The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust is a non-profit, membership-supported land trust. Since the group’s inception in 1971, its members have protected over 5,000 acres of land.

In Dartmouth alone, there are 40 miles of publicly accessible trails, providing hikers throughout the South Coast an opportunity to spot wildlife, a range of flowers and the remains of buildings while exploring the wilderness.

Hikers should keep an eye out for the rules posted near the trail heads, which differ from property to property. Dogs are allowed so long as they’re leashed and so long as the owner cleans up after them. DNRT property has a “carry in, carry out” policy, and that includes the parking lots, too.

The Reserves offer more than just walks in the woods.

Destruction Brook Woods, a relatively flat trail system, attracts a runners group on Saturday mornings through the end of June. After gathering near the Slade’s Corner Road entrance, the trail runners complete a five-mile loop. The group returns around 8 a.m. and heads back into the woods for another five miles. Newcomers are welcome to join.

On June 20, The River Project will return to Slocum's River Reserve. The free, outdoor exhibit will feature five artists and run through May 2016. The exhibit will also include an indoor exhibit by the same artists at Gustin Gallery, just north of the Reserve on Horseneck Road.

For more information on the Reserves or where to find the trail heads, visit http://dnrt.org.