Annual Winter Hike series on the Vineyard features CR Properties!

Last week, The Trustees' Islands educator Molly Peach led twenty-six participants to one of the most intriguing historic sites on Martha's Vineyard - the north shore's Brickyard ruins at the mouth of Roaring Brook in Chilmark.  See the Martha's Vineyard Times photos here!  Once a thriving industrial site, the building foundation remains and water wheel are largely grown over by brambles and grape vines, yet bricks can still be found on the shore, and the impressive brick chimney still remains, topped by a tenacious osprey's nest!  A dramatic vista of the chimney and the Elizabeth Islands as a backdrop can be seen from the sand cliffs of the Menemsha Hills Reservation, but the annual guided hike is the rare opportunity to explore up close on this private land. 

This was the first of four hikes which Peach will guide this winter, and continues a long tradition of annual hikes on private Vineyard conservation restriction properties, guided by The Trustees of Reservations.  These are titled the "Saving Special Places Walking Series", and three more walks are scheduled, in February and March.  We are very grateful to the landowners who allow these hikes on their amazing land each year. 

This time of year, you should let a sleeping turtle lie. Who knows the identity of this turtle?

Next up, on Sunday, February 17, comes a walk on another fantastic north shore conservation restriction property, featuring rare species and habitats, and a scenic north shore beach.  Savvy geographers may be able to identify Nashawena Island in the distance, the largest and one of the most unique CR properties protected forever by The Trustees!  

Across the oak canopy and Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands in a greener season!

The series concludes on March 17th, to the stunning heights of Squibnocket Point, and on March 24th to the peak of Signal Hill in Chilmark, overlooking Squibnocket and Menemsha ponds.  Space is limited, and the walks are very popular, so sign up soon (all three events linked here) to guarantee your spot! 

Beautiful Menemsha Pond.