Wilbraham Open Space Committee

03/31/2026

Attention Wilbraham hikers and trail users: Alpha-gal syndrome is now documented in Massachusetts. Concentrations of this tick borne illness are currently on Cape Cod & the Islands. Currently, though uncommon in Western MA it is best to stay informed and keep our families safe. Please see the tick infographic and Mass.gov website link below for current information.

What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?

AGS (also known as alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, mammalian meat allergy, and tick bite meat allergy) is an allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar molecule found in most mammalian meat and some other products made from mammals. AGS can develop after the bite of certain types of ticks and the symptoms can be serious, and sometimes even life-threatening.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/alpha-gal-syndrome-ags

03/31/2026

Springtime is here! Temperatures are above freezing which means tick season has started. Please stay safe on Wilbraham's many fantastic trails and outdoor spots by reviewing tick awareness and treatment below. Lyme disease is not the only dangerous tick borne illness in MA so keep yourself, family, and pets safe with a tick check everytime you've been outdoors.

Spring trail maintenance will be starting soon as well, hope to see you on the trails!

02/24/2026

What a beautiful day to cross country ski on Mount Marcy!

01/31/2026

Snow Moon coming up.

01/26/2026

If you are interested, please provide your feedback to Mass Fish and Wildlife who are collecting opinions on a few hunting topics.

REMINDER: MassWildlife is gathering public input on several opportunities to expand hunting access in Massachusetts, including Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and minimum setback distances for hunting.

You can make your voice heard by attending a public listening session or by filling out the online form by 5 pm. on February 6. Written comment and verbal comments will be equally considered. Find links and more information at bit.ly/HuntingListeningSessions

Following public input, MassWildlife will make a recommendation. Statutes require legislative action to change.

12/13/2025

The Wilbraham Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee would like to convey our immense gratitude to Dana Lemon for his work over the last 20 years to establish and maintain nearly 200 birdhouses at the Rice Nature Preserve and soon at the McDonald Nature Preserve. The committee awarded Dana a Certificate of Appreciation at its last meeting. Dana is in the center of the picture with Chair Joe Calabrese on the left and Open Space member Bill Shepard on the right.

11/17/2025

Leonids tonight!

The Leonids Are Back! ☄️✨

On the night of November 17, the Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak, sending up to 15 meteors per hour streaking through the darkness. With a barely-there waning crescent Moon, 2025 offers exceptionally dark skies—perfect conditions for anyone who loves watching the heavens come alive.

The best time to watch is after midnight until dawn, when the constellation Leo rises high in the east and the meteor rates begin to climb. You don’t need any equipment—just your eyes, a dark spot away from city lights, and about 20 minutes for them to adjust.

The Leonids are visible worldwide, but they put on their strongest performance in the Northern Hemisphere, especially from regions between 15°N and 30°N. That means excellent viewing across India, North America, Europe, and anywhere with a clear eastern horizon. Observers in the far Southern Hemisphere will still catch some activity just before dawn, though at lower rates.

So grab a warm layer, find a quiet place under the night sky, and look up.
If the skies stay clear, the Leonids will reward you with fast, bright meteors cutting through the November night—one of the simplest cosmic joys we get each year.

Happy skygazing! 🌌✨

10/11/2025

12 Mile Brook Trail was blocked by a large fallen tree; but here comes Bill Shepard from the Open Space Committee clearing the trail for those wonderful Fall hikes! Be sure to check out 12 Mile Brook and all the other trails Wilbraham has to offer. Follow the link below for trails information and descriptions!
https://wilbraham-ma.gov/294/Hiking-Trails-in-Wilbraham

10/05/2025

On Saturday, members of the Open Space Committee and Boy Scout Troop 359 cleared trails on Mount Marcy. Autumn is a wonderful time to discover the plethora of local trails available throughout Wilbraham. Mount Marcy is located on Glendale Rd with a variety of hiking options and a view of the "Seven Sisters" mountain range.

10/04/2025

Hunting season for archery begins Monday 10/6 until the end of the year, 12/31. Get out your very fashionable blaze orange for yourself and your pets when hiking Wilbraham trails. These reminders have been posted at area trail heads and kiosks.

10/03/2025

The Sawmill Pond Trail has been renovated and is now the Sawmill Pond Accessible Trail. The .7 of a mile loop trail surface has been flattened, graded, covered with gravel that is easy on the feet, and widened. It is also now accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and baby strollers. Its shady tree canopy shields the sun. Enjoy beautiful views of the pond with benches for relaxation and viewing. Also, other comfort benches are placed around the Sawmill Pond Loop Trail. Check out the Sawmill Pond Accessible Trail webpage by clicking the link on our Wilbraham Open Space home page for more details and directions. Get out there and enjoy the fall foliage!

09/02/2025

They were built with care — and designed to have you there! 🥾 Staying on the trail keeps plants safe, prevents erosion, and helps keep trails beautiful for everyone.

Curious exactly why you shouldn't wander off the trail?

🌱 Protect the Environment
Trails are designed to minimize impact. Stepping off-trail can crush delicate plants, disturb wildlife habitat, and cause soil erosion that takes years (or decades!) to recover.

🥾 Prevent Trail Widening
When hikers go around mud, puddles, or obstacles, it creates “social trails” that widen the main path and damage more land. Staying on the trail keeps it sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.

🧭 Stay Safe
Marked trails are built with safety in mind. Straying off can lead to injuries, encounters with wildlife, or getting lost.

🤝 Respect the Work of Trail Builders (and volunteers!)
Trail crews and volunteers put in countless hours maintaining designated routes. Staying on the trail honors their hard work and ensures it lasts.

Every step matters, literally. What’s one trail etiquette tip you wish more hikers knew?