#trusteesofreservations — Public Fediverse posts

Trustees hike: Charles River Peninsula

https://blog.kamens.us/2026/08/26/trustees-hike-charles-river-peninsula/

Trustees hike: Charles River Peninsula

On July 11, I visited the #TrusteesOfReservations property #CharlesRiverPeninsula <https://thetrustees.org/place/charles-river-peninsula/> in #NeedhamMA. It’s a lovely property which I recommend. It’s an easy hike, almost entirely flat, and there is a good amount of interesting stuff to see.
#hiking #TheTrustees #outing #DayTrip
1/11

P.S. In contrast to The Trustees of Reservations, this is what it looks like when an organization that actually knows how to manage and treat its membership tells you that your membership is about to renew. #TheTrustees #TrusteesOfReservations #MassAudubon #charities #nonprofits

Trustees of Reservations doesn’t know how to treat members or fully maintain their properties

https://blog.kamens.us/2026/08/24/trustees-of-reservations-doesnt-know-how-to-treat-members-or-fully-maintain-their-properties/

I appreciate that The Trustees of Reservations exists, and I appreciate the work they do to safeguard nature and historic sites throughout Massachusetts.

But I’m just so tired of how badly run their membership program is, of how poorly they treat members, and of the half-assed job they do on some basic maintenance tasks. So much so, in fact, that I’m probably going to cancel my membership the next time it comes up for renewal.
#TrusteesOfReservations #TheTrustees #nonprofits #charities
1/7

We seem to have done everything needed to prepare for my mom's funeral and shiva, at least for now, so I'm going to fill some of the time catching up on posting about my trips to #TrusteesOfReservations properties.
On June 6, I hiked Signal Hill in #CantonMA <https://thetrustees.org/place/signal-hill/>. It's a small reservation and an easy hike, not one of the more dramatic Trustees properties, but still enjoyable and interesting if you pay attention.
#Massachusetts #hiking
1/13

List of #BostonMA #CommunityGardens

"Our 56 community gardens —totaling 15 acres across eight Boston neighborhoods—are tended and cared for by local residents. These oases of green are sources of neighborhood pride that connect people and place. They turn neighbors into friends, strengthen family bonds and traditions, and inspire joy in the shared work of growing fresh, healthy, and delicious food."

https://thetrustees.org/content/list-of-boston-community-gardens/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #GreenerCities #GrowYourOwn #TrusteesOfReservations

Because I had such a wonderful time on yesterday's morning outing (https://federate.social/@jik/116913389040814472), the gods have proclaimed that #today I would have the opposite experience.
This morning I visited the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, a #TrusteesOfReservations property in #CantonMA. It was a disappointment.
Executive summary: IMO the only thing this property has going for it is location, so choose another Trustees property unless this one is really convenient.
#nature #hiking #outing
…

I like to post about the #TrusteesOfReservations properties I visit in order, and I'm a bit behind on posting them, but the property I visited this morning to get in some early exercise before work, #ChestnutHillFarm, was just so _charming_ that I want to squee about it immediately.
If you're looking for an easy but thoroughly enjoyable hike within a half hour of Boston, this is a great choice.
Ref: https://thetrustees.org/place/chestnut-hill-farm/
#Massachusetts #Southborough #hiking
1/5

And last but not least #AppletonFarms. ProTip: if you show up at Appleton Farms a half hour before sunset there really isn't much to do or see except, I guess, to walk the trails and maybe catch a glimpse of some cows. And there are a LOT of trails, it's a BIG farm.
As proof that I was there, I give you some cows and a really impressive vernal pool.
And there you have it, my #GreatTrusteesRace race is over, I did 10+ #TrusteesOfReservations properties across #Massachusetts in just two days.

The heatwave has broken, so the #GreatTrusteesRace is back on. Can I visit five Eastern #Massachusetts #TrusteesOfReservations properties in one day? I have a handicap: my wife only wants to visit one, so I'm going to have to shuttle her back home after the first one, which is #GerryIsland. We're there now, and it's lovely.
This island was once owned by the father of the guy after whom gerrymandering is named!
The rocks are fun to climb on and you can cool off in the water if you'd like.

Tonight and tomorrow night in #IpswichMA !

#CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the #FullMoon

Castle Hill on the #CraneEstate

Sunday, September 7, 2025, and Monday, September 8, 2025

About CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon

"Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience.

"We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening walk along Crane Beach when most visitors have packed up and gone home for the day. We’ll have ample time to take in the 'Cape Ann light' that has been the inspiration of many artists over the years. Then, we’ll then head into the dunes where we’ll explore the trails of Castle Neck under the light of the full moon. You’ll enjoy the quiet of Pitch Pine groves and catch glimpses of the Atlantic as you crest the dunes. You might even see some cranberries in the Neck’s naturally occurring cranberry bogs.

"Please note: Our standard Full Moon Hike is suited to kids aged 12+ and/or who can comfortably hike 2-3 miles. For families with smaller children, or those looking for a slower pace, please look for our CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike offerings, which are shorter and go at a gentler pace.

"Bring water and dress for the weather to maximize comfort. You are welcome to bring a flashlight or headlamp, but we may ask for moments of total darkness to fully enjoy the moon and the shadows it makes on the dunes."

$30pp

https://thetrustees.org/event/441279/

#SolarPunkSunday #LunarPunkSunday #TrusteesOfReservations #CraneEstate #WalkingTrails #MoonlightWalks #Nature
#Massachusetts #MassachusettsEvents #SpendTimeInNature #LandPreservation #LandTrusts

For many years, The Crane Estate grew their own food!

"Crane purchased the 165-acre plot of land and knew exactly what he wanted: a bowling green, tennis court, maze, log-cabin playhouse, golf course and deer preserve. Crane and his family also ran a self-sustaining farm with livestock, an orchard, and dense vegetable and rose gardens, which space needed to be made for."

https://www.nps.gov/places/crane-estate.htm

#SolarPunkSunday #SelfSustaining #Gardens #HistoricBuildings #LandPreservation #TrusteesOfReservations #Massachusetts

@knizer @shoozejim A list of #bostonHikes would be awesome.

In other direction... #BlueHillsReservation (also accessible by public transit, I believe).

And one of my favorites, #worldsEnd in #Hingham (a #trusteesOfReservations property). Not sure there's any public transit to it though... (and yeah it's really more a walk than a hike, but still!)

Belted Kingfisher and an American Robin out in the snow at Cornell Farm this afternoon.

#birds #wildlife #birdphotography #nature #wildmassachusetts #naturalmassachusetts #dartmouth #massachusetts #massachusettswildlife #trusteesofreservations #cornellfarm

Apparently, all I need to do to spot Merlins is head out for a hike when the light is lousy. This guy was happy to perch on one of the big evergreens down by the river at Westport Town Farm for a while, but the sun was low and behind clouds.

#wildmassachusetts #naturalmassachusetts #westport #massachusetts #massachusettswildlife #birds
#wildlife #birdphotography #nature #trusteesofreservations