To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the conservation of Mainstone Farm on Rice Road in Wayland, Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) has designed a special two-mile Self-Guided Anniversary Walking Route at the property.
Throughout the month of October, visitors can enjoy this walk through the woods, which features five stops where you can scan a QR code to learn more about the property and the incredible conservation effort. The Self-Guided Anniversary Walking Route is accessible from the Mainstone Farm Trails parking area at 196 Rice Road.
On Saturday, October 15, SVT staff will be on hand at the trailhead from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to answer questions about the conservation effort and provide visitors with additional information about the property.
In 2017, the Town of Wayland and SVT purchased a conservation restriction (CR) on the land that permanently protects 218 acres of the farm’s pastures and forest from development. Mainstone Farm is part of a complex of conserved lands owned by the Town of Wayland, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and some private entities.
Additional protected lands, including Hamlen Woods, Mainstone Hills, Reeves Hill, and Turkey Hill, contribute to an extended network of wildlife habitat and open space. SVT, together with the Town of Wayland, maintains walking trails across many of these lands that can be accessed from two parking areas on Rice Road.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the fifth anniversary of one of the region’s spectacular landscapes,” said Lisa Vernegaard, SVT Executive Director. “I remain grateful to Wayland residents, the Hamlen Family, and the many generous donors who made this possible. Because of that partnership, wildlife, hikers and area residents will continue to enjoy this extraordinary property for decades to come.”
Gretchen Schuler, Former Chair of the Wayland Community Preservation Committee, added, “The protection of Mainstone Farm was the culmination of many years of effort by many people. I am so thankful that Town residents and SVT agreed to purchase the CR on this land so that future generations will always enjoy this iconic Wayland landscape.”
Printed maps for the Self-Guided Anniversary Walking Route will be available throughout October at the trailhead kiosk at 196 Rice Road. A map is also available online at svtweb.org/mainstone5.
