Weston Forest supporters urge public to blaze a trail at site

MIDDLEBORO -- Supporters hope a new sign at Frederick Weston Memorial Forest will point more people to the habitat-rich woodlands off Purchase Street.

The sign was unveiled Aug 29 by members of the Weston Forest Committee to correct a misspelling on the original structure, Committee Chair MacDonald Sprague III said.

But an overarching reason, he said, was to “encourage everyone to take a walk in this jewel of Middleboro.’’

The 281-acre forest offers a variety of habitats, including for birds and animals that live in deep woodlands.

The site also features extensive woodland swamps, through which Fall Shorts and Woods brooks flow. Tispaquin Pond, which is part of the site, also provides additional habitat for animals and both resident and migratory birds.

The land was bequeathed to the town upon the death in 1965 by Middleboro resident Frederick Weston. He made the gift in memory of his father, who family members say loved the land and wanted it to remain intact for people to enjoy.

As decades have passed and the town has become more built up, the open space that the forest provides has become especially important, according to materials provided by the committee.

The Weston Forest Committee oversees the site and works to maintain the property.

Their work continues with upcoming projects. These include using GPS coordinates to develop a topographical map in collaboration with a town grant; creating a designated “All Persons’’ trail for increased access on the Tispaquin side of the forest; and a wetlands survey to establish access to a memorial bench in Frederick Weston’s honor.

Eagle Scouts will also be blazing the trail by replacing plastic markers with paint on trees so people can find their way through the forest.

Young people also played a major role in creating the sign, Sprague said.

The sign was made by students in the Middleboro High School Innovation Lab using computer technology. Sprague painted the signs.