Well, this is an exciting day for open space. The new ADA section at Koulas Farm is completed.
It is a short walkway out to a lookout over the main right-side fields, and it opens up a beautiful view of the land. An ADA table will be added so those with mobility needs can easily make the short walk and enjoy the rolling green hills of Koulas, majestic Big Red, and line after line of dry-stacked stone walls stretching into the distance.
The fields are surrounded by hardwoods that will burst into color in the fall and whisper in the summer breeze. This is Phase 1 completed.
As you move farther down the road, you will see the parallel stone walls along the old farm road, and that is truly New England. The sledding hill is the old silage pit, a reminder of the farm’s agricultural and dairy roots.
And while Koulas is becoming a top-tier family-friendly space, it is also something more.
Step just a little beyond the open fields, and you enter a large wooded area that is teeming with wildlife. Deer move quietly through the trees, porcupines leave their mark if you know where to look, and there is always the chance of a bobcat sighting or a coyote or two passing through.
The property also includes two large wetland areas, full of life and constantly changing with the seasons.
A trail system winds across the land, giving you the chance to explore it all. Along the way you will find rock features, old trees, a stone bridge, quarry rocks, and many other interesting places that make this site feel like a true piece of New England.
Koulas is becoming a top-tier, family-friendly open space site in town. Some areas are being reseeded, so please avoid those spots for now. But once the grass is in, feel free to run, play, roll, and enjoy this truly amazing open space.
Almost all of this work was done by the men and women of DPW, who clearly take pride in restoring this farm area and making it more accessible. Their dedication and love for the town show in every detail out there.
So a big thank you to DPW and also to Friends of Koulas. COSS will continue to do our part to help maintain and restore even more.
And an extra thank you to the Chelmsford Conservation Commission, who maintain a watchful eye on the conservation side of the property, making sure it is protected while still offering opportunities for people to experience nature up close. And to Bill Vines, who seems to have a daily presence on the site and helps keep a close eye on how it is cared for.
For everyone involved, this has truly been a project of love. Love for the history of the land, love for creating a family-friendly space, and love for open space in Chelmsford.
Chelmsford Open Space Stewards (COSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are an independent volunteer group and do not work for or speak on behalf of the Town of Chelmsford.