Westwood Land Trust to Lead 20th Anniversary Hikes

Westwood Land Trust (WLT) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since its incorporation in July 1999, WLT has permanently preserved over 220 acres in Westwood. To mark the occasion, WLT Board members will be leading hikes through several Westwood properties, most of them protected by WLT*. All ages are welcome. Dogs are only allowed on the Lowell Woods hike.

Any date changes due to weather will be posted on WLT’s Facebook page. Residents who hike 20 miles in Westwood before the end of the year will receive 20 in 19 T-shirts!

1) Saturday, June 15 at 590 Gay Street* - 10AM

Meet in parking area near the main house for 2-mile hike

With over 74 acres preserved, this is the largest property protected by WLT. Scenic views of open, rolling fields are preserved along the 1,475 feet of frontage on Gay Street. The property includes many acres of wetlands and forests and ensures a diversity of wildlife habitat. The pond area is especially beautiful. The owners have generously granted permission for WLT to host a public hike on this date.

2) Monday, July 22 at Lowell Woods - 6PM

Meet in parking lot at end of Sandy Valley Road for 4-mile hike

This Town-owned property is one of the most popular places for public hiking in Westwood. While Lowell Woods is not protected by WLT, the community effort to raise public and private funds to purchase this parcel helped inspire WLT’s formation.

3) Saturday, August 17 at Sen Ki*/Perry* - 10AM

Meet in Sen Ki parking lot, 1255 High Street, for 4-mile hike

The 30-acre Sen Ki property includes public hiking trails that provide scenic views from one of the higher elevations in Westwood. The hike will continue through to the adjacent 33-acre Perry property that is also protected by a conservation restriction. The Perry family has generously granted permission for WLT to lead a public hike on this date.

4) Sunday, September 15 at 795 Clapboardtree Street* - 1PM

Meet in Universal Technical Inst. lot, 1 Upland Rd, Norwood, for 2-mile hike

This almost 23-acre property of mature woods was always identified as important to open space. The hike starts here and will continue to the adjacent property to the beautiful Clapboardtree Meadow at 665 Clapboardtree, also protected by WLT.

Westwood Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving land and habitat in Westwood. WLT is grateful for the many generous supporters who have donated conservation restrictions and/or funds to help make these preservation efforts possible.