Sheffield Land Trust Launches New Accessible Trail in Ashley Falls

A new section of trail designed for accessibility has been unveiled by the Sheffield Land Trust in Ashley Falls, offering outdoor enjoyment to individuals with mobility challenges. This ADA-compliant trail is part of the Ashley Woods property, located within walking distance from the centre of Ashley Falls, accessible via sidewalks that lead to the Housatonic River bridge.

The newly developed 0.3-mile trail winds through meadows and woods, concluding at striking limestone outcroppings known for their biodiversity, including rare ferns and plants. Mary Naylor, a volunteer with the Land Trust, attended a walk on the trail in December 2023 and expressed enthusiasm for its potential: “It’s a nice place to bring people, when you have company, out in the woods.”

Community Collaboration Drives Project Forward

The initiative to enhance accessibility was spearheaded by Neal Chamberlain, a long-time volunteer with the Sheffield Land Trust. He was motivated to create an accessible trail after a local resident suggested the idea. He collaborated with Greenagers, an organization dedicated to youth engagement in environmental projects. Elia Del Molino, the Trail Crew Leader at Greenagers, praised the efforts of over twenty young volunteers who dedicated months to the project, moving approximately 540,000 tons of crushed gravel, much of it transported by wheelbarrow.

Del Molino highlighted the project’s comprehensive approach: “We permit it, we design it, we raise the money, we supply the materials, we put the kids to work, we build it.” The project benefited from $6,000 in funding from the Sheffield Land Trust, along with significant grants from the Fields Pond Foundation, the Eagle Fund, and the Berkshire Environmental Endowment through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, totaling $5,000, and the Recreational Trails Program through MassTrails, which provided $36,450.

Environmental Considerations and Future Plans

The construction of the trail required careful consideration of local wildlife and environmental impact. A biologist was consulted to ensure that the trail would not disrupt any protected species in the area. Furthermore, state consultants advised against excavating a trench for gravel placement due to the potential discovery of archaeological artifacts, suggesting instead to build directly on the surface.

The Sheffield Land Trust acquired the 24-acre Ashley Woods property nearly twenty years ago from the estate of artists Emerick and Mary Schneck. Chamberlain recounted the unique history of the land, noting that the couple had once envisioned a golf course on the property. Their daughter, Deb DePippo, reminisced about her parents’ ventures, stating, “He had a lot of good ideas but he got bored easily.”

As the community embraces the new trail, plans are underway to improve the site further. Kathy Orlando, the Land Trust’s executive director of land protection, mentioned future enhancements, including designated handicapped parking spaces, additional signage, and benches along the trail. A report by Laura Grunfeld, a consultant with experience in accessibility, will provide further recommendations.

Accessible trails are scarce in southern Berkshire County, with only a few existing options such as those in Great Barrington and Lenox. Del Molino shared his experience navigating the Ashley Woods trail in a wheelchair, affirming its accessibility: “I was able to go the whole way no problem. I’d really encourage you to bring [those with mobility challenges] here.”

For those interested in exploring the Ashley Woods trail, it offers a serene environment year-round, with volunteers and locals appreciating the unique experience of being outdoors in all seasons. The Sheffield Library also provides wheelchairs for checkout, facilitating greater access to the trail for those who may need assistance.