Everyone’s favorite local land trust, Weston Forest & Trail Association, has released its schedule of monthly walks on Weston conservation land for 2023-24. For over sixty years, WFTA has been hosting first Sunday walks from October to May.

First up on Sunday, October 1 at 2 pm is a Daily Double at the College Pond land off of Concord Road–a walk in the woods, over fields and the orchard, as well as a separate exploration for younger kids who may want to join the WFTA’s Junior Ranger program.

WFTA President Joel Angiolillo will be leading the walk around one of Weston’s most diverse and lovely properties. There are open fields, wooded trails, the famed “Troll Bridge” over Cherry Brook where the beavers have been hard at work, the ruins of the giant Merriam Barn and the extremely-full-of-apples-right-now Merriam orchard. And of course, the views over the spillway and towards the warming hut on the pond will be already showing fall colors.

New trustee Vicki Gifford and her two junior rangers will be leading a separate exploration for young naturalists–what’s under that rock? Why do the trees change colors in the fall? Kids will have an opportunity to learn about Junior Ranger activities and even work on their progress toward certification (more information will be provided before the walk–but you can find the Junior Ranger program here).

Walks run rain, shine or snow (that might be unlikely for October 1 but it is New England after all). All levels of walkers are welcome, and all ages. No reservations are necessary but if you have any questions about the adventures, please reach out to westonforesttrail@gmail.com.

Please park at Burchard Athletic Complex near the snack shack (the parking lot near the tennis courts is currently closed for construction), 269 Concord Road. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome.

The full calendar of Sunday walks is here, and WFTA welcomes membership donations to continue its mission of preserving open space. We are particularly grateful for donations at the Guardian level.