The spring thaw is just around the corner. After a long winter, the sun is warm enough to melt the snow and uncover all the recreational spaces left unused during the last few months and there has never been a better time to enjoy the parks and hiking trails in town. Now is the time to step outside and experience the shift from winter to spring and make the most of the valuable resources that lie between neighborhoods and behind backyards: Dedham’s open spaces.

Anyone who enjoys bird watching and nature walks will want to make use of the many trails of varying difficulty from the paved maintained roads in Brookdale Cemetery to the paths at Whitcomb Woods. These locations are prime spots to observe the many species of birds returning to Dedham without the obstruction of foliage on branches or underbrush. The woods at this time of year also offer the opportunity to look for early spring flowers pushing through snow and local wildlife preparing for a new season.

Vernal Pool at Whitcomb Woods (Town of Dedham)

The transition from winter to spring is also a good time for boating. The Town Landing and the docks at the Dolan Center stay open through the winter months are always available to use. The ice melting on the river opens the option to use the town’s water trail for a unique way to enjoy the tranquility of the Charles River and witness the warming of the woods as spring waits around the corner.

Town Landing view of Charles River with fall foliage (Town of Dedham)

There are myriad opportunities available to get outside and enjoy the new warmth in the air.  All the places listed above, and more, are easy to locate and free to use. The best way to find a new trail or park to explore is by using the Town of Dedham Open Space Viewer map built by the Engineering Department. It highlights the amenities offered at all the parks, trails, water trails, and open spaces available to use. These places belong to the people of Dedham, to enjoy and maintain. Follow this link to view the Open Space map!

Any questions or recommendations for the use of these lands now or into the future can be directed at the Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee. The town is currently updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan to reflect improvements and on-going efforts to protect Dedham’s open spaces. Throughout the month of March members from the subcommittee will be around town seeking feedback to build accurate and informed goals for the Ten-Year Action Plan. A list of confirmed locations will be available on the project plan update website.

For more information on this project or to see how you can be involved with this process, be sure to visit the project plan website. Please contact Leonel Lainez in the Conservation Division with any inquires llainez@dedhamma.gov or (781)-751 9210.