The Trustees of Reservations Promotes Open Land Resources for Public Use

Article and photo of Bird Park by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com

Developers are gobbling up remaining Massachusetts land up quickly, all in the name of a McMansion, or a commercial or industrial endeavor. Much of the Boston area, for example, is virtually unrecognizable from the region we once knew as little as 15 years ago.

No doubt we need smart development to keep the economy going (dumb development is an entirely different matter and all-too-frequent), but we also need to keep open spaces for public use and enjoyment. Thank goodness for the Trustees of Reservations, dedicated to preserving cultural and natural outdoor resources in Massachusetts. With more than 100,000 people dedicated to preserving over 25,000 acres within 99 special places, the Trustees truly cares about conservation in the Bay State.

Our favorite Trustees places are Bird Park in Walpole, MA, and World's End in Hingham, MA. Bird Park, on Washington St., features 89-acres of landscaped park grounds with more than three miles of walking paths and trails, ponds, streams, granite bridges, rolling small hills, and forested areas. It's a true oasis within the ever-growing southwest Boston suburbs. Tennis courts, a playground, a pavilion for entertainment (music, ice cream social, fall festivals, etc.) and picnic areas help create the "perfect day" in the park.

The views of the Weir River, Hingham Harbor, and the Boston skyline make World's End on Martin St., off Route 3, another truly special destination. With four miles of walking paths through pine groves and grassy fields, it's hard to believe the remote but refreshing feel and look of World's End is just two communities away from Boston. Some of the hiking is moderately challenging, but for the most part, it's easy walking en route to magnificent coastal scenery.

You could spend a lifetime exploring these natural settings in Massachusetts. Hopefully, these precious lands will last a lifetime and beyond. For more information on the Trustees of Reservation and a complete list of properties, visit the Trustees Web Site.