Above: Chestnut Hill Farm is celebrating winter this month, including a night hike with s’mores and more. (images from TTOR Facebook and website)
The Trustees of Reservations has scheduled special winter events at Southborough’s Chestnut Hill Farm this month. Of those still available, two are open invitations for publicly accessible fun for kids on the trails. The other requires registration.
The following special event has limited space:
Animal Tracking Family Night Hike
Saturday, Dec 12 | 4-6 pm
Registration is Required
Member: $15/adult, $12/child; Nonmember: $25/adult, $20/child (children under 4 attend free)
Join us for a special evening hike, led by Tim Puopolo, a Trustees ranger and naturalist, and 2017 recipient of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s “Outstanding Park Interpreter” award. During our guided hike, Tim will teach us how to recognize different animal tracks and other signs of wildlife on the farm and in the woods!
The hike will be about 30 minutes long and will follow some of Chestnut Hill Farm’s most beautiful trails. The bonfire will be going and there will be popcorn, hot cocoa, and s’mores. Bring the family and friends — this popular program is well-loved for good reason! (Click here for more details.)
The next two events are open to the public:
Chestnut Hill’s Reindeer Quest
Daily in December | Sunrise to Sunset
FREE
Grab your snow boots and get the family outside to discover our elusive herd of wooden reindeer found throughout the farm trails! This is a self-guided program that runs throughout the month of December Directions can be found at the trailhead parking lot kiosk. Before you go, check out the Chestnut Hill Farm trails map here.
(Note: You may recall that in the past, we have left out bells for you to hang on our reindeer friends as you find them. Due to Covid-19, we must skip the bells this year. But please share your photos on social media so that we know you enjoyed the quest!) (Click here for more details.)
Winter StoryWalk
Daily | Sunrise to Sunset
FREE
StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Conceived as a way to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take young children outside for physical activity and to learn, StoryWalk helps build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy activity for everyone.
Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along one of our farm’s trails. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story. What a lovely way to enjoy the farm! Before you go, check out the Chestnut Hill Farm trails map here. (Click here for more details.)
Updated (12/3/20 1:06 pm): I initially listed the wrong date and time for the first event.
