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On the southside of Weston, there is a beautiful neighborhood with a narrow winding road, open hillside field and conservation woods. Colloquially known as the Orchard Avenue neighborhood, it’s a quiet pastoral respite with an extensive and important history of estate homes and land conservation efforts. For a short history of the area, read this article in the Wellesley Weston magazine, written by town historian Pamela Fox. My only cover warning is do not get attached to the billiard room as that was taken out by a wrecking ball not too long ago.

This Saturday, April 15 from 10 am – 12 pm, join the Weston Conservation Department and Weston Forest and Trail Association (WFTA) to help construct a new trail with gentle grades to replace a steep, slippery, and eroded trail on the WFTA and Conservation land on Orchard Avenue. Participants will learn the basics of new trail construction and become familiar with the powerhouse hand tools of trail building- Rogue hoes, pick mattocks, and pulaskis (as well as shovels and level rakes). After building the new trail, the existing, unsafe trail will be “retired” by distributing brush and leaf litter over the trail surface.

While normally not allowed, volunteers will be allowed to park along the shoulder of Orchard Avenue. MAP. 

How to Participate

No previous experience is necessary. Conservation employees and WFTA volunteers provide all the know-how. To sign up, contact conservation@westonma.gov. Children at least 13 years of age must have parental supervision, ages 16+ do not need parental accompaniment.

Bring work-appropriate clothing, no open-toed shoes, water and snacks, durable work gloves, and a good attitude!