks bridge

Beauty and tranquility on our doorstep...

fresh water stream

Examine nature close up...

checking out nature up close

Practice your writing skills....

a good place to practice writing

Take your kids outside this April vacation week and boldly explore our beautiful surroundings here in Franklin!

the excitement of the trail

Where is the SNETT Trail?
Off Grove St in Franklin


View Larger Map

To find out more about the efforts of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, visit their website
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/