An Evening for Estabrook Woods

Light-dappled trail in Estabrook Woods

On a recent snowy November evening many board members and friends of CCF attended a “Celebration of the Estabrook Woods.” The event was hosted by the Nielsen-Bakers in their barn which overlooks one of the key entrances to the 1200 acre Estabrook Woods.
The celebration—the brainchild of Estabrook Council founder and Carlisle resident Nick d’Arbeloff—was sponsored by a number of individuals and organizations, including the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. The event was organized so that the many abutters and other supporters of the Estabrook Woods could become better acquainted, learn more about the history of the Woods and become more proactive in working together to protect them.
Concord conservationist Marian Thornton introduced noted author John Hanson Mitchell who read a passage from his soon to be published book, “Looking for Mr. Gilbert”, that offered some background about how Thoreau, Emerson and other prominent figures frequented the Estabrook Woods over a century ago.

Nick d’Arbeloff provided a more recent history of the Woods and noted CCF’s important role in helping to secure the Woods through the Estabrook Woods Campaign in the early 1990’s. He also pointed out how CCF had helped to place important conservation restrictions on some key abutting parcels recently, including Malcolm Meadows and the Poole Swamp.

On a less upbeat note, Nick commented on how the recent decision of Middlesex School to build athletic fields and tennis courts in the Woods will have an irreversible impact. With this recent development in mind, Nick encouraged attendees to work together to prevent future incursions and to try to protect remaining valuable parcels.

Despite the brisk, wintry conditions, attendees were aglow in crediting this celebration as having been successful in raising awareness about the history, importance and fragility of the Woods and in introducing abutters and supporters of Estabrook to one another. CCF will continue to do all that it can to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the unique treasure called Estabrook Woods.

Jay Luby