There is something exciting about seeing a Sugar Maple tapped for sap collection. It is irrefutable proof that Spring is coming. The Towle Land (pronounced Toll) where this particular tree resides is a combination of woodland, streams and open fields, spanning over 100 acres set aside for conservation. It is used frequently for cross-country, hiking and birdwatching. Towle abuts a major road and one can get a quick feel for its beauty looking out the car window, but it only reveals it whole nature to those who take the time to explore by foot or ski.

The trails are extensive and very well maintained, small wooden bridges completely in keeping with their surroundings dot the frequent streams beds. And it’s my understanding, there is even a rather obscure cow tunnel that connects two sides of the protected lands. Used in the early part of the last century, it allowed for a cow and rather nimble farmer to pass through onto what is now the Towle lands, for grazing. If you’re in a mood to explore, you can attempt to locate this architectural curiosity. It is crafted entirely of large stones, stands perhaps four feet tall and was built under Route 225 sometime around 1914. It opens onto the Towle Conservation Land.