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Upcoming Events
None scheduled at this time.
Stay tuned for a trail building day in the spring.
Bare Meadow Trail Improvements
The Conservation Commission and Trails Committee have received a Recreation Trails Grant from the State to improve two sections of the Ipswich River Greenway in Bare Meadow Conservation Area. Phase one of the project, completed October 17, was to fill several low, wet spots in the trail. On that same day volunteers, several from local non-profit Understanding Disabilities, installed two benches along the Mattera Accessible Trail in honor of UD founder, Judy LeBlanc. Installation of the benches completes a previous project funded by outdoor retailer Recreation Equipment Incorporated
(REI). A total of 24 volunteers were involved in the two projects. Reading DPW prepped the projects prior to the work day. See the photos below as well as slideshows of trail work here.
The second phase of the Recreation Trails Grant project, building a low boardwalk, will happen later this fall and next spring. We will work with REI again on both phases of the project.
Reading Trails Committee Organizes Wildlife Viewing Platform Project
In the fall of 2008, 36 volunteers built a wildlife viewing platform in Bare Meadow Conservation Area over two days. Funding was provided by a $5,000 grant from local retailer Recreation Equipment Incorporated (REI). The platform can be reached from the recently built accessible trail from the Mattera Conservation Area. Low to the ground and wheelchair accessible, it provides a comfortable vantage point overlooking Bare Meadow. Hikers, bird watchers and star gazers, casual users and organized groups will all enjoy this new amenity.
Over 300 hours of volunteer time were contributed to building the platform, removing buckthorn (an invasive species that degrades wildlife habitat), and improving trails. Many more hours were contributed by Town staff and volunteers prior to the event. The project was planned and coordinated by Reading’s Trails Committee; the design was contributed by Conservation Commission chair Mark Wetzel and his son Jeff Wetzel. Special thanks go to REI, Friends of Reading Recreation, Moynihan’s Lumber, Reading DPW, Reading Conservation Commission, Reading Building Department,
RMLD, McDonalds Reading, and McDonalds North Reading.
Thanks to our sponsors!
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