Introduction 

The Sherborn Forest & Trail Association (SFTA), founded in March, 1967, is a family-oriented volunteer organization whose objective is to promote enjoyment and appreciation of the considerable natural open spaces and diverse wildlife in the town of Sherborn and surrounding areas.  The Association sponsors a variety of outdoor recreational events such as guided walks through public lands, hiking, canoe excursions and a hunter pace.  Members are equestrians, hikers, cross-country skiers, birdwatchers, canoers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.

The Association, which maintains trails and also raises and donates funds to assist in the purchase and maintenance of open spaces, has an ongoing commitment to protecting access to trails and preserving trail connections.

The SFTA Trail Steward program was established in 2024 to obtain assistance from the broader community in maintaining and promoting the use of the Sherborn trail system. The trail system has been divided into multiple Trail Stewardship Regions, matching the regions that have been set up in the Trailforks application and website (see below). The intention is to have at least one Steward assigned to one  or more of each of the areas, possible with additional assistant(s) designated as well. 

While the Trail Steward program is overseen by the Director of Trail Maintenance, along with the SFTA Board of Directors, we rely a great deal on our volunteer Stewards. They’re our “eyes on the trails” and they play an essential role in keeping Sherborn’s extensive network of trails accessible to the  public, and encouraging their usage. 

Guidelines for Trail Stewardship  

For new or current Stewards who are seeking information about their responsibilities and  how to fulfill them, we’ve provided the following guidelines about how to be a Trail Steward. 

The broad responsibilities of the Trail Stewards are to:

1. Maintain the designated section of trails, either by getting the work done, and/or reporting bigger issues to the SFTA. 

2. Promote the use of the trails

3. Communicate any ideas to SFTA for improving existing trails or adding new ones

4. Reporting any trail misuse, or unauthorized trail development, to the STFA

Trail Maintenance Overview

Minor Maintenance

Much of the maintenance of the trails can be performed without any required documentation or reporting. This includes the following:

1. Clearing smaller branches and limbs that block trails or pose a tripping hazard

2. Pruning/trimming vegetation that overhangs trails

3. Trimming vegetation around signs and kiosks so that they are clearly visible

4. Trash clean-up and disposal

Major Maintenance

More significant trail maintenance, specifically using a chainsaw to cut and clear larger trees or branches, has to be reported, both before and after, using the Trailforks application/website. This is due to an agreement with the Conservation Commission which allows maintenance of Sherborn trails, including land managed by the Conservation Commission, as well as wetlands and buffer zones, without a formal written document approval process. The requirement is that, prior to chainsaw clearing, a Trail Report is entered into Trailforks, ideally with a GPS-located picture of the issue(s). After clearing, an additional report must be submitted with both a before and after picture of the issue (s). Note that all chainsaw clearing on Sherborn Trails should be done with the approval and supervision of SFTA Directors whenever possible. 

Given the above, it is strongly encouraged that Trail Stewards have access to and become familiar with the Trailforks application and website, especially the process of submitting trail reports. The Appendix C of this document contains detailed instructions on how to do so. Awareness and usage of additional Trailforks features, such as  subscribing to Trailforks Region notifications, and  monitoring Regional Status boards, is also strongly encouraged. If this is not possible, the Trail Steward will have to communicate extensively with the Director of Trail Maintenance to ensure that the required Trail Reports are filed. 

Ideally the Trail Stewards would either have a chainsaw and know how to operate it safely, or they have someone that does that from whom they can request assistance.If not, being able to report on issues that need a chainsaw to resolve to the SFTA is still very helpful. 

Any additional issues, or clearing issues requiring assistance from SFTA, such as consistently wet trails, unclearable downed trees, unauthorized usage/trail building, or other issues affecting trail access should be reported to SFTA Directors, either via the Trailforks Application, or another means of communication, such as an email to info@sherbornforestandtrail.com. 

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Further Maintenance Guidance

We understand that our Trail Stewards are also trail users - mountain bikers, dog walkers,  skiers or horseback riders - who may not be able to perform trail maintenance while doing  these activities. That’s ok! Taking a picture of the issue and including it in the creation of a Trailforks Trail Report at the site of the issue is extremely helpful. If not possible, sending an email with a description of the location to the Trail Steward Coordinator is also helpful. Note that the perspectives that our diverse group of trail users bring is crucial. A log on a narrow trail that a  runner or equestrian can hop over can be hazardous to a mountain biker. Hearing from all  trail user groups helps us make the trails safe for everyone. Ideally, Trail Stewards can recruit other users to correctly enter trail reports using Trailforks, or send pictures with location descriptions to the Steward for entry. While Trailforks Trail Reports are required for chainsaw maintenance, they are not for other issues (e.g. “trail needs pruning.”) However, it can also be useful to enter these issues into Trailforks as a means of tracking these issues and ensuring they get addressed. 

For those Stewards who are able to do it, performing routine trail maintenance while  you’re out using the trails is extremely helpful in keeping them passable. If not, reviewing issues entered in Trailforks or reported separately and going back to resolve issues on the Trails is the most important element of being a Trail Steward. 

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For lights, non-chainsaw related issues, please observe the following guidelines: 

 

1. Clear branches and smaller limbs: pick up fallen branches and throw them off to the  side of the trail, with broken or cut ends away from the trail. 

2. Prune or trim: cut back branches, vines or stems that encroach on trails. Remove cut  branches from the trail. To avoid having trail users brush up against foliage while using the  trails; for single track trails, a minimum width of 4’ is best, for double track trails, minimum  8’ is best. Overhead branches should be higher than 7-8’ off the ground so that horseback  riders can easily avoid them.  

3. Trim around signage/kiosks: cut back foliage that may be blocking signs or maps as  needed. 

4. Clean-up and disposal of trash: picking up trash is an important activity for stewards.  Trash is not only unsightly, but it can also pollute water and soil and pose threats to wildlife.  Please carry a small bag and dispose of it appropriately. Occasionally the clean-up task is  too large for individuals alone, and in this case SFTA staff should be notified. 

5. Report in Trailforks or to SFTA: anything that is preventing access to trails, such as downed  trees, tall grass or weeds, flooding or impassable mud should be reported to the Director of Trail Maintenance, either via a Trailforks Trail Report, or via email to info@sherbornforestandtrail.org. If possible, please identify the GPS  location of the issue using your phone, and take a photo. To use GPS on your phone with  the Google maps app, tap lightly on the map at your location to “drop a pin,” or on the Maps  app tap on the “I” icon upper right to mark your location. This info including GPS coordinates of that location can then be shared via text or email. 

What to have with you when doing trail maintenance: 

Phone or GPS device. Hand-held loppers, handsaw or hand shears. Leather work gloves.  A bag for collecting trash. For light clearing, no power tools or chainsaws, please! 

While working on trails, the following safety guidelines should be followed: • Wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to protect from thorns and poison ivy. • Thorny cuttings should be carefully removed from the trail to protect dogs, small  children, and bicycle tires. 

• Saplings should be cut as close to ground as possible to avoid creating tripping  hazards. 

• Limbs should be cut back to the main trunk or branch whenever possible to reduce  the risk of visitors injuring themselves on protrusions. 

• When not in use, sharp tools should be kept away from the trail, in a visible location,  and with the sharp edges covered to safeguard against accidents. 

 

For chainsaw maintenance:

Please coordinate with the Director of Trail Maintenance for approval and supervision. All chainsaw maintenance requires the creation of Trailforks Trail Reports both before and after each issue is cleared. Please note that cut wood should never be placed into wet areas after cutting!

   What else can Trail Stewards do to help? 

• Provide SFTA with reports of current trail conditions for trail users 

• Volunteer to help on scheduled trail work days 

• Encourage use of Sherborn’s trails! 

• Suggest ideas to SFTA for improving existing trails. 

• Be an ambassador for SFTA by being courteous and helpful to other trail  users. 

Thank you! 

SFTA Board of Directors

Trailforks Regions Within Sherborn

1. Bailey

2. Barber Reservation

3. Course Brook

4. Farm Pond

5. Hidden Meadow

6. Hildreth Schoolhouse

7. Laurel Farm

8. Leland Mill Pond Reservation

9. Little Farm Pond - (Steward not necessary as Audubon Society maintains)

10. McGregor Quarry

11. Nason Hill Woods

12. Pine Hill Cemetery and Ward Parks Pond - (Cemetery Commission          handles maintenance of the Cemetery trails)

13. Peters Hill

14. Rocky Narrows

15. Rockwell Woods

16. Sewall Brook

17. Sherborn Town Forest - Central

18. Sherborn Town Forest - North

19. Sherborn Town Forest - South