ECTA September News: Adventures, Challenges and more!

We have been busy with trail work this summer and are excited to share with you our most recent project at Greenbelt’s Pingree Reservation.  

Our fall calendar is filling up fast with events for all of our diverse trail users.   Riders can explore West Newbury’s Pipestave Hill area at the Adventure Trail this Sunday.   Runners can compete in 5 or 10 mile races at the  9th Annual Run for the Trails on September 21st.   Bikers will enjoy a ride on the Rail Trail on September 29th.   October offers trail walks with our partners at DCR and IRWA, and ECTA will celebrate our  4th Annual Pan-Ipswich Challenge, a 20-mile walk/run across Ipswich.

How do we manage to keep up with all of this trail work and these great events?   With support from you!   And now you have the opportunity to stretch your contribution ever further!   With our Matching Gift Challenge, every dollar that you contribute by October 1st, or pledge by October 1st and pay the end of 2013, will be matched by an anonymous donor – up to $25,000!   These funds will allow to ECTA to continue to work on important trail projects in our area and will help ensure the protection of the trails for our own use and for the enjoyment of future generations.

Can we count on you to support our Matching Gift Challenge today?

Pingree Reservation Trail Work

Greenbelt’s Pingree Reservation, located off of Highland Street in Hamilton, consists mainly of glacial formations called “eskers” that create the rolling terrain of ridges and valleys throughout the 135 acre property.   The trails at the Reservation cross through streams and swampy areas between the winding ridgelines, and these areas are often wet and muddy.   Several trails had gone beyond the point of being a nuisance and had really become quite unsafe, filled with deep holes and ruts.
Read more on our recent trail work >>

Pan-Ipswich Challenge Moves to October

If you are an avid trail runner or walker, don’t miss out on the Pan-Ipswich Challenge!   The 20-mile course highlights scenic trails from Hood Pond to Steep Hill Beach.   The event, now in it’s fourth year, will be held on Saturday, October 26th.   Enjoy the autumn foliage at its peak and support Essex County Trail Association’s mission to preserve and maintain this extensive trail network!  
Click here for more information and to register >>

Thank You to Our Lead Sponsors!

Contact us today to find out how your business can become an ECTA sponsor!