Frequent Asked Questions
What is The Weston Forest and Trail Association?
The Weston Forest and Trail Association, Inc., is a non-profit organization founded to preserve the rural character by encouraging and supporting the preservation of land in town. We also maintain open space and promote the enjoyment of all of Weston's conservation land with trails for walking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. We're dedicated to encouraging the appreciation of the land by the residents of Weston.

You mean it owns all Weston's conservation land?
No, Forest and Trail currently owns 186 acres of land and 18 miles of trail easements. The Town of Weston owns more than 2000 acres of conservation land, part of it acquired with the Association's help. Weston Forest and Trail plays a stewardship role and builds and maintains trails on town land as well.

How long has this been going on?
The Forest and Trail Association was formed in 1955 by twelve founders who understood that the sprawl of suburban development after World War II would put immense pressures on semi-rural towns like Weston. Heart of the organization for many years was the late Dr. William Elliston, physician, gentleman farmer and amateur naturalist. A part of the conservation land, Elliston Woods, is named in his honor.

Well - Weston is pretty much developed. What is there to do now?
There are still several hundred acres of undeveloped land in Weston. The Assocation keeps an eye on them, follows building proposals, and negotiates to preserve tracts and easements, all with a view to maintaining the rural character and natural beauty of our Town.

Do you have anything to do with those little green arrows stuck on the trees?
Actually, if you look closely, you'll see the design is an evergreen tree atop a "W." We call them our pine tree markers, and they mark Weston's hiking trails.

No kidding? How many trails do you have? How can I find them?
Weston has approximately 100 miles of trails, open to hikers, skiers, and horses, but not to motorized vehicles. Our trail maps, kept up to date by computerization, can be purchased at Town Hall. Another excellent way to become acquainted with the trails is to attend our Sunday hikes on the first Sunday of every month.

Great! Where do I do that?
We meet in a different part of town and explore different trails each month from October through May. All the walks start at 2:00 p.m.,and we have refreshments afterwards. There is always a notice of the meeting place in the Town Crier on the Thursday before each Sunday walk, and we now mail a tentative schedule to all our members in September.

Can I become a member?
You bet. It's easy to fill out the on-line membership form. For certain levels of membership, you can receive the exclusive Weston Forest and Trail mug decorated with the pine tree logo. If you're really enthusiastic and can make a substantial contribution, we have a new category, a Life Membership. In addition to membership categories, you may order various WFTA items using this form

Is this Tax Deductible?
Sure is.

Where does all the money go?
It costs quite a bit to care for public-use lands; We maintain both Town lands and land owned by the Forest and Trail Association, both. Blowdowns and debris from snow and ice storms clog our trails, and brush and new growth would erase the pathway if left alone. We can no longer rely solely on volunteers to clear trails, so we hire Land's Sake to manage and clear trails and to maintain the views from our hilltop outlooks. Did you know you can see downtown skyscrapers from the top of one hill in Weston and Mount Wachusett from another?

Do you do anything else?
A couple of things. We obtain easements - access ways across private property to link up trails and tracts of conservation land. We keep track of where they are, and enforce them if needed. If subsequent owners block them in any way, we get them opened again. And the Association tries to raise public consciousness about conservation. Our annual meeting each May always features a speaker who is a naturalist or a conservationist, and this is open to the public. We see ourselves as protecting and enhancing the character of the town by maintaining and augmenting the beauties of its open land.

How do I purchase Elmer Jones' book, Walks On Conservation Land, Weston, Massachusetts?
You can buy Elmer's book here on the website or at Dragon Books, Weston Center, Massachusetts. The price is $15.00 and helps cover the cost of printing and distribution. Professor Jones’ book is also available when applying for membership, or at any time by mail directly from the Association, for $15.00 plus $ 2.00 for shipping and handling. Send a note to WF&TA, 266 Glen Road, Weston, MA O2493