Spring Training Plant a flower, ride a bike, hop a
trail … embrace the great outdoors
By Kathleen Pierce, kpierce@lowellsun.com
Article Last Updated:
How wild is the
Seems pretty tame until the only thing separating you and a class 4 rapid is an inflatable raft and a funny blue suit. But hunker down with a bunch of gung-ho weekend warriors in helmets and you can conquer anything.
Welcome to spring in
This weekend Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust kicks off
its whitewater rafting season that offers up some of the best views of
“The river is running high right now. Once the trees start
to leaf out, it’s a great way to expose folks to the nature that we have in
The trip begins in
There isn’t much time to stop and smell the crocuses on this trip run by Zoar Outdoor, with fast flowing rapids dotting the course, you have to be alert. But he the rush of the river, the rocks and occasional boulders in your way, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Yes, this is an extreme way to enjoy the nice weather, the
great Monday morning folder at the office, but it is also for a good cause. Proceeds to help the Concord River Greenway, a mile-plus walkway
that is being planned along the river form
Rafting sessions are Saturday and Sunday at 9 and
Earth Day alert
OK, so everyday is earth day, but when the snow melts, mud dissipates, the birds and buds come out, we really appreciate nature. To fully embrace the season you need to get your hands dirty.
There is a group of nature lovers out there who have been working to Keep Lowell Beautiful and they want you to get involved. They band together in April with worksho9ps and clean-ups to help us nurture the earth we tread.
Roll up your sleeves on Aprill 22
at the
“After three years we are swinging the doors open. It’s time
to celebrate,” said
Demonstrations on container gardens will beheld from
“We’ve got to clear off the debris that the weather has brought us and start a new,” she said.
Pokorski wants to spread the message that spring means “planting, cleaning, getting yourself a little more refreshed on the outside.”
On April 28 get outside for Earth Day clean up and Earth
Fest from 8:30 a.m. to
Tucked away off
These eager creatures are at home in this sanctuary because
it boasts 180 acres of ponds, swamps, and wetlands. If you sit quietly on a
log, you won’t just see evidence of beavers, you’ll see the flapping of tails
and those famed teeth. The forest has six miles of trails perfect for hiking,
bicycling, horseback riding and frolicking. When you don’t feel like motoring
into
It is believed to have been a Native American village, a colonial settlement and a spot where granite was mined for canals and factories.
Follow the D, T, or L trail to the end up in your town of choice. Don’t forget
to pack a snack and ample water, m any enthusiasts have found themselves lost
in this nature zone.
Nashua River Rail Trail
Crossing state lines is sweeter on two wheels. Because anyone can go for a Sunday drive, why not go for a Sunday ride on the Nashua River Rail Trail.
Snaking from
For pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters and runners,
you can’t get a more scenic and smooth spot to get your ya-yas out. Because it
intersects through some of the most scenic towns in the area, it’s perfect for
side trips or walks into
There is plenty of parking in Pepperell, where I like to park because there is an ice cream stand nearby. The mint patty cone is a suitable reward after a quad busting trip to Ayer and back. Time it right on a Saturday this summer and you can take advantage of the farmer’s market at the Ayer trailhead. Accessible by commuter rail in Ayer.