Community Corner

Moonlight Hike Set for Feb. 4

Annual event has become a land trust tradition.

 

Pending any drastic changes in weather, the Canton Land Conservation Trust’s annual Moonlight Hike Feb. 4 will have quite a different feel than it did in 2011.

“The weather (has created) a totally different environment than last year,” trust president Barry Deutsch said.

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Last winter, ample snow and a cold night made for an adventurous trek from the trail off Breezy Hill Road to the farm owned by Larry and Elenor Smith.

But while the snow is all but absent this year, the trust will still set out luminaries leading people to a horse barn where volunteers will be waiting with chili, hot chocolate, wine and other festivities. There is no charge but donations will be accepted.

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The temperatures still may be cool and the trust hopes to moon will make an appearance this year.

“We’re hoping Mother Nature co-operates,” Deutsch said.

Normally the land trust offers a couple of different hike-in routes to the event but due to the dryness as of late, the path will be kept short, about half a mile, Deutsch said.

While there is a relatively steep section at the beginning of the trail, most of the hike is moderate.

Trust members said the event started in the mid 2000s and for the past several years has been held at the Smith farm.

Last year about 200 people came out.

“It’s been the highlight on the land trust social calendar,” Deutsch said.

Hikers are welcome anytime after 6 p.m. The event will likely begin to wind down around 9 p.m., Deutsch said. Parking is on the west side of Breezy Hill Road. Click here for directions to the trailhead. 

In the case of inclement weather, check the organization’s web site or facebook page prior to noon on Feb. 4. The land trust asks that people do not bring dogs because of the horses on the farm. 


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