A hiking challenge for young and old
A friend and I recently walked at Fuller Farm on Route 149 in Marstons Mills, to get some fresh air and admire the wildflowers, the fields of tall grass, a breezy summer day, and the beautiful, majestic trees. This area reminds me of growing up in Eastham where my sisters and I could roam the field next to our house, pick daisies, watch the clouds pass overhead, and build forts below the trees in a cluster on the side of our parents’ property.
Fuller Farm is just one of the many sites you can walk or hike this summer to participate in the Barnstable Land Trust Hike Barnstable, a 40-mile self-paced hiking challenge that covers 95 hiking miles. The hike is in celebration of the Barnstable Land’s Trust 40th anniversary and is sponsored in part by Cape Cod Healthcare.
“I had heard about the partnership Cape Cod Healthcare has with the Cape Cod National Seashore for Healthy Parks Healthy People and I thought the Barnstable Land Trust Hike Barnstable would be complimentary to that partnership,” said Sue Dahling Sullivan, director of Barnstable Land Trust communications and programs. “In addition to what the National Seashore has to offer, we have plenty of special places right here in Barnstable.”
Walking the fields is an incredible experience whether you like photography, history, or exercise,” said Sullivan. “There are a lot of ways to relate to the land and we are hoping to open those doors.”
The challenge that began on June 3, runs until September 4 so you still have time to complete it or walk the trails for pleasure, which is what I plan to do. Those who complete the 40 miles can also choose to register after they have done it.
“We are just launching our “Summer Send-off” phase of Hike Barnstable, which means you can submit a hike of any length on the finisher form to be eligible for a drawing of BLT swag,” said Sullivan.
Many Trails Within the System
The Barnstable Land Trust website offers a lot of information about all the trails that pass various areas including the size, a description of the property, the number of miles to walk it, and the address. Areas include the Mass Audubon: Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bansfield Meadow, the Bridge Creek Sanctuary Conservation Area, Crocker Neck Conservation Area, Eagle Pond, Little River Sanctuary, and many more.
Participants for the hike can register on the BLT website, which is listed under events, said Sullivan. They will receive a tracker for miles and locations and once hikers have completed the mileage, they will submit it to the land trust and receive a certificate, a Barnstable sticker, and a letter from the executive director. Those who pre-register will be among the first to receive information about special health and wellness programs that will be offered during the challenge in collaboration with Cape Cod Healthcare.
“Our work isn’t done because now it’s more critical than ever to look at climate change, water quality, and housing options - which are all issues facing us today – and how they could impact our future,” she said. “The fate of Cape Cod’s natural environment should matter to everybody.”
Trail guides for the various locations are also available at area libraries, visitor centers, and the BLT Conservation Center, 1540 Main St, West Barnstable. Further information about summer events for adults and children is available at www.blt.org.
