National Trails Day Activities Planned at Great Barrington River Walk
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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Great Barrington Land Conservancy will celebrate National Trails Day at the Great Barrington River Walk with several activities throughout the day on Saturday, June 3.
At 9 a.m., a paddle and hike will be held. Canoes will be provided for a lovely Housatonic River paddle that will bring the trip to Kellogg Road and the Appalachian Trail. There, the group will put down their paddles and hoist on their packs for a gently upward 1.7 mile A.T hike up June Mountain to Home Road. Transport will be provided back to River Walk and the potluck picnic. Registration is required at info@GBLand.org. The hosts will include Christine Ward (GBLC), Dennis Regan (HVA) and Adam Brown (ATC).
From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., guests can meet at the Dubois River Garden Park (corner of Church and River Streets in Great Barrington) to explore the natural landscape through a variety of activities including hiking, paddling, history walk and a riverside activity for children. A potluck picnic will be held at 12:30 p.m.
Also from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about how trail design and ongoing habitat reclamation are helping to filter the storm water as it flows to the Housatonic River. Kids can actively experience the Water Cycle with a great game that helps them know where water comes from and where it goes.
From 10 to 11:30 a.m., there will be a family water-cycle activity called "The Incredible Journey." Children will become a drop of water and travel along the River Walk to different stations, creating a bracelet that will tell the story of their journey.
At 10:30 a.m., Bernie Drew will lead a trip into history and teach about about the first Bridge Street bridge, the old Log Homes property, 19th century land development, the rubberwear factory across from St. Peter's Center and particularly the home of Jason and Almira Cooley, whose house is still there. The journey begins at the Du Bois River Garden Park on River Walk and then goes across the river, north on East Street, west on Cottage Street and south on Main Street before returning to the River Walk. Registration appreciated at info@GBLand.org.
This event is sponsored by Great Barrington Land Conservancy in collaboration with its GB Trails Partners: The Great Barrington Historical Society, Housatonic Heritage, Housatonic Valley Association, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Appalachian Mountain Club, The Sheffield Land Trust and Community Development Corporation South Berkshire.
Tags: river walk,
