By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Region – The Borough’s Loop Trail (BLT) – a project almost 10 years in the making – is scheduled to officially open the weekend of Oct. 4-5.
The BLT is a 33-mile trail that links existing trail systems in Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough and Southborough and includes a mix of wooded walking and aqueduct trails. Some sections allow for mountain biking and dog walking.
The Ribbon Cutting will take place Friday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. beginning at the trailhead the upper parking lot of Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St., Northborough. State and local officials will offer brief remarks before a short, 30-minute hike on a woodland trail.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m., there will be a family-friendly guided hike kickoff celebration led by trail volunteers, also starting from the trailhead at Algonquin Regional High School.
Mia McDonald, a conservation agent from Northborough, shared that the trail will provide area residents with an outstanding opportunity to get outside and explore nature in their communities.
There will also be guided hikes throughout the month of October. For a full schedule, with meeting times and locations, visit www.svtweb.org/BLT. Registration is not required, but very much appreciated.
Folks are encouraged to wear sensible shoes and use bug spray.
To volunteer or to obtain more information, contact Priscilla Ryder, conservation officer in Marlborough at [email protected]; Don Burn from the Westborough Community Land Trust at [email protected]; McDonald at [email protected]; Melissa Danza, Southborough conservation agent, at [email protected]; or Kathryn McKee, [email protected].
For general information about the Boroughs Loop Trail, visit www.svtweb.org/blt.