for young explorers
the hidden stonehedge trail, by kristy stewart |
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Birds in Weston Area, by Crystal Tzau
Climbing Cat, by Sarah Smith
Dynamite Doublet Hill, by Sarah Smith and Mary Menino
An Excellent Excursion, by Molly Recka
The Hidden Stonehedge Trail, by Kristy Stewart
A Jolly Jericho Jaunt, by Crystal Tzau
Just Around the Woody Bend, by Lindsay Jarrett
A Kid's Guide to Weston's Trails, by Girl Scout Troop 3064, June 2007
Rockin' Around the Reservoir, by Kara Hedges
Weekend Waddle in the Fiske Forest and Sunday Woods, by Meredith Rahman
Woodland Wander and Bumpy Biking, by Maggie Merrill |
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Background Information
In the year 1960, the family of Beriah L. Ogilvie acquired 48 acres of the Weston land. They donated this land to the town and and it became known as the Ogilvie Town Forest. Since their donation of this territory, there have been ten more purchases of land since then, thus increasing the total area to 196 acres. |
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Recommended Hike
The hike will begin on the hidden trail located far back into Stonehedge Road which is off of Concord Road in Lincoln. Take Concord Road north from Weston Center. Before you reach the railroad tracks, Stonehedge will be on your left. Drive well up the road and be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the trail sign on the left since this trail can be missed very easily! The trailhead is on the left between #26 and #32 Stonehedge Road and below is a picture of the start of the trail. Parking is available along the road right next to the trailhead. You are actually starting in Lincoln but will soon be on Weston trails.
As you begin the hike, the terrain starts out slightly inclined for about five or so meters. In the winter when there is snow on the ground, this area will be quite slick and slippery, so it is advised to wear sturdy boots to provide traction. As soon as this part is over and you get past the house on the trail, a new path is opened and this area is a lot more flat and leveled off. It will stay this way for much of the trail. Between the beginning of the trail and intersection Y there is a stream crossing. This stream most likely flows into Warbler Springs and areas around Blackburnian Road. Just a thought, this crossing does not have any bridges or dead logs, so this might be difficult to cross. Again, it is advised to wear sturdy boots that are waterproof if you don’t want to get wet. |
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The trail is mainly straightforward with not too many junctions. When you come to the main trail, turn left. Immediately, you will see intersection “9” and you will stay to the left again. Continue along the trail and at the next major intersection (unmarked), turn right. Continue to intersection Y and take a left, then continue straight to Z. Take a right at Z and continue to X. At X, stay to the left and continue. There will be a small pond on your right. Do not take a left at the pond, but continue straight for a few more yards. At the next intersection (unmarked), turn left. Continue through the woods and over a wet area. At the next intersection turn 90 degrees left. There will be a white house at this junction. It will be on your right after the left turn. Continue straight. At the next intersection (W), stay straight. Eventually, you’ll go up a hill. After the hill, at intersection U, turn right. Continue in a loop to intersection Z (you’ve been here before). At Z, stay to the right and come back the way you came.
The map will provide these directions more clearly. This may seem complicated, but this trail is actually quite easy and short. If you walk along with a good pace, it should take less than twenty minutes. |
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When Should You Walk?
It is always up to the person walking the trails to decide when the best time to walk the trails is. I would suggest walking sometime in the early to mid spring. This is because the environment and wildlife are most beautiful then. The leaves are on the trees, flowers are growing on the ground, and there is a greater variety of wild animals than in the fall and winter. Possible
Activities (Besides Walking)
There are many different activities you can do along this path which are suitable besides just walking. For example, the terrain is flat enough to go for a morning run or jog in the fall or spring. This trail is also appropriate for families going for a weekend walk with the dog. Domestic animals would love the sights and wildlife as much as humans do. This activity can be done at anytime of the year for all ages.
Wildlife
In this area of town, you can find everything from large pine trees, conifer plants (plants producing cones), ferns, to common animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and robins. You could also find maple and oak trees, and deer and foxes too. The most common plant you will find on this trail is pine trees. These gigantic trees are commonly found in higher latitudes, such as in the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska. These trees are commonly classified by the cones they produce which fall to the ground in the fall along with the pine needles. The cones conceal the seeds inside them, and once they fall to the ground, the seeds are buried in the soil and grow into more pine trees as time passes.
Can you find this distinctive tree near intersection Z?? Our troop nicknamed it the “bumbum” tree! |
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The Peaceful Forest
I trek through the snow covered ground
and I find myself alone.
In the cold I stand under
the canopy shielding me.
I listen to the sounds of the
nature calling out to me.
The voices I hear are soothing;
birds chirping, rivers flowing.
I don’t hear humans around me,
only the peaceful forest
I continue listening and
standing for one more hour.
And then the time goes by quickly,
so I must return home.
As I walk back home through the snow,
the forest voices retreat
And the peaceful forest awaits
my return to paradise.
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Backpacker Bars
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
½ cup wheat germ
4 teaspoons grated orange peel
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup chopped dates
½ cup chopped dried apricots
½ cup shredded coconut
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Stir in oats, wheat flour, white flour, wheat germ, and orange peel. Press mixture into bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
Combine eggs, almonds, chocolate chips, dates, apricots, coconut, and remaining ½ cup brown sugar. Mix gently, but thoroughly. Pour over butter mixture. Spread evenly in pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes and cool before cutting into bars. |
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About the Author
Kristy Stewart is currently a freshman at Weston High School, born on May 12, 1992. She lives with her parents and two older brothers in their sophomore and junior years in college. At Weston High, Kristy participates in the freshman soccer team and junior varsity girls’ softball team.
Kristy’s favorite activities include playing the violin in the school orchestra, studying meteorology and earth science, and playing outside when the weather is warm. She is also an avid member of the school scuba club as well as the Weston Girl Scouts. |
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Download the pdf of this chapter, print and take it with you!
The Hidden Stonehedge Trail, by Kristy Stewart (pdf) |
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