The Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) has provided numerous natural habitats for people to enjoy, with Westwoods being Guilford’s crown jewel for open space and trails and is owned in part by both GLCT and the State of Connecticut. GLCT is beginning to undertake a significant assessment and revision to the beloved Westwoods trail system.

Of all parcels managed by GLCT, the 825 acres of Westwoods is the largest and most visited. The property is a spectacular mix of forest, rock formations, and salt and freshwater marshes and has long been managed for multiple recreational uses and the conservation of nature.

The Westwoods Trails Committee (WWTC), which operates under the direction of the GLCT board of directors, is a group of volunteers who maintain trails, including; removing trees, trimming bushes, and constructing platforms over swampy areas. The volunteers frequently respond to changes made by natural causes to make the trail system more enjoyable and accessible for all.

Recently, however, trail workers have been overwhelmed in maintaining overused trails and inappropriate impacts made by some users. Users have sometimes taken it upon themselves to construct shortcuts between marked trails, create bypasses on muddy paths, and allow unleashed dogs to wander off trails, all behaviors that disrupt fragile ecosystems and lead to confusion about which trails to follow.

WWTC has begun a complete review and partial restoration of the Westwoods trail system. Trail workers will block off unauthorized paths and will remove man-made structures created for bike jumps and other recreational purposes.

After the official trails are reviewed for environmental impact, benefit to the overall trail system, and safety, some might be re-routed or even closed. Finally, the improved trail system will be marked with fresh, highly visible blazes.

Paul Proulx, WWTC Chair, will lead a Westwoods Educational Walk on Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m. This 1.5-hour walk is an opportunity to enjoy Westwoods and learn about the trail reconstruction efforts in the field. Meet at the Sam Hill Road entrance.

For more information, visit guilfordlandtrust.org.