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Trustees outline Millborn Farm opening plans, kiosk options and blue‑trail idea
Summary
Trustees for Millborn Farm told the Select Board they plan a June 2026 opening, have prepared cultural and trail mapping work, and seek feedback on a small kiosk and whether to include the town shoreline as a canoe 'pull‑off' on a proposed Charles River blue‑trail map while avoiding promotion as a trailer launch.
Representatives of The Trustees (regional land trust) briefed the Millis Select Board on Nov. 24 about stewardship work at Millborn Farm, a property shared by Millis and Sherborn. D.A. Hayden, the Trustees' regional vice president (introducing himself to the board), and MetroWest stewardship manager Mike Francis described research and repairs completed since acquisition, including commissioning a cultural resources report, mapping trails and doing tree work.
Trustees proposed installing a small 36" by 24" mini kiosk sign near the property boundary, with a second directional sign near the canoe landing at South End Pond so paddlers could find a route to the trailhead. They asked the board if Millis would be comfortable with the Trustees including the town shoreline as a 'pull‑off' on a Charles River 'blue trail' map — allowing boaters already on the river to stop, walk the trails and continue — but not promoting the site as a formal trailerable launch or parking spot. Trustees said the landing is not suitable for trailer launches, that drainage and endangered species concerns preclude major construction there, and that coordination with Sherborn and the town's conservation and fire personnel has taken place.
The Trustees said they aim for a public opening in June 2026 and will continue to work with Millis on wayfinding and signage placement. The Select Board expressed general support for a small kiosk at the boundary and a directional sign at the canoe landing so visitors can find the trailhead while avoiding promotion of the site as a vehicle‑served launch.
