Stockmal/Nicholdale Work Party

Great-looking crew

A nice crew turned up to clear out the trails at Nicholdale Farm and Willis Woods, including the new Stockmal Trail that was created last February.

Land Trust President Joe Welsh works on Stockmal Trail

Stockmal Trail had that 'new trail' syndrome, where vegetation sprouts up vigorously on the new tread. On older, well-used trails, the vegetation grows in from the sides, not from the middle of the trail.

Trails Committee members Bob, Val, and Mike

Brushcutters and string trimmers were a big help and made quick work of Stockmal Trail (blazed white).

Stockmal Trail - all clear now

There is a very short connector trail that has been blazed blue/white because it connects a blue trail to a white trail. From Nicholdale, the trail leads to the safest point to cross Rt 110 due to better sight lines. Parking is very limited across the highway at Willis Woods, so this connector allows hikers to access Stockmal Trail from the Nicholdale parking lots.

Nicholdale/Stockmal Connector at Rt 110

Crews also cleared out overgrow woodland sections of the blue Perimeter Trail at Nicholdale Farm. The meadow sections have been kept mowed all summer. There were lots of butterflies and wildflowers on the meadow section.

Nicholdale Perimeter Trail