On Oct. 12, there was a “grand opening” of the Heath Brook Preserve Trail. This did not mean that the group was the first to go on the trail but it was a time to have many of the people who donated to the cause to see the trail for the first time. The weather wasn’t ideal but there was no rain and it was a pleasant temperature. 20 plus people took the tour and everyone seemed to have fun. It is a very special piece of land.
It all started at the new parking lot. It is large enough for 8 or so cars so many people can enjoy the trail at the same time.
The first stop was at the junction of snowmobile trail that crosses the land and the new trail. Signs show the trail map and also where the Phase 2 trail will go. Work on that may allow its use next Summer.
The trail winds its way down the the Heath and there is a nice view of it looking north to where the brook/swamp turns right into Lake Wentworth. (A member of the Milfoil Dive Team suggested that he could see buoys indicating where there is milfoil that will have to be removed.) There is an old stump that gives a good view of the Heath and a permanent wood stand may be erected there so that when the stump rots, you can still get a view.
The Heath is very pretty and a half dozen ducks flew off as we got there. Probably didn’t expect that many people to show up in “their” Heath.
Julie Brown, executive director, Carl Crosley, land stewardship chair were on the stump and Anne Blodget, I guess, amused at their radiant smiles.
A little further along the trail, there is another viewpoint that allow you to look south toward Pleasant Valley Rd.
Discussions were had about the protection of the land and how it was going to be used. Already, the Crescent Lake School has been using the trail and others have been observed enjoying the woods. There is a great variety in that there are big hemlocks with lots of space between them and then other areas where there has been logging and th new growth makes the little trees close together.
The return trip to the parking lot is unfortunately all up hill.You drop around 180 feet to get to the Heath so, yes, you need to climb that to get back to your car.
Carl and Judy Crosley are showing off their “hunting” colors. For this trip, it was still bow season for deer and it is not as dangerous to be out there without orange. (We were also a large group with lots of conversation so hunters would have been warned.) Even though the property is posted against hunting, wearing orange is good during the hunting season. Better safe than sorry.
