Trustees outline plan to open Millbourne Farm in June 2026; seek town guidance on signs and canoe pull-off
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Summary
Trustees of Millbourne Farm told the Select Board they plan to open the site in June 2026 after trail, tree and building work; they asked the board whether a small kiosk and a canoe 'pull-off' at South End Pond should be sited on or near town property as part of a Charles River 'blue trail' network.
Representatives of the Trustees updated the Millis Select Board on restoration and public-access plans for Millbourne Farm, which lies partly in Millis and partly in Sherborn. Trustees reported a cultural-resources study, trail mapping, tree work and building repairs; they said interpretive signage and parking/egress planning are underway and the site is targeted to open in June 2026.
Trustees proposed two related requests: installing a small "mini kiosk" (approximately 36 by 24 inches) at the property boundary or nearer the canoe landing at South End Pond, and listing the Millbourne Farm canoe landing as a stop — not a trailer-access launch — on a proposed Charles River "blue trail" map and website. Trustees and board members emphasized the need to avoid promoting the site as a trailer-access launch because of gate distance, wet conditions and endangered species habitat. Trustees said they would provide kiosk imagery and work with the conservation commission and fire department on egress for emergency vehicles.
The board expressed general support for a small trailhead kiosk at the boundary plus a directional sign at the canoe landing to guide paddlers to the kiosk, while leaving heavy launch infrastructure and parking off the list of recommended investments.