Manchester Essex Conservation Trust

06/14/2026

Turtle Watch time. Help us protect turtles, especially the rare and endangered turtles. Send photos and location. See mect.org/TurtleWatch

06/11/2026

Turtle Watch time!

06/11/2026

It's turtle nesting season! While we are excited, this is also the time that area turtles are most vulnerable to road accidents which can be fatal.

We're thrilled that so many caring, local people are sending us photos of all types of turtles - they are all precious to us.

Send photos and location to [email protected] so we can help document where these turtles are - whether or not it is near a road.

The Blandings turtles in particular, spend a lot of time purposefully "wandering" between vernal pools, ponds, streams and nesting areas.

See the individual photos for turtle identification and features.

Learn more and sign up for notifications at www.mect.org/TurtleWatch

06/11/2026

MECT History Hike: Explore Bishop's Grave Cartway with Rob Fitgibbon THIS SUNDAY 10 am, Essex, MA

Step back in time and explore one of Essex’s historic pathways on a guided hike along the Bishop’s Grave Cartway. Join local historian Rob Fitzgibbon as he brings the landscape to life through stories of early settlement, land use, and the people who once traveled these wooded routes.

This moderate walk will follow old cart paths and stone features, offering a glimpse into the area’s colonial past and its evolution over time. Along the way, Rob will share insights into the historical significance of the route and the surrounding conservation land.

Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious walkers alike, this hike offers a unique blend of storytelling and scenic exploration.

Register in advance please, there are just a few remaining spots available:
www.mect.org/savethedate

MECT permanently preserving natural beauty, wildlife habitat and resources. Come make some memories here!

06/03/2026

As we were preparing our brief for the appeal of the Superior Court decision to support the state Housing Appeals Committee in the case of the Shingle Place Hill development, the developer's counsel filed a motion to force MECT and the Town of Manchester to post bonds in order for the appeal to proceed.

Our legal team represented MECT well at the hearing last Thursday, which was attended by several MECT board members. The judge quickly rendered his decision the following day. The developer's bond motion was DENIED. Another consequence of the developer's bond motion is that the deadline for filing "briefs and appendix" has now been delayed by 90 days.

"...without the benefit of appellate briefing, the Court disagrees that the parties' appeals are likely so lacking in merit that an appellate bond is warranted, especially as it relates to the ZBA's appeal."

 excerpt from Endorsement on Motion for Appeal Bond ( #29.0): DENIED

mect.org/join

05/24/2026

Spring Extended Hike: Fire Tower Exploration with Jeff Cochand

Join MECT Trustee Jeff Cochand for an extended hike (approximately 4 miles) through some of our most scenic conservation lands, culminating in a visit to the fire tower. This longer outing is perfect for those looking to spend more time on the trail and explore a variety of landscapes.

The route will take us through wooded trails and rigorous inclines, offering a rewarding mix of natural beauty and local perspective. Jeff will share insights into the land and MECT’s latest conservation efforts.

This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length and the terrain, so sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

Saturday, May 30th at 9am

Register for more details and the meet up location.
mect.org/savethedate

05/24/2026

05/18/2026

Take a calm and cool break today... brought to you by YOU!

Take in the sounds, smells and sights at the Wilderness Conservation Area in Manchester and Essex. These parcels have been conserved over time, (a long time), by people just like YOU!

Support our continued efforts of deed research, land defense and parcel acquisition to make sure the wildlife habitat and the nature trails are conserved in perpetuity.

MECT permanently preserving natural beauty, wildlife habitat and resources, with your support.

www.mect.org/join

05/10/2026

MECT Manchester Essex Conservation Trust Fall Hike Series, Annual Meeting and Trail Days are here!

01/02/2026