In the beginning of the trail you pass though a beautiful area where pine trees tower above you. Try to identify some trees, it’s fun -- I promise. If the clusters of pine needles have five needles it’s a white pine. If each cluster has two, then it’s probably a red pine.

When you arrive at intersection A, nicely labeled by green markers on three trees, take a right. This part of the trail can get ridiculously muddy since it runs alongside a stream. If you are walking in the winter or spring especially be sure to wear boots.

At the next major intersection, keep right. This path is not as well maintained as the rest of this trail, but directions should be pretty clear. After 5-7 minutes you should see the potato field on your right. That’s not very helpful though since potatoes grow underground…

When you reach the carriage trail (noticeable from its width) take a left. Doesn’t it feel spacious? I love it but we cannot stay here long. At intersection 7 take a right heading in the direction of Jericho Town Forest. Continue on this trail to the first intersection and turn right.

Very soon, you will come upon a carriage road and you will turn left. Now, head straight along the carriage road toward intersection F. You can enjoy the wide carriage trail for some time, it really blows my mind how wide these trails are.

Many plants we see today are imported or brought in from other countries. Lowbush blueberries, however, are native to New England which means they have been growing here naturally for thousands of years.

Wild blueberries that you may see on your walk during the late summer may be smaller than the ones you are used to seeing in the supermarket. Those store-bought berries are a cultivated variety. We buy them to cook or bake with, even to eat raw. Yummy!

These lowbush blueberries are also good to eat, maybe a bit tart. Native Americans have used the leaves of blueberry bushes to make teas. The tea was sometimes used to cure headaches!

Leave No Trace
by Meredith Rahman

Well folks, this sign just about says it all in this department. You must take care of any animals you take with you on your walk (including your little brother). Remember, also, that human feces must be buried away from any water source and well below the ground. Make sure it is properly taken care of. Waste entering well water can contaminate water with dangerous e coli bacteria.

Imagine yourself hiking through the majestic trees that loom over the green moss on which you step. The soft thump of your boot against the forest floor creates a smooth melody accompanying the birds singing overhead. Suddenly a discordant crinkle is played from your foot! As you look down in dismay you see a small gum wrapper. With all your anger and smite upon the world you take out your knapsack and stuff the trash in the front pocket. Pick it up and pack it out!

As many advertisements say, “don’t let this happen to you”. One bad crinkling sound is the first step on the road to destruction if you ask me. To avoid this irksome situation all you need to do is to pick up after yourself. It’s as simple as that. We hikers like to call this the “Leave no Trace Policy”. Basically it’s saying that you should not alter the nature you see so that others will be able to enjoy it too.

About the Author
Meredith Rahman lives in Weston, Massachusetts with her parents, sister and six year old kitten, Cypress. When she’s not perfecting the art of procrastination, Meredith plays the guitar and writes short poems, not at the same time of course. In her poems, she continues to amaze people with her painfully apparent inability to rhyme.

Meredith has always had a fascination with nature. From hiking through misty forests to aimlessly walking around her high school campus, you can always find her outdoors enjoying her surroundings.