Celebration, walk will mark conservation of Casey Road property

Hikers tour portions of the conversation land during a recent guided walk. (MMRG photo)

MILTON - The Milton Conservation Commission and Moose Mountains Regional Greenways invite all Milton residents, MMRG members and other interested members of the public to "Yours Forever: Casey Road Conservation Land." It's an opportunity for the community to celebrate together that this town-owned land has been permanently conserved and to participate in one of two optional guided walks. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 9 at the Casey Road Conservation Land site.

The celebration will consist of a sign unveiling, complimentary refreshments, brief remarks by Town officials and representatives of MMRG, and recognitions of those who supported this conservation project. Following the festivities, two optional guided walks will showcase different trails. Branch Hill Farm Education Coordinator Kari Lygren will offer a fun and educational family walk down to scenic Lyman Brook, which runs along one boundary of the property. Be prepared for a total of about a mile and a half round trip, some small tributary stream crossings and a moderate uphill grade on the return walk.

Retired forester Jonathan Nute will lead a second guided walk out to a wooded knoll, pointing out features of interest in the open mixed deciduous forest along the way. This three quarter mile round trip walk has an easier grade.

This event is free and open to the public and appropriate for families with children. The festivities will take place at the trailhead of Casey Road Conservation Land, at the end of Casey Road off of Governor's Road in Milton. Parking is available at the trailhead or along the right side of Casey Road, as long as cars face the direction of travel and do not block or turn around in driveways.

Please do not bring pets. In case of rain, the festivities will be postponed 24 hours to Oct. 10. In case of inclement weather, please go to the MCC or MMRG Facebook page for updates and notifications about using the rain date.

This celebration comes more than five years after Milton residents voted to conserve this town-owned property and nearly two years after the conservation easement was finalized and signed. Reflecting on this time frame, MCC member Virginia Long commented, "The Milton Conservation Commission was thrilled when the town made the decision to conserve this lovely 79-acre property with all its valuable natural resources. We were also delighted that MMRG agreed to take on the ongoing stewardship of this land, as conservation easement holder. So it's a privilege to finally have a chance to celebrate with MMRG and to thank so many who helped in the process."