ECTA April News: We’re Off and Running! (And biking, and hiking and riding…)
Alice Winthrop
Dear ECTA Supporters,
With sunshine and warm weather finally here and all but a few shaded patches of snow left on the ground, winter is starting to seem like a distant memory! All just in time for our lineup of spring events, including Saturday’s Rail Trail Bike Ride.
We are looking forward to seeing many of our ECTA members and friends this Tuesday at 6:00 pm at our Annual Meeting. We are excited to welcome Jim MacDougall as our guest speaker. Jim is one of Massachusetts’ most well-known naturalists and will share with us his insights on the history of and rare species found within Willowdale State Forest.
As you head out on the trails, please let us know if there are trails that were damaged over the winter. Pictures and maps help us locate the area and assess the extent of the repair work needed. Please also remember our recent Trail Alert about mud season – we have already started receiving repairs about trail closures, including some of the trails at Pipestave Hill in West Newbury. It is important to protect these sensitive areas now so that we can enjoy them for the rest of the season!
Equine Expo Marks Start of Spring
For 20 years, the Equine Expo and Paraphernalia Sale has marked the unofficial start of spring for the equestrian community. Some come with shopping list in hand, others browse for that hidden treasure they never knew they needed, and many look forward to just catching up with fellow riders snowed in all winter. On Saturday, April 25th, join us at the Topsfield Fair Grounds Arena from 9 am to 3 pm for this wonderful event!
We are looking forward to our first ever “Spring for the Trails” Half Marathon on Sunday, May 3rd. The race is part of the North Shore Trail Series sponsored by New England Running Co./Salomon. All proceeds help to support much-needed repairs on our trails!
ECTA would like to thank the Institution for Savings for their generous Lead Sponsorship! For more information on sponsorship opportunites, please contact Ray Denis at 978-239-2024 or ray@ectaonline.org.
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
Green Elephant Toys
True North Gallery New England Running Co
