BOSTON, Mass. – Guided hikes are planned at five different Trustees reservations on Friday, Nov. 24, to celebrate Green Friday, a movement that offers an alternative to “shop til you drop” Black Friday. Green Friday encourages consumers to be more mindful and sustainable when holiday shopping.
The hikes are offered on varying levels of terrain, ranging from easy to rigorous, and range in duration from 45 minutes to two and one-half hours. All hikes will be guided by outdoor educators or Trustees staff.
At the Brickyard in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, join Trustees staff at 9 a.m. for a two- and one-half-hour guided nature hike that explores the natural and land use history of this iconic location. Learn about the glacial movement that formed the island. This three- to four-mile hike is over rocky and uneven terrain, so participants should wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
Outdoor educators will guide this family-friendly hike at the Lyman Reserve in Bourne, Plymouth, and Wareham. Join us at 9 a.m. for a hike out to Buttermilk Bay. Trustees outdoor educators will take the time to explore trees and animal species encountered on the hike. This hike lasts approximately 90 minutes and is rated easy for terrain.
At Weir River Farm in Hingham, participants will meet up at 10 a.m. for a Trustees staff-led hike on the orange loop trail. The trail cuts through Weir River Farm to Turkey Hill and parts of the Whitney and Thayer Woods, two properties managed by The Trustees. This hike is 45- to 60 minutes-long and will take in amazing views of the autumn landscape. The hike ends at the Studio where hikers will enjoy stunning views of the Boston skyline. This hike is appropriate for adults and children over the age of 7.
If an afternoon hike is more to your liking, The Trustees will offer 1-3 p.m. hike at Slocums River Reserve in Dartmouth. An outdoor educator will guide the hike to the Ed Shed and take time to explore different trees and animal species spotted along the way. This is a family-friendly hike rated easy for terrain.
If you are on the North Shore, join us at Crane Estate in Ipswich at 1 p.m. for a Crane Outdoor Green Friday Hike in the Dunes. Hikers will be led by a guide who will take them on an invigorating hike through the dunes of Castle Neck. Hikers will hike through the dunes, a maritime scrub forest and on the beautiful beaches on both Ipswich Bay and the Essex/Castle Neck River estuary side of the peninsula. Along the way, hikers will experience stunning views of Choate Island, varied landscapes and naturally occurring cranberry bogs. This four-mile, two-and-one-half hour hike is rigorous with hikers traversing up and down dunes and hills.
Hikers are asked to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear, dress warmly, and bring water and snacks.
Looking for more hikes over the holiday weekend? Check out The Trustees “Post-Feast Hikes” suggestions for a list of hikes at Trustees properties across Massachusetts.
Pre-registration is required for the Green Friday hikes. Most hikes will take place rain or shine but could be cancelled due to inclement weather or low enrollment. To learn more about the hikes, go to www.thetrustees.org and click on “Things to Do” on the top menu.