NORTHFIELD — Franklin County has no shortage of nature trails, but not many are easily accessible for people of all abilities, whether equipped with strollers, wheelchairs or walkers.
But now, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation has awarded Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust a $49,725 grant to create the first universally accessible nature trail off Route 63 in the southern part of this town.
The Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey S. Ames Nature Trail will be a half-mile loop trail at Northfield’s new Alderbrook Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, with parking on Route 63, near its intersection with South Mountain Road.
The new trail will meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will travel through groves of mature trees to arrive at an accessible wildlife observation platform overlooking a beaver pond. The new trail will provide a place for families with young children, seniors, and people of all levels of mobility access to a beautiful hidden pond.
The land, part of the 140-acre upper plateau farmland and forested area protected with a conservation restriction last year, is “reasonably flat” and includes over its short distance a diversity of habitat, said Matthias Nevins, Mount Grace land conservation specialist, including white-pine forest, open farmland, wetland and a pond.
Since there are no universally accessible nature trails in Northfield and few in Franklin County, Northfield’s Open Space Committee was especially interested in seeing this part of the property made available for public access as something of a “mini public park,” said Nevins.
Athol-based Mount Grace is “committed to ensuring that all people have access to the benefits of our region’s amazing natural environment and this collaboration to create a universally-accessible trail is another great step in that direction” said Nevins. “We are excited to address a real community need by making outdoor recreation more accessible and to build strong local partnerships at the same time. We are partnering with local residents, businesses, and institutions to make this project a reality and without their generous support this project would not be possible.”
The grant was awarded by DCR’s Recreational Trails Program, which provides challenge grants to encourage new trails and trail stewardship in Massachusetts. The trail should be ready for the public this fall, Nevins said.
“The Department of Conservation and Recreation remains committed to offering unparalleled recreational opportunities for people of all abilities to benefit from,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “We are pleased to partner with Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust to further expand access to the Alderbrook Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary.” The grant is leveraging donated materials, equipment and labor from groups and businesses, including a major contribution from Lane Construction in Northfield
Mount Grace worked with the town to conserve the land after a November 2014 town meeting voted unanimously to create the Alderbrook Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to the public access trail, a conservation restriction placed on the property will ensure that the surrounding 143 acres of agricultural fields, woods, ponds and brooks owned by Bill and Nancy Ames will always be protected.
“The accessible trail will be another reason why people will want to visit Northfield and enjoy the natural beauty and rural agricultural heritage of our community,” said Northfield Selectboard Chairman John “Jack” Spanbauer.
“The trail will be a really significant addition to the recreational trail system in Northfield,” added Joanne McGee, a member of the town’s Open Space Committee. “Generally our trails go up and down (hills). Now, everyone will be able to enjoy the accessible trail, the birds and the viewing platform at the pond. Whether you are in a wheelchair or stroller, whether a wobbly or sturdy walker, you will be able to enjoy the wildlife and woods and sneak an early morning peek into the activity of a beaver pond.”
Mount Grace is seeking volunteers from the community to help with trail work, including preparing and installing the observation platform and short boardwalk, blazing and clearing the trail, installing the kiosk, and prepping the accessible parking area. Work at the sanctuary will begin in May.
“We hope this trail will provide new and fun opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature,” Nevins adds. “We are also so thankful for Bill and Nancy Ames’ commitment to protecting their land. Their thoughtful actions will leave a lasting environmental legacy.”
Alderbrook Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary was protected with $132,000 from the Massachusetts Land Acquisition for Natural Diversity Program, as well as support from the Fields Pond Foundation, the Northfield Area Tourism and Business Association, Kiwanis Club of Northfield, Greenfield Savings Bank, the Greater Northfield Watershed Association, and $55,000 from Northfield’s Community Preservation Act funds.
Mount Grace is a regional land trust that serves 23 towns in Worcester and Franklin counties and is supported by 1,100 members and by private, state and federal grants. In its 30 years it has helped protect 30,000 acres.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Matthias Nevins at 978-248-2055, ext. 27 or nevins@mountgrace.org.
More information is available at www.Mountgrace.org
You can reach Richie Davis at: rdavis@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 269