GMC Worcester – Outings

Saturday, January 22. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski (depending on conditions) the backcountry roads and trails of the Harvard Forest in Petersham. The outing will be 4 to 5 miles over moderate terrain. We will meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot of the Harvard Forest at 324 North Main Street in Petersham.  After the hike we will tour the Fischer Museum (for those interested), which is located on the property. To register, call Dick Kisten at 508-892-8866 after 6:00 pm, or Margos Stone at 508-826-6842, or email Margos at mstone12242@charter.net. Directions: Take Route 122 North to Route 32 North in Petersham. Follow Route 32 North for approximately 4 miles to the parking lot on the right for Harvard Forest.

Saturday, January 29. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski (depending on conditions) the backcountry roads of the Ware River Watershed. The outing will be approximately 5 miles over moderate terrain. Meet at 9:30 am at the parking lot on Route 122 in Rutland at the trailhead to the Mid State Trail. Call Dick Kisten at 508-892-8866 after 6:00 pm, or Margos Stone at 508-826-6842, or email Margos at mstone12242@charter.net to register for the outing.

Saturday, February 5. Long Johns and Chowder Hike at the home of Ed and Pat Faron, 740 Pleasant Street, Rochdale, MA. Plan to arrive at 1:00 pm for the hike (or snow shoe depending on conditions) through the woods and up the slight ridge behind their house. The hike is 2.5 miles over moderate terrain. After the hike Ed and Pat will provide chowders, warm drinks and breads. You may contribute bread or food to share if you wish. Call Pat at 508-892-9237 by February 2, so they can plan the amount of food to prepare. Everyone must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend the hike and the gathering.

Saturday, February 12. Hike or snowshoe (depending on conditions) the trails of the Cutthroat Brook Tree Farm, located on 400 acres of land in Athol, MA, adjoining the Harvard Forest. The tree farm is named for the cutthroat trout of Cutthroat Brook, which runs through the farm. We will meet at 9:30 am at the tree farm, on 586 Briggs Road, Athol, on the Athol/Petersham line. This will be about a 4-mile hike or snowshoe over moderate terrain. Call Gary Brigham at 508-471-7867 or email him at gbrighammt@aol.com to register. Directions: Take Route 122 North to Route 32 North in Petersham. Follow Route 32 North for approximately 5 miles to Briggs Road. Turn right onto Briggs Road and drive 1/3 mile to the parking lot on the left.

Saturday, February 19. Hike the Moose Hill trail in Paxton. This is an easy loop trail. Meet at 10:00 am at the Cart Road Gate at 94 Laurel Street, Paxton, MA. This is a hike led by a Board member of the Greater Worcester Land Trust. The hike will be from 10:00 am to 12 noon. For more information, contact lea@gwlt.org.

Saturday, February 19. Hike a section of the Mid State Trail with Stuart and Pat Howe. Details and location will be provided soon.

Saturday, February 26. Poutwater Pond Hike/Ski/Snowshoe (depending on conditions). We will meet and park at 9:30 am at the Maypother Baseball Fields, 309 Princeton Road, Sterling, MA. We can no longer park in the Thompson Gardens as we have in the past. This 3-mile round-trip hike/ski/snowshoe will ascend 300 feet in elevation through the North Sterling woods, traversing Sterling Land Trust, DCR and Mass. Fish and Wildlife lands. Come along and enjoy this isolated pond that few venture to in winter. Snowshoes are available for loan. Contact Mike Peckar to sign up for the hike and reserve snowshoes at 508-835-2959 or email him at fog@fognet.com. Masks are required.