Rock House Reservation

04/18/2022

It's been some time since your volunteers have been to Rock House, but one of us made it today. Spent most of the day cleaning graffiti from the cabin. Most of the paint, ink, and marker are gone now. As soon as it warms up, we'll be back to fill and paint all the carving on the porch.

We've been dealing with a bad beaver problem for the last year. Try as we might, the high water table is combining with a new crop of beavers to do some serious damage around the pond. The dam at the southern end of the pond will probably remain wet and difficult to traverse for some time.

Also, in spite of the temperatures, I found two ticks on my dog today, so yes, they are active. And warmer days in the 50s and 60s are just around the corner, so they will only become more active. Time for the bug spray!

12/07/2021

Exciting news! The Board of Directors of The Trustees today announced the appointment of John Judge as our fifth President and CEO. Judge joins The Trustees following his role leading the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
“We are pleased to welcome John to The Trustees at a time when our shared future depends so much on our ability to connect with the natural world and with each other in healthy ways,” said Nicie Panetta, Board of Directors Vice Chair and Chair of the Executive Search Committee. “John impressed us with his passion for outdoor citizenship and his focus on making the work of The Trustees both accessible and inspiring to everyone in the Commonwealth. His track record of success as a national voice for climate and environmental justice will enable The Trustees to build on its existing initiatives in these critical areas.”
To learn more about Judge, his past work, and his new role, please visit our website thetrustees.org/ceo

The Board of Directors of The Trustees of Reservations  announced the appointment of John Judge as its fifth President and CEO. 

11/30/2021

Today is Giving Tuesday—a global day of giving for the causes you care about most. We know how deeply you care about Massachusetts’ special places. Today every dollar you can give will be TRIPLE MATCHED by a generous friend of The Trustees, up to $50,000, to help us preserve the Commonwealth’s irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks for everyone to enjoy—forever!

Give now: https://bit.ly/3pdDF3B

11/25/2021

Today we give thanks for friends and family, and we hold space for the lived experiences of those in our indigenous communities as we acknowledge that the meaning of today is not universal. We hope this day offers a moment of peace, of connection, and warmth. A hope that you are with your chosen family and loved ones, and that there is comfort, companionship, and lots of fresh air.

Image: Carter Pond by Trustees Hikers member Janice Jouzaitis Bellew

09/11/2021

Today we mark twenty years since the events of September 11, 2001. And today, as every day, we invite you to visit our natural places with loved ones, or in solitude. We invite you to mark the day in your way and to make space for grief and light. It can also be a day to make space for those around you, and those who might seek safety and a sense of belonging in a new community. Remembering our interconnectedness can be the gift we offer to each other.

Image by Jaime Cheah

05/15/2021

Before & after. One down. Several to go.

05/15/2021

There are 3 or 4 trees down on the main trails. All are passable. At least one on the Pond Loop (red) trail east of the pond is on my work list today. Stop and say hi of you see me.

05/08/2021

Hello again loyal Rock House visitors. 14 months after the last post on this page informing everyone that the property had closed for COVID, your volunteer trail maintainer and Property Steward is finally returning to work. For the first time in over a year I will be back on the trails tomorrow assessing all the work that surely needs to be done.

You can help! First of all, feel free to say hello. I will (hopefully) be the only person you encounter carrying a saw or an axe or a shovel - or perhaps even driving my trusty Subaru to some part of the Fire Road.

Second, your reports can save me a lot of time. If you see trees/branches down on the property or damage like graffiti, feel free to report it here and I'll be sure to catalog it. I suspect the wind, snow, and people have left quite a bit of work to do, and I intend to get started tomorrow. Hope to see you on the trails.

03/24/2020

Please see below. Rock House is 100% closed (no hiking, no dog-walking, no running...) until April 7. 😢

These are unprecedented times, and we must be both brave and prudent. Recently we have seen that our special places have become sanctuaries for those seeking safe spaces to get out of their homes, to occupy their families, to get exercise, to spend time with animals, to practice social distancing with acreage to spare. We are grateful to provide these opportunities, for the chance to serve in both times of leisure and in times of stress.

Thus, with today's announcement from Governor Charlie Baker to suspend all non-essential businesses, we are saddened to announce that we will comply with this advisory by closing all Trustees properties beginning tomorrow, March 24 until April 7. All staff who are not involved in the care and maintenance of agricultural production and necessary operational care will be at home. All gates and parking lots will be closed and we ask the public to respect these barriers. We will continue to operate our agricultural operations in compliance with the guidelines issued for the care and feeding of animals, and the production and distribution of food. Our farms will only be available for the pick-up of food products.

We recognize that many of our properties are without gates and are within safe walking distance from others and could be safely visited within the parameters of the Governor’s directive. We ask that those who choose to visit those properties be respectful, follow guidelines about litter, safety, and dog behavior. We understand that these changes will feel dire to many who have come to rely on the daily use of our properties. We ask that everyone comply with the Governor's orders, that you respect the closures of our properties, and that you keep your families and others safe during this unpredictable time.
Despite our closures, we will continue to pay all staff. We are available to answer emails and questions, can process Memberships and gifts made online, and we are working to creating virtual resources that you can enjoy at home.

Thank you for understanding how difficult this decision was. When we receive word from officials that it is safe to gather, we look forward to welcoming all back to our special places.
For more information: http://www.thetrustees.org/athome

01/19/2020

Beavers are busy at the Rock House again. Some newly missing trees near the pond. How do we know it's not vandals with a hatchet? Check out the tooth marks on the stump!

01/19/2020

Cleared a big tree off of the Outer Loop trail today. Cut it, winch it, and viola... Clear trail again. A quick snow flurry started towards the end of the cleanup.

12/06/2019

It's that wonderful time of the hiking year again. Some good tips to get you started enjoying Winter hiking. https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/how-to-winter-hike-5-tips-to-get-you-started

Are you a beginner wondering how to winter hike? A workshop leader from AMC's Boston Chapter shares 5 tips to get you started.