The third annual post-Thanksgiving “Hot-to-Trot” dog walk through the Sippican Lands Trust property known was White Eagle took place on November 29. And what a great turnout it was.
Approximately 20 dogs and at least twice as many humans met at the entrance to the SLT site where Yelena Sheynin, head steward, greeted everyone – both two-legged and four – as they arrived.
With wide shafts of bright sunlight penetrating the late fall forest, spirits were high as the walkers hit the trail. The exuberance demonstrated by the prancing pups and the kids of all ages, yes including the presumed adults, made the walk a lively one from beginning to end.
Sheynin said SLT selects the Sunday after Thanksgiving for this annual trek because even though it is hunting season, hunting is prohibited on Sundays in Massachusetts.
“It’s just to be on the safe side,” she said.
Dogs were given bright yellow and orange kerchiefs to wear around their necks as an added level of visibility in the darker areas of the wooded acreage.
The variety of dogs – from a tiny Havenesse to a massive Portuguese water breed – gave credence to mankind’s taming of the wolf into domesticated dogs of every conceivable shape, size, and color. There were also dogs whose bloodlines were mixed beyond anything a human could conjure up.
One dog also proved that life can go on in spite of illness. Eight-year old Tapper Crete, his sister Addie, 8, and mother Kellie brought along Farley, a 10-year old mixed breed. Farley is one brave dog. He is a cancer survivor. Now a three-legged animal, he never slowed down the entire hour of the walk along uneven terrain, wet slippery leaves, and thick patches of black mud. He was truly inspiring.
There was Skipper, Stella, Raven, Harry and many others whose pace through the stunning White Eagle property never slowed from beginning to end.
Robin Shields, executive director for the SLT, said that the property consists of 1,200 contiguous acres spanning an area roughly from The Bay Club in Mattapoisett to Front Street north of Route 6. Shields said that the former owner continues agricultural activities through a lease agreement. Presently, 24 acres of cranberry bogs are maintained within the White Eagle site.
There are massive bog reservoirs that host ducks, frogs, turtles, and other wildlife, while the breathtaking woods spanning an abandoned railroad bed is bird nirvana. The Town of Marion is proposing a bike path through part of the White Eagle property that would connect to Mattapoisett near its business park off North Street.
Sheynin said that one of the goals for hosting the annual post-Thanksgiving walk was to heighten residents’ awareness of the properties that are available for their enjoyment.
“We want to expose them to the properties,” she said. She also explained that the SLT locations are open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week year round.
“It’s for them, their children, their grandchildren,” said Sheynin. “We are even planning an accessible boardwalk at the Peirson Woods property off Point Road.” She continued with great enthusiasm, “People in wheelchairs will be able to use the area.”
Sheynin also promoted the theme of outdoor safety when she announced very loudly and clearly, “Make sure to check yourself and your dogs for ticks!”
For more information on properties being conserved for public recreation in Marion, visit www.sippicanlandstrust.org.
By Marilou Newell
