Needham Conservation Commission members discussed trail stewardship and a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) presentation during their Jan. 9 meeting, describing plans to recruit volunteers, present a CPC application on Jan. 22 and pursue trail improvements at Ridge Hill.

Commission staff said a list of interested trail stewards has been collected and that the commission plans an initial Zoom meeting to organize volunteers. The commission’s CPC presentation is scheduled for Jan. 22; staff said the CPC presentation is a public meeting and that a March public hearing would follow as part of the CPC process. Commissioners said they hoped CPC review would be favorable; if so, the group plans to organize volunteer activities tied to trail maintenance and improvements.

Commissioners discussed one longer-term project: adding a roughly 20‑foot bridge at the end of an existing trail to connect Ridge Hill to trails on the far side of Fuller Brook. Staff said some historical research is needed to confirm public access rights and noted the presence of beaver activity in the area could affect design and timing. The commission expects volunteers to assist in trail work if CPC funds are approved and the project advances.