Posted April 3, 2020

The Wareham Land Trust takes pride in providing safe and healthy options for passive recreation for Wareham residents and visitors alike.

It is wonderful to see more people using the trails!  As stewards of the property, we ask for your help to make sure that we preserve these conservation properties for future generations and want to remind you of some basic conservation land etiquette.

• These are walking trails only—No motorized vehicles
• Respect the rights of property owners by staying on the trails
• Do not make new trails – trails were designed for least impact on environment
• Carry out what you carry in—No littering
• Do not disturb or remove plants or wildlife
• No fires, no smoking, no camping
• Observe posted rules
• Dogs must be under control at all times and always remove pet waste

The WLT Stewardship Committee creates trails only after careful consideration of each property’s natural features as well as respect for our neighbors. These conserved lands are legally protected by conservation laws, wetland bylaws, and conservation restrictions.  We have recently seen some violations including the building of duck blinds and forts, dumping, and rerouting of trails, all of which are not permitted.  Please help us conserve our natural resources and special places for your enjoyment and for future generations.

And during this time of social distancing and stay-at-home advisories, we are happy to continue to offer our trails for exercise, reflection, nature exploration and passive recreation, but we request you follow these guidelines for social distancing:

• Refrain from using trails if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
• Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene, including hand washing or sanitizing prior to, during, and after use of trails.
• While on trails, warn other users of your presence. As you pass, step aside, or step off the trail if needed, to let others pass. Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times.
• Do not use the preserves as a place to meet up with friends for social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, sports, etc.
• If available parking is full, please depart and find an alternate hike or return at another time. Use good judgement to avoid overcrowding at trails and to keep this resource available for public use.
• Do not pet other people’s dogs while on the trails and please respect the private property of neighboring landowners.

The Wareham Land Trust is an all-volunteer run nonprofit and we would like to hear from you, especially if you would like to join us as a volunteer or member!  Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions by contacting us. We are continuously looking for new ways to engage with our members and the Wareham community. Please visit our website or find us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you on the trails (from a distance of 6 feet, of course!).