What a day, Weston! Immediately after reading this post, the Owl suggests that you head out to Jericho Town Forest, this town’s largest Conservation property at almost 550 acres. Not to editorialize too much (as if I could stop myself), this property exists for you because people way back when (like 1955) decided to protect it for future generations. There were add-ons from the original purchase — Sunday Woods being a stand-out–and now you get to reap the benefit of others’ hard work and advocacy. Makes you think, no? Ah, community.

Anyway, WFTA K9 Ranger Katie Puppy and I are just back from a delightful 4-mile trek on the trails. We heard peepers, saw a pileated woodpecker and a Cooper’s hawk, four walkers, one jogger, a skater on the rail trail, three dogs, and two fat-tire bikers heading out as we came back. Which is all to say that there is room for you on the trails so go to lunch and don’t come back. Better yet, pack your lunch and go sit on the new Eagle benches at French’s Field–named not because they are used by feathered friends, but because they are recently-completed work by Teddy Glaeser, prospective Eagle Scout, and Weston resident. Yay, Teddy!

These benches are so nice, I have set up two options for walks for you today, both of which loop by the benches at their middle-ish point.

Option 1: Northern route with horse views and lots of muck, a passage through the Cherry Brook swamp, and even a geocache! Yeah, this is a fun one so bring your boots. Start at Dickson Ring parking area just west of Acorn Lane on Concord Road. This is in green on my map, but you can also follow along on the town GIS or All-Trails app.

Option 2: Southern route with the Lost Trail and Fairy Bridge (so-called because someone is building it and it is not Conservation or WFTA…must be fairies!). The lost trail is one of our most beautiful footpaths and I almost never find anyone on it. This route also allows you a look straight up at the Trident White Pine on the far side of French’s Field. This is pink on my map and you should park on Concord where the rail trail departs. You can come back on trails if you would rather not do asphalt (rail trail) but I personally do not love out and back. Dogs must be leashed on rail trail.

Get Outside! And support Weston Forest & Trail Association which cares for the trails (full disclosure: I am a trustee).