Running in the Fells!

Guided trail run traverses the Fells reservoirs

On Sunday, March 5th, a group of seven dedicated trail runners got together for a scenic run through the western portion of the Middlesex Fells surrounding the reservoirs, sponsored by Friends of the Fells (FOF). These runners were not deterred by wind and snow from the previous day’s storm and were rewarded with sunny weather and gorgeous views. The run started from the Long Pond parking lot in Winchester and traversed the Reservoir Trail and the reservoir access roads over a 6 mile loop covering all three reservoirs. The trails were sloshy but the runners’ spirits stayed high. The runners had a great time and are already looking forward to getting out for another trail run soon.

 

Shawn Hoyt, who lives near the edge of the Fells in Medford and can frequently be seen running through the Fells on his Instagram account @shawnhoytstayactive, organized and guided the trail run. Shawn is a FOF member, volunteer, and an avid trail runner. Since turning 50 years old, he has run the full length of every marked trail in the Fells Reservation. Shawn is starting to plan for a second run, so watch the FOF website for upcoming details about the next trail run!

Interested in catching some guided hikes in the meantime?

Check out our calendar here!

Two weeks ago, Friends of the Fells was excited to host our Pride Hike for the LGBTQ+ community. Seven folks joined hike leader, Maddie Morgan, to explore an eastern section of the Fells.

The hike started at Flynn Rink and traversed the Cross Fells trail before circling the Fells MWRA Reservoir and returning on the Rock Circuit Trail. A warm, beautiful, sunny day made for excellent hiking weather!

“It was fun to explore a part of the Fells I haven’t seen before,” said one hike participant. “I had a great time meeting fellow hikers, and already feel like I have some new friends from the hike!”

Interested in joining or leading more hikes? Please reach out to Maddie Morgan at maddie.morgan@fells.org or check out our calendar!

Friends of the Middlesex Fells is excited to welcome its new team member, Maddie Morgan!

Maddie Morgan is our Community Engagement and Operations Manager. Prior to joining the Fells, Maddie worked at the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) where she was the Director of Programs and Services, focusing on managing the events and programs for nonprofits across the state.

“We’re thrilled to have her join our team,” shared FOF Executive Director Chris Redfern. “Maddie leads our work to build a community of volunteers, partner organizations, and state and municipal officials, all pulling together to make the Fells a safer and more welcoming place for everyone. Since joining us in January, she has already proved to be a thoughtful and energetic force in advancing many of our partnering and outreach efforts.”

Maddie graduated from Kenyon College where she worked on the Brown Family Environmental Center’s programming and environmental education efforts.

“I am so excited to join the Fells community and work with the incredible partners, users, and members of the space,” says Maddie. “The passion of the network of organizations and individuals who support and protect the Fells and its role in the various communities it reaches is already so inspiring.”

If she’s not out running or hiking, you can find her volunteering at a local farm or enjoying the Somerville Community Growing Center, where she currently serves on the board.

Feel free to reach out to Maddie at maddie.morgan@fells.org to say hello!

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