by Matt Verson
The Beaver Brook Greenway located in Leeds along Rt. 9 across from National Grid, has been undergoing some transformations this past season. First, the erection of an informational kiosk next to Northampton’s Corrosion Control Facility, and secondly, a timber framed wildlife blind. As of this writing, the blind is under construction. Both of these projects are the result of the Beaver Brook Working Group receiving CPA funds to develop this 100 acre parcel for people to enjoy the unique natural setting found there. Although this was the site of a working farm about 40 years ago – it’s main feature now is a bit of open water – frequented by birds and wildlife. The purpose of the blind is to allow for people to sit comfortably out of the weather, and afford a good viewing perspective of the water.
When the Beaver Brook Working Group first started discussing a blind, we thought it would be cool to keep our funds in the communityandemploylocaltradespeopletoshowwhattheycould do. Wally Halva at the Hampshire County Jail donated shop time and services by building the kiosk, and Joel Strate transported the kiosk. In April, Tom Jenkins of Westhampton felled the trees and dragged them to the landing with his oxen, Rock and Star. In August, Neil Godden of Goshen with his portable sawmill milled the logs into timbers and boards. A host of other folks participated by donating time or materials to the project including Dave Bowman for the roof boards, Goshen Stone for plinths and stair landing, Hathaway Construction for gravel, RK Miles for the metal roofing material. Underground Supply helped erect the structure, and Bob Marvel planed the floor boards.
The relationship between Tom Jenkins and his oxen, the way they silently moved the massive walnut, cherry, and locust logs through the forest, it was unassailable the special husbandry a teamster develops. The interest that the oxen took in their surroundings – nibbling on the emerging garlic mustard, tasting a twig here and there, was a reminder that animal traction is not just a blast from the past, but an invitation to ground oneself in the here and now.
To watch Neil Godden operate his mill on-site, visually scanning the logs and then physically working them with his hatchet and hewing axe to accommodate their natural features, was a testament to Neil’s skill, taught from master to journeyman and apprentice down through the mists of time in ancient Europe. Later, the intricate layout of non-linear timbers, each weighing several hundred pounds that would later come together to within a 32nd of an inch – while a hardy volunteer crew held them overhead – all of this was a connection, to craft, community, and nature.
The objective now is safe parking off the road near the kiosk, and clearing some trails to avoid having to wade through the undergrowth. Picnic tables andabenchwillfollownext season, and some folks are working to clear invasive species, and rehabilitate the old farmstead garden that still provides a variety of blooms.
LEEDS HATS
Check out the new LEEDS hats. Three colors to choose from.
Gray, Blue or Green
$20.00 each
One size fits all cotton canvas baseball caps have adjustable backs with metal clasp.
We only ordered 10 of each color so get one while they last!
Hats in Stock:
Gray – 10 available
Blue – 10 available
Green – 10 available
To reserve your hat please fill out the form below.
We will contact you to set up a convenient time to pick up your hat.
Payment must be made at time of pick up with cash or check made out to LCA.
[contact-form-7 id=”8407″ title=”Hat form_copy”]
Questions about ordering hats or pick up arrangements please contact
Heidi Stevens at 585-9923 or email heidi@heidistevens.com
Leeds Shirts For Sale
Pumpkin Party Food Sign Up
Help make the Pumpkin Party a delicious event!
Hoping to branch out from the usual suspects and give others a chance to contribute food to the big pumpkin event, we have set up an easy way to sign up for food items for the party. Click on the SignUp Genius link below to see a list of what is needed. Hot cider and warm baked potatoes with all the fixings will be provided by the LCA. You may also contact Amy Quinn at 413-586-0283.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054cafae2aa57-great2
Lower Reservoir Leeds, MA
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Hot Dog Doggie Social
Join us on the Main Street Green on Saturday, June 16th from 12:00 – 2:00 for a dog day afternoon!
YES, this actually IS a party for Leeds dogs! Dog owners and dog lovers are welcome, too! Canines and humans can mingle, share dog tips, and eat grilled hot dogs and tofu pups. Show off your dog’s tricks, their congenial temperament, shiny coat, huge ears or tiny paws. All dogs should be on a leash. For a little added silliness a few Leeds Craft Club kids helped make a giant doggie bone pinata!
Historical Signage Celebration And Self-Guided Walking Tour
POSTPONED TO SUNDAY, MAY 13TH, 11:00 -12:30
The Leeds Civic Association invites you to tour the village’s new interpretive signage. Meet us at the Leeds Main Street Green on Sunday, May 13th at 11:00 A.M. There will be a very short overview of the project and acknowledgments to those who were instrumental in helping us make this project happen. Enjoy home-made cookies, lemonade and coffee on the Green before, halfway through, and/or at the end of your walking tour. Kids are invited to make button bracelets and necklaces at the craft table. Buttons made at the Main Street button mill and samples of Tagua nuts used to make vegetable ivory buttons will be on display. Spend 45 minutes following the self-guided historical walking tour brochure and view the new signage along Mulberry Street. Up at the Dimock Mansion, you will be invited into the hall to see the impressive woodwork, etched glass and other architectural details. Nancy Meagher’s artwork, inspired by the young girls who worked at the Leeds button factory and lost their lives in the 1874 Flood, will be on display in the hall. Walk down Main Street and see the Flood Memorial, the site of the old Leeds Button Factory and Cook’s Dam. After your walk you will know a bit more Leeds history and the important manufacturing contributions made by the Leeds mills.
Beat the Winter Blues Pizza Party – March 3
The Leeds Civic Association is putting out the request for raffle prize donations. Was there a holiday gift that got tucked away in your closet, cabinet or garage? It might make a perfect raffle prize! Gently used and new items are welcome. Please contact Heidi Stevens at 585-9923 or heidi@heidistevens.com to arrange for pick up or to drop off your donation.
Leeds Winter Colors
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Robert’s Hill Gets Some Trail Love
David Litterer, friend to the LCA and trail enthusiast from UMass has done a remarkable job defining the major and minor trails on Robert’s Hill over the past four years. He worked his magic again on a warm Saturday in November. Finally, the Robert’s Hill trail network is complete! You can download the newly updated Robert’s Hill trail map at LeedsCivic.org.
IMPROVED RED TRAIL AND NEW PINK CIRCLE TRAIL – The Red Triangle trail that extends east of the Blue trail was not well defined and a bit confusing as it rounded down to the Fire Road. Now with the easment path properly relocated the path is much easier to follow. Without having to do too much work, thanks to neighbors who helped with the clearing, David blazed a beautiful new trail loop off of the Red trail. This new trail is blazed with PINK CIRCLES.
NEW YELLOW CONNECTOR TRAILS TO NEW PINK CIRCLE TRAIL – Two new yellow paths makes for easy access from the long yellow path to the new pink loop. After working on the trails and painting the new blazes David did a bit more exploring and ran into two groups who had just discovered the new blazes and walked the trails, literally while the paint was still drying! He said they were absolutely delighted. David thinks these trails will be very popular – they’re very nice walks.
NEW ICE POND YELLOW CONNECTOR TRAIL – David painted small yellow marks along the small loop west of the Ice Pond. That path was very hard to follow otherwise, and in fact, a hiker he met on that trail said he had spoken to a couple cyclists who had gone there and struggled to find their way through. It’s very easy to follow now, and hopefully this loop will get more traffic.
Download the map
Wildlife blind takes form in Leeds
by Matt Verson
When the Beaver Brook Working Group first started discussing a blind, we thought it would be cool to keep our funds in the communityandemploylocaltradespeopletoshowwhattheycould do. Wally Halva at the Hampshire County Jail donated shop time and services by building the kiosk, and Joel Strate transported the kiosk. In April, Tom Jenkins of Westhampton felled the trees and dragged them to the landing with his oxen, Rock and Star. In August, Neil Godden of Goshen with his portable sawmill milled the logs into timbers and boards. A host of other folks participated by donating time or materials to the project including Dave Bowman for the roof boards, Goshen Stone for plinths and stair landing, Hathaway Construction for gravel, RK Miles for the metal roofing material. Underground Supply helped erect the structure, and Bob Marvel planed the floor boards.
The relationship between Tom Jenkins and his oxen, the way they silently moved the massive walnut, cherry, and locust logs through the forest, it was unassailable the special husbandry a teamster develops. The interest that the oxen took in their surroundings – nibbling on the emerging garlic mustard, tasting a twig here and there, was a reminder that animal traction is not just a blast from the past, but an invitation to ground oneself in the here and now.
The objective now is safe parking off the road near the kiosk, and clearing some trails to avoid having to wade through the undergrowth. Picnic tables andabenchwillfollownext season, and some folks are working to clear invasive species, and rehabilitate the old farmstead garden that still provides a variety of blooms.