HopNews
You may have noticed that the last two trail work days have been at the Colella property, clearing something called a ‘cattle run’. Here’s some info:
The Town of Hopkinton recently acquired the Colella property, just north of (and adjacent to) the Hughes Farm Trail property. When we looked at LIDAR images of the property (which show terrain), we spotted what appeared to be a path running across it (red dots in the image below). A preliminary recon visit found a wide path bordered by parallel stone walls. Cattle originally moved through this cattle run, a passageway that ran out to Hayden Rowe Street.
So, a ready-made path with a wetlands crossing—great, huh? Adding some connections to the existing Hughes Farm Trail could create a loop. However, there was one problem. The run was severely overgrown with vines and thorns and filled with fallen trees and other debris.
Our first workday turned into a more extensive recon visit. We assessed the scope of the work to clear the cattle run and scoured possible connections to the Hughes Farm Trail. It quickly became apparent that this would be a long-term project involving more than just the Trails Club.
The Open Space Preservation Committee manages the land, while the Hopkinton Trails Committee also actively participates in its management. There are wetlands, which brings in the Conservation Commission. Finally, the Town’s Historical Commission and Historical Society have obvious interests.
Long story short, this will take some effort, but we’re up for it. On our second workday, March 1, we showed up with tools and opened up 540 feet of the run.
For our next workday on April 5th, we’ll go after the final overgrown stretch of the cattle run. Our progress depends upon how many helping hands show up. On April 5th, we will tackle the final overgrown stretch of the cattle run. Volunteers drive our progress, depending on how many people show up. We have plenty of tasks, and more people actively helping will accomplish more.
Scouts and others looking for community service hours? This is perfect for you.
Do you love history? Join us in restoring Hopkinton’s past! Looking to spend a few hours outdoors contributing to the community, this is your opportunity.
We host a trail workday on the first Saturday of every month, starting at 9 AM. Over the next several months, we will feature this project many times. Details are on our website. Please join us and lend a hand.
Thanks to each and every one of you who offered your time on Saturday on this project. At this point I cannot thank you by personally or by name. Hopefully, in the not too distant future I can correct that.
In particular, thanks go to John Ritz, prime organizer, and Michael Roughan, prime historian.
I write personally and as the Open Space Preservation Commission Chair.