29Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Weir River Farm Open Barnyard

Hingham, Trail, Trustees of the Reservation

Weir River Farm is a 75-acre working farm located in Hingham. The farm is part of an extensive trail network covering 5,000 acres and 10+ miles of trails that includes Whitney and Thayer Woods, Turkey Hill, and Wompatuck Park. Between April and October, Weir River Farm opens their barnyard on Saturdays from 10-2 pm. It is a great opportunity to get behind the fences and up close with the most popular farm residents. The farm is perhaps most well-known for their belted cows that can be seen from Rt 228 as you drive by. A visit to the farm will get you some quality time with the 4H volunteers that educate visitors with fun facts about the animals. What type of animals can you expect? Oh so many! One of...

27Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Cushman Preserve / Duxbury

Duxbury, Trail

Cushman Preserve is a Wildlands Trust property along the Blue Fish River in Duxbury. This property is a hidden gem that is only accessed along a private road to a small parking area. The preserve is a pretty simple trail that features a larger field and it's location near the Blue Fish River. During the months where field grass is growing, a path is maintained on the periphery of the field. If you spend some time watching the field grass, you'll be almost guaranteed to see some interesting birds and butterflies. The Cushman Preserve offers both historical and natural interest. Captain Cushman purchased the land from relatives of his wife, Mary W. Alden (a direct descendant of John Alden), whose family has held the property since the 1620s. The...

23Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #7

Newsletter

Summer is here! In the blink of an eye, we have Summer! In our last newsletter we were venting about the lack of Spring weather ... and all the rain. We love the changing of the seasons but also know that just as fast as Summer shows up... it also leaves us. So, let's all get out there and celebrate why we call the South Shore home! In the last two weeks, we've had some great adventures in between tending to our gardens. While the tomato plants and sunflowers are beginning to take root, we visited with the baby pigs at Weir River Farm. Spoiler alert... they really enjoy the mud. If you haven't checked out the Weir River Farm meat sale you should. They now have prime beef cuts (ribeye,...

22Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Rexhame Beach / Marshfield

Marshfield, Trail

Rexhame Beach is a unique town trail - and perfect all year round. While our initial visit was in the blustery Winter months, the idea of taking a summer stroll along the marsh sounds pretty perfect to us. Rexhame Beach is located in Marshfield and abuts the Humarock section of Scituate. Like nearly all the town trails in Marshfield, dogs are welcome at Rexhame! There are many benches along the back marsh area that have been donated by the Marshfield Canine Club. During the off-season month's you can visit this area for free, but there is a fee for parking during the peak Summer season. Non-residents can buy a day pass for $15-20. After 5 pm, the fee is only $5 - and you'll get to enjoy a picture perfect...

09Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #6

Newsletter

Rain, Rain, Go Away... It's been a really rainy week here on the South Shore - which is great for our gardens, lawns, and indoor projects... but less amazing for getting outdoors and stretching our legs. Everything around us is incredibly green and lush. We've seen so much chit chat about different trails and events online. Our Couch Beach trail post was the most popular content for the last two weeks! Speaking of trails... Over the weekend, we took a walk on a Marshfield trail that almost required a bushwhacker. Thankfully, we've rolled out a new site feature for reporting any trail issues. Trash? Down tree? Over-grown? You can tell us about it and we'll do all the dirty work of reporting it. But! We've seen the weather and the...

05Jun 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stodder’s Neck / Hingham

Hingham, Trail

Stodder's Neck is a conservation parcel in Hingham along the Harbor. The conservation area is owned and maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Stodder's Neck was previously a gravel pit that was transformed in a park reminiscent of World's End. The paths and hilltop viewpoint are very similar to the structure of Frederick Law Olmsted's design for World's End. This park is most popular with dog owners. It would be nearly impossible to visit without seeing several dog owners enjoying the wide paths and lush landscape. In prior years, the landscape was very overrun by dog waste but you would never know it now. The park is very well maintained and clean. The paths are also stroller friendly and very level. Stodder's Neck is a must visit for your...

29May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

North River Bird Watching Cruise

NSWRA

There is such an incredible difference between the perspective from land... and the water. On Memorial Day Weekend, we enjoyed a leisurely and informative boat ride with the North and South River Watershed Association. Although the weather was looking slightly questionable all week, the sun was out for our entire 2 hour cruise along the river. The NSRWA puts on one of the most distinct and unique event calendars that we've seen. Don't get us wrong - we love a good trail walk or plant sale... but the NSRWA events are really something special. Archeological Tour of the River? Walk to an 300+ year old damn? All prior events! In recent years the NSRWA bought a pontoon boat to really take their members from the banks of the river right...

26May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #5

Newsletter

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Memorial Day feels like the unofficial kickoff to warmer weather and great adventures. We like to think this is the perfect time of year to find new trails and really enjoy the changing of the seasons. Everything is a brilliant shade of green, the birds are chirping, and the grass is growing. We would be remiss to not call out a visit to Cohasset Harbor during this long weekend. For the last 10 years, there has been an incredible display of American Flags to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed defending our nation. You can check out the flags and then enjoy a walk at Great Brewster Woods. Just don't forget the bug spray! If you are looking for a recommendation, we love...

21May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Stetson Meadows / Norwell

Norwell, Trail

Stetson Meadows is a 184 acre conservation parcel in Norwell located along the North River. The area has a rich history dating back to 1634. Stetson Meadows is one of the more quite trails in Norwell - despite being located very near 3A. You'll have the opportunity to walk through the forest, along the marsh, and run through a field. So pack a snack, some binoculars for birdwatching... and hit the trail. TRAILS: As reflected in the map, the trail system consists of several loops that offer different vistas. The benefit of all the separate loops is you can easily customize the length of your visit. While the terrain is not particularly level, it is level enough for kids to run around and trail running. There are not too many...

12May 2017 by southshoretrailsma@gmail.com

Newsletter #4

Newsletter

Did you know that each Full Moon has a name? The full moon this week was known as the "Flower Moon" because flowers are abundant everywhere this time of year. And... if you don't suffer from seasonal allergies you are probably really happy. One of our Instagram friend's found a Jack-in-the-pulpit on a walk at John Little Conservation in Marshfield! We love seeing the blooms both inside and outside our yards. If you are still thinking about your own garden there are THREE amazing plant sales happening this weekend that can't be missed. Native & Wildflower Plant Sale at South Shore Science Center on May 13 @ 8-12:30 pm Wake Up the Farm at Norwell Farms on May 13 @ 9-12 pm Mother's Day Seedling Sale at Weir River Farm on May...