A well-worn path winds its way through the hemlock, white pine, and red maple woods. Although there are no trail markers Barbara Tobias and Elaine Keech, and their dogs Sydney and Isabelle, know exactly where to head. For the last 17 years they have been walking their woods everyday. In the winter, they trade their hiking boots in for a pair of cross country skis.

Barbara and Elaine use every square inch of their 6 1/2 acres from the extensive vegetable gardens to their woods. They know and enjoy their land. For them, these daily walks are time to, "get away from the worries of the day and to enjoy nature". They particularly enjoy the change of the seasons in the woods: the quiet of winter; the wildflowers of Spring; the colors of fall. They enjoy learning about the history of their land and the history of the land around them. Learn more about "Your Woods".

Although this beautiful 6 1/2 acres meets many of their needs, they like to take longer walks than the land allows. They are fortunate to have neighbors that allow them to walk their woods. Elaine is particularly fond of exploring the woods, wetlands, and streams around their land in their landscape. She hikes to the large wetland behind their land that forms a headwater stream of the Dead Branch River, where they kayak. They also enjoy the trails across the road from them on the Boy Scout property. The Boy Scout property is permanently protected from development through a Conservation Restriction with MA Fish and Wildlife. These longer hikes increase their enjoyment, and of course, the dogs' exercise. Knowing the people and resources of their landscape and how their land fits in, increases the enjoyment of their recreational activities. Learn more about "Your Landscape".

They moved to Chesterfield 17 years ago because of the quiet, rural character of the town and their road, as well as recreational opportunities the area offers. Barbara is concerned about the development she has seen since moving to the area and particularly about, "the big forest properties being broken up". Last year they received a letter from The Trustees of the Reservations Highland Communities Initiative and the Hilltown Land Trust offering joint membership.

Concerned with the future of their community and the natural resources of the region, they joined. The membership helps support local conservation efforts. It also gave them access to skiing at Notchview for free. Now, when even using the trials on neighboring land isn't enough, they can enjoy conservation land owned and maintained by TTOR. Learn about becoming more active in "your community".

The highland region of western Massachusetts is a heavily forested area with spectacular natural, scenic, and cultural resources. These resources provide people many opportunities to be involved with, or engaged, in their land, landscape and communities. Learning more about your woods, the landscape around it and the communities and organizations in the area can offer you opportunities to enhance your enjoyment.