Bedford Trail Stewards

-Pulpit Rock Conservation Area, just one of the many locations to enjoy nature in our town.

There is always more one could do in your community. 

I was taking a casual hike in Legacy Park late this summer, and I took advantage of the new trails created in the park. In fact, a whole new system now exists, with trails going throughout the whole conserved area. I knew what organization was building these trails, yet I had not considered joining them: the Bedford Trail Stewards.

The Bedford Trail Stewards is a sub-committee of the Bedford Conservation Commission, the commission that manages conservation and protection of land in our town, both for the enjoyment of the residents, as well as the flora, fauna and fungi that thrives there. The Bedford Trail Stewards themselves manage and construct existing and new trails on the many properties in Bedford. To name some, Miller Park, Earl Legacy Park, Pulpit Rock Conservation Area, Van Loan Preserve and Benedictine Park, all have trails that are open to the public year round. Recently, a new trail segment has opened in Miller Park, and bridges have been renewed in Van Loan Preserve. There has also been significant activity at the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area. This is where I jump in. 

I have a strong passion and interest for the environment, specifically conservation biology, and field ecology. I am passionate identifying plants and fungi, and exploring the woods around me, learning about what surrounds me. I also love hiking. But trails are never built themselves, so I reached out to Kathleen Ports, the Conservation Planner of Bedford who also leads the Bedford Trail Stewards, to see if I could help participate in the trail process. From instructions, it appeared I just needed to fill out an official form, and once turned in and approved I just needed to be prepared for the work day. 

The first time I took part in the organization, late August, I noticed one thing: there weren’t any students at all. It was all adults, which led me to think if any students my age, or in high school generally are interested in trail maintenance. That day, I got in discussion with Kathleen Ports and other people that participated that day: There were about 10. As it turned out, that day the group was exploring the conditions on the trails in the conservation area, so we walked around the conservation area for a few hours while looking at future improvements. I ended the day with satisfaction, and was ready to be more active in the coming maintenance days.

One month later, I came back, and this time we were working on a boardwalk that was falling apart, and we were rebuilding parts of the actual wood, but also the positioning. After that, I worked with a few members on constructing a new bypass route that avoided home properties. That included putting new signs, cutting a few smaller trees and shrubs, and blocking the old path. It was an effective use of my time to help, in addition to my sheer enjoyment.

I would recommend during community service with the Bedford Trail Stewards: you will get fresh forest air, and you will be doing something good for the community.