Karen Shea and Beth Walker hike on Holy Hill in January 2012 on a New Year’s Day walk with the Conservation Trust. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Henry David Thoreau advised that “constant intercourse with nature and the contemplation of natural phenomena is essential to the preservation of moral and intellectual health.” Fortunately for Harvard residents, the town boasts 1,737 acres of salubrious conservation lands, wooded trails, wetlands, outcroppings, and wildlife sanctuaries.
To encourage exploration of Harvard’s natural resources, Conservation Agent Liz Allard and Marylynn Gentry, executive director of the Harvard Conservation Trust, are preparing to launch a women’s hiking series on May 13. On the second Tuesday of each month, Allard and Gentry invite women to lace up their sneakers, pack a snack, and hit the trails.
Inspired by a similar initiative in Leominster, Allard proposed this series as a way to inspire people to get outdoors. “I thought it was a great idea,” says Allard. “I thought a lot of people aren’t aware of the hiking trails in town, and this is a great way to get people outdoors again and refresh.” Though it is geared to women, Allard says, “It isn’t meant to exclude anyone who wants to hike.”
Allard is very excited about the first hike up to the Holy Hill of Zion, the worship area created by the Shaker community from 1842 to1843. “I haven’t yet had the opportunity to see this remnant of the Shaker community, and [the Conservation Commission] talks about it all the time,” she says. One hundred and seventy years ago, the Shakers cleared and fenced half an acre of land at the top of what they called Holy Hill, not far from Shaker Village. They planted a double row of maple trees and used these “dancing grounds” for worship and ceremonies. Allard is also looking forward to hiking through the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in July. “There are beaver huts throughout the wetlands, and I am hoping that we will see some wildlife activity.”
Although she has been Harvard’s conservation agent for the past seven years, Allard believes this series will allow her to gain familiarity with the lands under her protection. The Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over enforcement of the state Wetlands Protection Act, and Allard provides permits for building projects near wetlands and monitors their activity. Hiking the trails would help her when there is an issue about the land, she says, describing how her trail directions often include, “It’s just past that big tree on the left.”
Pat Huckery of Mass Wildlife picks a snapping turtle up by it’s tail on a previously held nature hike at the Oxbow. (Photo by Katy Sharko)
Allard and Gentry plan on doing a few “pre-hikes” to ensure the trails are ready for the group. Most of the trails are listed as “moderate hikes” in the Conservation Trust trail guides, and Allard says little experience is necessary. “This is a chance to meet community members outside a formal meeting room, freely express opinions, have conversation, and just be outside,” she says.
The first hike on May 13 leaves at 9:00 a.m. from the parking area for Holy Hill on South Shaker Rd. Interested hikers should contact Liz Allard at 978-456-4100 lallard@harvard.ma.us, or Marylynn Gentry at 978-456-9292 mgentry@harvardconservationtrust.org.
