|
October brings peak New England outdoor time. The weather is typically cool enough to make hiking, biking, and walking especially enjoyable. Be sure to check out the foliage that's starting to glow across Hale's more than 1,200 acres of forests, ponds, meadows, and trails, 1,100 of which are now permanently protected.
We were so glad to celebrate that conservation achievement at last week's Fall Equinox Celebration. From our attendees and special guests to colleagues from The Trustees and keynote speaker Mardi Fuller, we are grateful to everyone who joined us to make this year's event so special.
Looking for other ways to get outside in community this fall? We've got you covered with the Great Pumpkin Smash MTB Race on Oct. 4, our not-so-spooky Hale-o-ween event on Oct. 24, plus hiking and biking opportunities with Cyclocross Training Races (Oct. 6 and 13) and Westwood Community Trails monthly hikes (Oct. 3 and Nov. 7).
If you're already nostalgic for summer, Hale's Family & Community Program is already open for registration (with a 5% discount to boot, and we'll make that 10% if you're a new family), and registration for Hale Summer Camps opens mid-October!
Our Carby Street entrance is currently open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. As we all take care of this land together, please remember to stay on the trails to prevent erosion, keep four-legged friends on leashes, and dispose of all waste in the receptacles provided. Check our Visitor Guidelines for more details.
| | Hale's Fall Equinox Celebration Marks Historic Conservation Achievement | | |
Last week, we gathered at Hale to celebrate something that will endure forever: the permanent protection of more than 1,100 acres of Hale’s land.
It was an evening to recognize the many people who helped make this milestone possible, acknowledge our collaboration with The Trustees, and hear from keynote speaker Mardi Fuller about belonging, access, and what it means to truly ensure nature for all, forever.
There will be countless more seasons at Hale. More children will discover the woods and ponds for the first time. More families will walk these trails. There will be more opportunities to learn from and care for this remarkable place.
The seasons will keep changing. This land will remain.
As Executive Director Aaron Morehouse said in his toast: To everyone who helped protect this extraordinary place; to everyone who has cared for it before us; and to everyone who will experience it after us — our deepest gratitude.
If you missed the event (or would like to relive its highlights!), a recording is now available through Westwood Media Center's YouTube channel.
| | Designing the Future, Together | | |
Nature is for all, and Hale’s will be here forever. That’s a long time!
We’re excited to announce that we’ve selected Sasaki Associates to plan a campus and facilities for the future, and as a member of the Hale community, your input is needed.
What would enhance your relationship with Hale's 1,200 acres? How can we improve trails? What could our waterfronts look like? Where should visitors park, and mountain bikers ride? What kind of pavilions, lodges, climbing elements, and more should coexist with the many species who call Hale home?
Join us at an open listening session in October. Register now, and you’ll receive a Zoom link one day before the event:
● Tues. Oct. 6 from 7–8 PM
● Wed. Oct. 14 from 12–1 PM
● Wed. Oct. 21 from 7–8 PM
Rest assured, there’s nothing to prepare — and thank you in advance for sharing your time and ideas for everyone’s benefit!
| |
Join Team Hale!
If you've dreamed of running the Boston Marathon, we’re ready to cheer for you!
Hale is proud to be part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
Team Hale's five incredible athletes will take on Boston's 26.2 miles to support Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures and Intrepid Academy at Hale as they work to close the nature and opportunity gaps for youth.
Applications are open now and spots are filling fast, so apply today!
| |
Boston Day and Evening is Back, Baby!
Earlier this month, we had an incredible five days with the Boston Day and Evening Academy 2.0 community as part of a multi-day program for Intrepid Academy at Hale! From climbing and boating to hiking and teambuilding, students had plenty of opportunities to connect across Hale's trails, beaches, and fields. To wrap up that week, we also took the ferry to Spectacle Island! For some students, this was their first time ever riding a ferry or experiencing an island like this. Here’s to new experiences, new connections, and many more memories together!
| | | | Everyone in Massachusetts — no matter where we live — deserves clean drinking water and access to nature. This year, our state has an important, time-sensitive opportunity to protect our rivers, lakes, forests, family farms, and wildlife habitats by voting YES on Question 6 on the 2026 statewide ballot. | | Career & Job Opportunities | |
Ranger & Land Steward
We're seeking a full-time professional to live at Hale and work across our 1,200 acres, caring for land that supports youth education, community programs, and public recreation. This job is about much more than property maintenance — it’s an opportunity to steward a landscape and shape how people experience nature, and to be a trusted presence that keeps our grounds safe, beautiful, and welcoming year-round.
| |
Seasonal Facilitators
Are you looking for meaningful part-time work in the outdoors? Hale is hiring facilitators to lead teambuilding programs, field trips, and outdoor experiences that help people learn, grow, and connect. Whether you’re an educator, outdoor enthusiast, recent graduate, or simply passionate about working with people, Hale offers an incredibly flexible opportunity to make a difference while spending time outside throughout the year.
| | | |
Westwood Community Trails
Sat. Oct. 3
| Meet hikers at 960 Washington Street in Dedham for a 3–mile hike over mostly flat terrain at Dedham Town Forest. No registration is required; just show up! Free. Learn more. | | | |
Great Pumpkin Smash
Sun. Oct. 4
| Join us for this 4-mile course on some of Hale's best trails. This event is designed as an XC Olympic (XCO) format race, and has opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. 9 AM–2 PM. $15–$55. Register today. | | | |
Cyclocross Training Rides
Tuesdays, Oct. 6 and 13
| Cyclocross is a multi-terrain bicycle racing discipline that combines the speed of road cycling, the technical challenges of mountain biking, and the obstacles and barriers of a steeplechase. We have fields, stairs, gravel, a sandpit, and a beach to ride. This event is open to youth (16+) and adult riders. 6–6:50 PM. $10–$25. Register today. | | | | Celebrate fall with Hale’s cast of characters and participate in nature activities, arts and crafts, and s’mores by the fire. The Haunted Cabin and spooky science experiments are back, too. Visit if you dare! This event is best suited to families with children ages 3–12. Register for one of two 2-hour time slots (1–3 PM or 4–6 PM). Free. Register today. | |
Save the Dates
Fall Family Scavenger Hunt: Nov. 27
Winter Solstice Celebration: Dec. 17
| | Hale believes nature, education, and recreation inspire us to learn, empower us to lead, and challenge us all to create a world in which people, place, and purpose are united. | | | | |