As the leaves begin to turn, now is the time to think of walking the town's conservation trails. The text includes drawings by noted bird illustrator Barry Van Dusen, and hotographs and commentaries by educator and botanist Dorothy Andrews. An explanation of the town's topography, glaciation, major rock types, forest geography, and historical background have been added. New to the guide is an index of animal tracks. On its cover is a photograph taken by David Margaretos of Woodside Road, chosen from a number of entries of photographs, drawings, and paintings submitted to the Conservation Trust during a contest held last year.
Artwork submitted by other contestants is included in the guide.
The first trail guide was published in 1973. The new version has taken two years to complete and is the work of many committed people. In mid-October, it will be available at the General Store and Westward Orchards Farmstand. The Nashua River Watershed Association and the Executive Office of Envirnmental Affairs will sponsor a meeting to discuss a five-year action plan for the Nashua River Watershed on Thursday, October 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Shirley Public Library. This meeting will focus on the Mainstem Nashua River Sub-basin of the Nashua River Watershed.