TRAIL DESIGN DETAILS

Designing Sustainable Trails

Qualities of sustainable trails that are particularly important for Shepard Farm include proper drainage, low levels of maintanence, and maximum access. The design detail cross sections below highlight features of trail design that create these qualities in both steep (A) and flat (B) sections of the property Additionally, the trails are sited to minimize ecological disturbance and erosion by avoiding the steepest topography of the site, and keeping most of the development away from the core forest to the north. Most of the trails are sited at or below five percent grade, and whenever possible move along contour

Trail Experience

Trails in these designs are sited to highlight the distinct character zones of Shepard Farm, bring visitors to specific points of interest, and explore the edges of different landscape types.The Landscape History Trail (A) explores the transition from meadow to forest, as well as the historical relics and clues still present on site; the forest is mostly white pine and other early successional trees, with some distinctive large old sentinel trees. The Wetland Trail (B) explores the unique topography and ecology of the wetland; along the trail are some examples of sugar maples with old growth characteristics. The Brook Trail (C) skirts the steep topography lining Watson Brook, drawing attention to the bedrock outcrops and the stream bed; the western portion moves through some groves of beech, unique on the site (if not a bit blighted).

Trail Precedents