Open Space Committee

Mission Statement

Our mission is to Identify and help to preserve open space, recreational and trail opportunities in Merrimac. We work to increase public awareness of these open spaces to make good use of them for a wide range of activities such as, organized sports, hiking, biking, walking, birding and horseback riding.

Support Merrimac’s Open Spaces Complete the Town’s Master Plan Community Survey

Merrimac is in the process of updating its Master Plan. The next step is a Community Survey to get input from Merrimac’s residents. Many of the questions on the survey concern Merrimac’s open spaces and recreational areas. Please complete the Survey to support the conservation and maintenance of our open spaces.

Click on this link to complete the survey: Merrimac Master Plan Survey


Open Space Trail Work Day – Saturday, October 21 CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN

The Open Space Committee is looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance on Saturday morning, October 21. We will be trimming brush, removing down trees, remarking trails, updating kiosks and other trail maintenance projects. 

If you are interested in joining us for the Trail Work Day on October 21, please send an email to:  openspace@townofmerrimac,com

Thank you for helping us maintain Merrimac’s Open Spaces!

We Welcome Sean Wright to the Open Space Committee

Sean Wright has been appointed by the Selectboard to serve on the Open Space Committee.

Wild Edibles Walk on Merrimac’s Trails

Many thanks to Russ Cohen for guiding a Wild Edibles Walk on the McLaren and Innis Trails last month. Russ, author of the book Wild Plants I have Known…and Eaten, taught us about the many species of edible wild plants that grow right here in Merrimac. He also provided some of his foraged plant goodies for us to sample – birch twig tea, Autumn Olive Fruit Leather, and roasted hickory nuts. Did you know Japanese Knotweed stalks can be used like rhubarb? You can find the recipe for Strawberry Knotweed Pie in his book along with many other delicious wild treats! Finally, a good use for some of our invasive species!

Emery Street Field

Emery Street Field Update

Emery Street Field Survey Results

Trail Maps and Trail Information

Merrimac Map and Trail Information

Volunteer Opportunities

Become a friend to Merrimac’s trails and open spaces!

The Open Space Committee is an all volunteer group. We can always use volunteers to help maintain our trails, participate in events, and help us to preserve Merrimac’s open spaces. For more information and descriptions of some of the volunteer opportunities available go to: Volunteer Opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, send an email to: openspace@townofmerrimac.com

Junior Ecologist Program

Learn about tree and bird identification, beaver habitats, animal tracking and more as you explore Merrimac’s trails. Complete and submit your Activity Journals to the Open Space Committee to earn levels and prizes. For more information and to download Activity Journals and trail maps click here