After a long winter and our fair amount of April showers, it’s nice to finally see the grass growing and the flowers blooming! We’ve had a busy spring with lots of fun trail events and many important trail projects. Our Equine Expo was a huge hit once again – we’d like to thank all of our volunteers who make this event such a success. Improvements have been made to the Highland Street parking lot and trail head at Bradley Palmer State Park, we replaced a culvert on the Founders’ Trail that had been broken by a fallen tree, and we have several more projects in progress.
Despite a cool and rainy spring day, we had a small crowd join us in West Newbury for the Magnolia & Woods Walk where we saw lots of budding skunk cabbage and trout lilies. The weather cooperated a little better for our Tree ID Walk at IRWA’s Riverbend campus in Ipswich, where 47 walkers explored these beautiful trails and got to see an active beaver dam and lodge!
On the slate for this Saturday is our wonderful
Willowdale State Forest Mountain Bike Ride. This was a big hit last year as we explored the “roots and rocks” of the many single track trails Willowdale has to offer. On June 7th we hope you’ll join us as at the 4th AnnualECTAthlon Team Relay event. We need lots of volunteers to help competitors run, ride, roll and paddle their way to the finish line! We also have a special event planned for June 21st as we celebrate the Summer Solstice at Groton House Farm in Hamilton…read on below to find out more!
Explore Willowdale
Did you know that Massachusetts DCR’s Willowdale State Forest offers over 40 miles of trails ranging from fire roads to single tracks? Join ECTA this Saturday as we explore this extensive trail network on a novice/intermediate level mountain bike ride led by Scott Halstead and Bruce MacDonald. For more information or to register >>
Run-Ride-Roll-Paddle
There is still time to register for the 4th Annual ECTAthlon Team Relay on June 7th! New this year, we have the “corporate challenge” division for business sponsored teams, and individual awards for top finishers in each leg of the race. Don’t have a team? We can help connect you with other competitors! We also need many volunteers to help with all different parts of the event. If you can volunteer, please call use at 978-468-1133 or email ashley@ectaonline.org.
Tickets are now available online for the Summer Solstice Festival & Land Rover Driving Adventure at Groton House Farm. On Saturday, June 21st, join us as we celebrate the official start of summer with yummy food, cool drinks, live music and a raffle with many special and unique prizes.
The retailers below offer ECTA members great discounts on goods and services.
Farm Bar and Grille
Ipswich Inn
Wenham Sports Stop
Zumi’s Coffee Shop
First Light Anglers
Pinnacle Bikes
New England Running Co
Green Elephant Toys
Grassy Roots
True North Gallery
North Shore Dressage
