It has been mentioned in several times in this column that not all walking trails in the town are owned by the town, but the ones featured in this media and in a forthcoming trail flyer, are all accessible to Medway residents. This access is possible either due to an easement allowed by the owners of the property or connection with a conservation group with the same ideals of water or land stewardship.

Recently, there was a grand opening of open space that aligns with Medway trails values. The Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust defines their aim is to conserve the natural resources of the upper Charles River Valley. The 501C public charity focuses on land conservation and the creation of recreation trails in the Upper Charles River watershed. Their newest conservation area, the Hoag Woods, is 15.5 acres in size and parking for four cars is located between 14-16 Winthrop Street or specifically at 116 R Winthrop Street. It also connects at Cider Mill Road though there is no parking there. The property was bequeathed to the UCCLT by David and Grace Hoag in the mid-2020s though it had been put under a conservation restriction for protection purposes in 1996.

At the trailhead of Hoag Woods is a kiosk thanks to the efforts of an Eagle Scout project. The trail is .8 mile long and extends around Grace Pond with a mowed path. This scenic path has been nicknamed the "Papa's Woodsy Walk" and your canine friends are welcome to walk with you as long as they are leashed. There are two benches, a vernal pool, and beautiful wildflowers along the trail. Its relatively flat surface lends itself not only to walking but to cross country skiing in winter.

The author is a member of the Open Space Committee and Trail Club in Medway