Minnechaug Mountain
Minnechaug Mountain, in Hampden, Massachusetts, is one of the finest hiking areas in and around the Pioneer Valley.
Goat Rock Trail
The 35-acre parcel, known as Goat Rock Conservation Land, connects two Town parks via a popular hiking trail, the Goat Rock Ridge Trail, which runs along the Wilbraham Mountain ridge for a little over a mile.
Rice Nature Preserve
The Rice Nature Preserve, was acquired through the cooperative efforts of former landowner Jesse Rice, the Town of Wilbraham, the Minnechaug Land Trust, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Self-Help Program.
McDonald Farm Nature Preserve
This land was farmed for many years by Alton and Helen McDonald. Alton used to hay the fields on his property, as well as some of the fields the town owned that you will pass on your hike.
These lands are open for the pleasure of the public.
These properties were protected by preservation efforts in both towns, using a combination of State and private grants,
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, and donations from private individuals.
President’s Letter June 2019
We had another busy year! In Hampden, we have finalized the acquisition of Mt. Vision, a 43-acre parcel on North Road in Hampden with a right of way on Burleigh Road in Wilbraham. Working with private landowners, we protected 110 acres of open space with Conservation Restrictions. At Town Meeting, voters overwhelmingly approved moving forward to acquire West Brook, Phase II, a 23-acre parcel with frontage on Mountain Road that abuts West Brook, Phase I, east of Memorial Park. This would provide an east to west trail paralleling Main Street, through the Park and out through Goat Rock Conservation Land.
In Wilbraham last year, voters at the Town Meeting approved the conservation of Mt. Marcy. We are now working to
The seventh annual Run for Rice’s took place on Saturday, June 8. This event has grown over the years in both runners and sponsors. Racing fees and sponsor donations will go towards the Rice Nature Preserve Stewardship Fund. Funds are used to help preserve the upland meadows and the trail system. This year we plan to install bog bridging near the entrance at Highmore Drive, and a bridge to cross the culvert to the north field.
As we look back on the past 25 years, and 1000 acres of critical land now preserved, we thank all of you. Without a membership to support our mission, we could not exist. If you haven’t had a chance to renew your membership, please clip and mail the form below.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Sherry Himmelstein, President
9th Annual Run for Rice’s 5k Road Race
Hosted by the Rice Nature Preserve Stewardship Committee of the Minnechaug Land Trust, Inc.
Proceeds to benefit the Rice Nature Preserve Stewardship Fund
When: Saturday, June 8, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Day-of Registration open 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.)
Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 758 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095
Registration fee: $15 pre-registration by June 7, 2019 / $20 day-of-race registration / $15 for all runners 18 and under. Short-sleeve 50/50 blend race T-shirts guaranteed to first 200 registered runners. Free Rice Fruit Farm ice cream sundae to all registered runners (valid day of race only). On-line registration available at RunSignUp.com.
About the Race: A flat, fast 5k course beginning and ending at Christ the King Lutheran Church. There will be one water aid station at the halfway point. Walkers welcome. For runner safety, no bicycles or dogs are allowed on the course.
Awards: Awards to 1st place male and female overall, 50+ and youth (14 and under) categories (must be present after race).
Mail this registration form to Alison Webster, 4 Birchknoll Drive, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Please include a check payable to Minnechaug Land Trust, Inc. Questions? E-mail Race Director Robert Olsen at: thebigrock9@gmail.com
Thank you to all the participants, sponsors and volunteers who made the Sixth Annual Run for Rice the biggest and most successful run ever!